Alcohol-free gins are proliferating, and the alcohol-free gin and tonic has become the trendy drink of the summer and summer evenings. Why? Because it’s made with non-alcoholic gin, perfect for the most refreshing summer mixer – all the flavour, but none of the side effects of alcohol.
In addition, some brands offer very low calorie options, such as Tanqueray 0.0 with only 6 kilocalories per unit. Another great gin brand that has switched to non-alcoholic gin is Seagram’s 0.0, made with the same botanicals as the famous Seagram’s Dry Gin that retains its classic flavour combining juniper notes with herbal hints, and with only 2 kcal per 100ml. There are also other brands, such as Lyre’s, which, in addition to its typical Dry London, a non-alcoholic gin with a strong juniper and citrus flavour, has joined the recent trend for pink gins. Its Lyre’s Pink London, a non-alcoholic gin in which there is an immediate presence of cherry, red berries and blackberries. A flavour that, with a slice of cucumber and a quality tonic, is perfect for the summer gin and tonic.
What does a non-alcoholic gin and tonic taste like?
The difference in taste between a gin and tonic with alcoholic gin and one with non-alcoholic gin can vary depending on the brand and type of non-alcoholic gin being used. In general, non-alcoholic gin is made using the same botanicals as alcoholic gin, so the taste can be similar. For example, Tanqueray 0.0 has the same botanicals as the original gin, including the juniper flavouring, and it tastes, not we say, but the brand says, the same as their classic gin.
Sir James 101 is a ready-made non-alcoholic gin and tonic created in the image of the classic Gin Tonic. A delicious non-alcoholic cocktail with an aroma of botanical herbs and a refreshing, fresh and pleasant taste. Mildly bitter with a hint of lime.
How is non-alcoholic gin made?
The making of non-alcoholic gin can vary depending on the brand and type of non-alcoholic gin being produced. However, in general, non-alcoholic gin is made using the following steps:
- The botanicals that will be used to flavour the non-alcoholic gin are chosen. These can include juniper, lemon, lime, geranium, among others.
- The botanicals are macerated in water or a non-alcoholic gin base for a set period of time to allow the flavours to infuse.
- The mixture is distilled to remove the alcohol and obtain the essence of the non-alcoholic gin.
- The non-alcoholic gin essence is mixed with water and other ingredients to obtain the desired flavour.
The origin of the gin and tonic
In 1873, the soft drinks and water company J. Schweppe & Co. came up with the idea of including quinine in the carbonated orange soda to produce the Schweppes tonic water we know today, a drink that was not only refreshing but also a medicine to combat malaria. British soldiers in India began to combine tonic with gin in order to improve the flavour of the former, which, although refreshing, was more to the taste of the Swiss than the British. Thus began the gin and tonic, which quickly spread around the world.
Why not have a tonic on its own instead of a non-alcoholic gin and tonic?
The non-alcoholic gin and tonic offer the possibility to experiment with different ingredients and combinations. You can add slices of lemon, cucumber, berries or other botanicals to enhance the taste and presentation of the drink. This allows for a more creative and personal experience, and, above all, a tastier and less fizzy one. The mixer has a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated part of gin, so. In addition to the endless possibilities for the palate, the non-alcoholic gin and tonic is also lighter and less bloated than drinking only tonic water. Besides, you may be like the British soldiers sent to India and prefer the taste of gin and tonic to plain tonic.
You can find all alcohol-free drinks at The Blue Dolphin Store.
