The sobriety movement has flourished over the years, with young people saying no to alcohol. A recent study by the World Health Organization showed that there’s no safe amount of drinking. With this insight, many are ditching the bottle for healthier alcohol alternatives, like non-alcoholic gin. More individuals are out here prioritizing complete health and wellness over “getting wasted”–what a time to be alive!
Non-alcoholic gin is an alternative beverage designed to mimic the flavor profile of traditional gin but without the alcohol. It’s part of the growing trend of non-alcoholic spirits, catering to those who want to enjoy the taste and experience of cocktails without the effects of alcohol. Plus, those in recovery find this drink helpful during transitioning.
What is non-alcoholic gin?
Non-alcoholic gin is a distilled beverage made using botanicals and other flavorings typically found in traditional gin, such as juniper berries, coriander, citrus peels, and other herbs and spices. The key difference is that it does not undergo the fermentation process that produces alcohol. People are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for ways to reduce their alcohol intake without sacrificing their social lives or the enjoyment of a good drink. This drink allows those who don’t consume alcohol, either for personal, religious, or health reasons, to participate in social events and enjoy sophisticated beverages.
Rise of the ‘sober curious’ movement
The “sober curious” movement encourages people to explore a lifestyle with less or no alcohol, focusing on the benefits of sobriety. It’s gaining traction for multiple reasons, including:
- On night outs, zero alcohol is the go-to option for designated drivers who still want to enjoy a complex, flavorful drink.
- Pregnant women or individuals on medication who interact negatively with alcohol can still enjoy a gin-like experience.
- Alternative drinks, like non-alcoholic gin, offer the botanical complexity and taste of their traditional counterparts without the after-effects of alcohol.
- The rise of craft spirits and innovative beverage companies has led to high-quality non-alcoholic options that appeal to a broader audience.
What’s the process of making non-alcoholic gin?
- Flavor extraction: Botanicals are soaked in water or steam-distilled to extract their flavors. This process is similar to making traditional gin but without the fermentation and distillation that produces alcohol.
- Steam distillation: The botanicals are placed in a still, and steam is passed through them to capture the volatile flavors.
- Alcohol removal: If alcohol is used initially to extract flavors, it is removed entirely, leaving behind the essence of the botanicals.
- Flavor balancing: The extracted botanical flavors are blended to achieve a balanced and complex taste profile, similar to that of traditional gin.
Popular non-alcoholic gins
Here are some popular non-alcoholic gins to enjoy:
- Seedlip: One of the pioneers in the non-alcoholic spirit industry, offering several botanical blends that mimic the taste of gin.
- Lyre’s: Known for its wide range of non-alcoholic spirits, including a gin alternative that captures the essence of classic gin botanicals.
- Monday Gin: A non-alcoholic gin that focuses on delivering a traditional gin flavor with notes of juniper and citrus.
- Ceder’s: Offers a variety of non-alcoholic gins inspired by classic flavors, made with South African and Swedish botanicals.
- Gordon’s non-alcoholic gin: As a well-established brand, Gordon’s ensures their non-alcoholic gin maintains a high standard of quality, providing a satisfying alternative for those who choose not to drink alcohol.
How to jazz up this alcohol alternative drink
- Gin and tonic: Non-alcoholic gin can be used to make a refreshing G&T, just like traditional gin.
- Mocktails: Create a range of non-alcoholic cocktails that offer the complexity and depth of traditional gin-based drinks.
- Flavoring: Use non-alcoholic gin in recipes that call for gin to add botanical flavors without the alcohol content.
Benefits of non-alcoholic gin
- It is suitable for individuals who prefer not to consume alcohol due to health reasons, personal choice, or religious beliefs.
- Generally lower in calories compared to alcoholic gin, making it a lighter option.
- Non-drinkers can have fun without the incessant questions about their sober lifestyle taking preeminence. Most non-drinkers just want to enjoy sophisticated beverages without alcohol and this drink provides exactly that.
- The rise of non-alcoholic spirits has led to innovation in flavors and blends, offering more choices for consumers.
- Non-alcoholic gin is versatile and flavorful, offering the same botanical complexity without the alcohol content.
- Whether used in cocktails, mocktails, or cooking, it provides a sophisticated option for those seeking to reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption.
- Brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, Monday Gin, and Ceder’s are leading the way in this growing market, making it easier to enjoy the taste of gin in an inclusive and health-conscious manner.
Featured image: @gorgeous_mbali/Instagram
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