Non-alcoholic spirits give you the botanical bite of a gin and tonic without the alcohol. This collection gathers alcohol-free gin alternatives made by real distillation, for evenings off, designated drivers and anyone who wants a grown-up drink at 0.0%.
What are non-alcoholic spirits?
A non-alcoholic spirit is a drink built to take the place of gin, whisky, rum or an aperitif in a mixed drink, but with no meaningful alcohol. The best are not flavoured syrups. They are made with the same botanicals and many of the same techniques as the real thing, so they bring aroma, bitterness and length to a glass of tonic.
Because alcohol carries flavour and gives a drink body, producers have to work hard to replace it. Most alcohol-free gins start with botanicals such as juniper, coriander, citrus peel and angelica, which are steeped and distilled to capture their aromatic oils. Some producers then remove any alcohol used in the process; others distil the botanicals in water from the start. The result is a clear, aromatic spirit that is meant to be mixed rather than sipped neat.
Alcohol-free gin: Tanqueray 0.0% and Botaniets
Alcohol-free gin is by far the largest category of non-alcoholic spirits, and the one that works most convincingly in a long drink.
Tanqueray 0.0% follows the London Dry recipe of the original: juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice, each distilled separately. It is citrus-bright and juniper-led, and makes a G&T that tastes like a G&T.
Botaniets Original comes from Niets in Belgium and is made by triple distillation over several days. Juniper, cardamom, rosemary and Sicilian citrus peel give it a herbal, slightly savoury profile. Botaniets Ginger & Yuzu adds warm ginger and the sharp, floral citrus of yuzu, which makes it a natural partner for ginger ale as well as tonic.
How to serve non-alcoholic gin
Without alcohol to lift the aromas, the serve matters more than usual. Use a large glass filled with plenty of ice, add 50 ml of alcohol-free gin and top with 150 to 200 ml of a good tonic. A lighter, less sweet tonic lets the botanicals show. Garnish to match: a twist of lemon or lime with Tanqueray 0.0%, a sprig of rosemary with Botaniets Original, and a slice of fresh ginger or orange with Ginger & Yuzu.
Alcohol-free gin also works in mocktail versions of classic cocktails. Try it in a Tom Collins with lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda, or stir it with an alcohol-free bitter aperitif for a low-sugar take on the Negroni.
Planning a drinks menu? Pair these with something from our non-alcoholic wine collection, or browse the full range of classic gin, vermouth and spirits.
Non-alcoholic spirits FAQ
Are non-alcoholic spirits really alcohol-free?
The spirits in this collection are labelled 0.0%. Check the label of any bottle if you need to avoid alcohol completely, as some drinks sold as "low" or "no" alcohol can contain up to 0.5%.
What is the best alcohol-free gin?
It depends on taste. Tanqueray 0.0% is the closest to a classic London Dry gin. Botaniets Original is more herbal, and Botaniets Ginger & Yuzu is fresher and spicier.
Can you drink non-alcoholic gin neat?
You can, but these spirits are made to be mixed. On their own they can taste thin or bitter; with tonic and ice they come into balance.
How long does an open bottle of alcohol-free gin last?
Without alcohol as a preservative, an opened bottle keeps for a shorter time than regular gin. Close it tightly, store it as the label recommends and use it within the period stated on the bottle.
Do non-alcoholic spirits contain calories?
Very few. Most alcohol-free gins have only a handful of calories per serve, so the tonic you choose makes the bigger difference.