Everything You Need to Know About Non Alcoholic Gin
Introduction
The non alcoholic beverage market is witnessing a surge in popularity, and it isn’t surprising. People around the world are growing more aware of the harmful effects of alcohol. As a result, the demand for non alcoholic alternatives that taste similar to the original products is growing as well.
In this article, we’ll give you the information you need to know about non alcoholic gin – from how it’s made to the best brands to try and more. So, if you’re a fan of gin but want to steer clear of the hangovers and high sugar content, read on.
The difference between alcoholic and non alcoholic gin
Bottles from the majority of alcoholic gin brands contain a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, non alcoholic gin contains less than 0.5% ABV, while alcohol-free gin contains 0.0% ABV.
This stark difference in alcohol content between alcoholic gin and its non-alcoholic counterparts is due to an advanced distillation process. The process’ by-product has zero alcohol content, and even if it does contain alcohol, it’s only in trace amounts.
Non alcoholic gin also has significantly less sugar content, which makes it the better option for fitness enthusiasts who want to steer clear of the calories. Many brands are also catering to vegans through their zero alcohol gin products, many of which are gluten-free as well.
How is non alcoholic gin made?
The typical process of making non alcoholic gin is quite similar to how alcoholic gin is made. The major difference between the production processes of non alcoholic and alcoholic gin happens when the distillation process is almost at its end.
Distillers carry out a series of critical variations, and these variations facilitate the production of gin without any alcohol content whatsoever. Here’s a brief glimpse into the timeline of the non alcoholic gin production process:
- Step 1: Distillers choose a base alcoholic spirit along with botanicals, fruits, and spices that act as flavor-enhancing agents.
- Step 2: Non alcoholic gin is distilled several times, as this ensures two things – the removal of the alcohol content and trapping the flavors.
- Step 3: The final step involves adding water to the non alcoholic gin as water loss occurs during the alcohol removal process.
There’s also an alternative method to create non alcoholic gin – maceration. It’s incredibly effective in terms of retaining the flavors and textures of the herbs, spices, and botanical ingredients. However, it’s slow, and it also produces a non alcoholic gin that isn’t as silky or weighty compared to distilled products.
The best non alcoholic gin brands to experiment with
So, now you all the fundamentals of what non alcoholic gin is and how it’s made. It’s finally time to look at the best zero alcohol gin brands money can buy.
Ritual Gin Alternative
The Ritual Gin Alternative is a made-in-USA non alcoholic gin. It’s a non-GMO, nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan product.
The top notes of this gin alternative consist of juniper berries and English cucumber. The middle notes contain a delightful mix of botanical ingredients, and the bottom notes feature basil and mint.
This product contains no alcohol, sugar, calories, or allergens. The organic floral and herb taste is its highlight, and it also leaves behind a lingering heat on the back of the palate and the tongue.
CEDER’s Crisp Gin Alternative
CEDER’s Crisp Gin Alternative is a non alcoholic gin from the Scandinavian country of Sweden. It comes in a 500mL bottle and contains trace amounts of alcohol. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan.
This non alcoholic gin boasts chamomile, cucumber, and juniper notes, which make it refreshing and light. Hints of citrus provide a modern twist to conventional gin botanicals.
The product has also been the recipient of the following award:
The Spirits Business Awards 2021 Gold Medal Winner – The Low & No Master.
New London Light
The New London Light is produced in the UK by Salcombe Distilling Company. It’s a sugar-free, low-calorie, allergen-free, gluten-free, and vegan product.
It features notes of habanero capsicum, ginger, and juniper, which combine to perfection for providing aroma and warmth. There’s a little bit of fragrant bitterness as well because it contains the barks of cascarilla and sage.
The combination of all-natural ingredients ensures that drinkers can have as much as they want of this without adversely affecting their health. It won the 2021 People’s Choice Spirits Award in the category of Mindful Drinking.
Damrak Virgin 0.0
Damrak Virgin 0.0 is a product of the Netherlands, and it is available in a 700mL bottle. It’s a gluten-free product with zero alcohol content.
This non alcoholic gin is manufactured and bottled in the heart of the Netherlands’ capital city – Amsterdam. Made from ten botanical ingredients, the product’s highlights are its subtle citrus notes. If you want a refreshing and easy-going gin alternative, you need to look no further than this.
To enjoy this gin alternative at its best, you should mix it with some tonic and ice in a cocktail glass. And don’t forget to use some orange wheels for garnishing.
Sexy AF Viirgiin
Last but not least, we have the Sexy AF Viirgiin – a Canadian non alcoholic gin available in both 375mL and 750mL bottles. It’s a low-carb, sugar-free, allergen-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan product. It also features water that’s demineralized treated by Reverse Osmosis (RO).
It’s similar to traditional juniper-forward gins, and apart from juniper, its notes consist of cardamom, coriander, and more. The plant-based gin alternative tastes great and doesn’t do cause any damage to health.
The Sexy AF Viirgiin is best enjoyed in mocktails, even though you can go ahead and have it with a mixer if you want a more traditional gin drinking experience.