What is a non-alcoholic spirit? The alcohol-free booze you need to know about

What is a non-alcoholic spirit?

Non-alcoholic spirits are beverages that appear and taste just like real spirits, but with low to no alcohol content. Because of this, they are unable to use the word "spirit". Their ABV is usually between 0% and 5%.?

The shelves are increasingly being filled with non-alcoholic gins, whiskeys, herbal liqueurs, vodkas, vermouths and rums. It's not just start-ups that are stirring up the market with non-alcoholic "spirits", but large international beverage producers too.?

In addition, distilleries in Switzerland have recognised the signs of the times and are bottling non-alcoholic beers. Some providers copy alcoholic models, while others create completely new non-alcoholic spirits alternatives.?

Accordingly, the new beverage category is increasingly finding its way into bars, where it complements the range on the bar menu and offers a “healthy” yet no less stylish alternative.

How do you make a non-alcoholic spirit?

Non-alcoholic spirits can be produced in various ways. These spirits are frequently produced using the traditional distillation process, which is now used to make many non-alcoholic spirits.?

Liquors are made via fermentation, in which sugar and yeast produce ethanol, a type of alcohol. Fermented beverages typically have alcohol by volume percentages ranging from 15% to 20%. A distilled spirit must have at least 40% alcohol content to qualify as such.?

The water is separated from the ethanol during the distillation process, resulting in an alcohol concentration of up to 50% ABV. Because distillation can increase the alcohol concentration, it can also decrease the ABV of a beverage or eliminate it completely.?

An assortment of botanicals and other natural flavourings are mixed with neutral grain spirit in a copper still. The ethanol is then removed through multiple distillation phases. Heat is used to extract and concentrate the desired flavours from fruits, herbs, and spices. The mixture is then distilled to remove any ethanol.?

Maceration is another method for extracting natural flavourings like herbs that are immersed in a liquid and allowed to soak until they become flavourful. The liquid may be either alcoholic or nonalcoholic. In this procedure, the liquid is distilled again to remove any alcohol that remains.?

An infusion is a process in which botanicals are soaked in an alcoholic or non-alcoholic liquid for a long time to extract aroma and flavour.

Non-alcoholic spirits typically reflect the flavour of whatever substance is employed to give them character. For instance, non-alcoholic gins are usually produced with juniper, which is a plant that is required by law to give them a gin flavour.?

The taste of certain alcohol-free spirits is comparable to maple syrup, apple juice, or a smoky flavour. Every brand utilises a distinct manufacturing process, resulting in distinct flavour profiles. The question remains - would you even notice the difference between real alcoholic cocktails and an alcohol-free version?

Are alcohol-free spirits healthy?

People?are?becoming?more?health-conscious,?leading?to a?surge?in?demand?for non-alcoholic?beverages.?Those?seeking?to?avoid?the?side?effects?of alcohol can?find?an excellent alternative?in?non-alcoholic?drinks.?

Sugar and calorie content of non-alcoholic spirits are generally lower than those of regular liquors. Choosing to switch from alcoholic to alcohol-free beverages if you want to lose weight is one method. Non-alcoholic beverages, on the other hand, do not present the same health dangers as alcoholic ones, particularly chronic diseases and liver issues.?

However, one's health cannot be determined by just one aspect of diet. Even if a drink has a low sugar or calorie content, it may still be unhealthy to consume. “Eat only as much as you need,” which means even booze-free, drink in moderation!?

Why are non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails just as expensive as alcoholic ones?

It's the hand crafted or more sophisticated manufacturing process that drives up the price, as opposed to soft or alcoholic drinks, which are simpler to make. Acquiring and maintaining the cutting-edge distillation machinery is costly.?In addition many zero proof spirits undergo an additional step (sometimes two) in their process to remove the alcohol.

A premium price signals that your drink was produced with extra care and premium substances as a result of the waste of gallons of alcohol or other bases.?

Our favourite non-alcoholic spirit alternatives

Non-alcoholic spirits, like alcoholic ones, may be consumed straight, on the rocks, mixed in a cocktail, or used in other dishes and desserts. Make sure to select a drink that matches the flavour profile of what you plan to pair it with. My advice: don't be afraid to experiment and create your own delights. It’s your personal preferences that must be satisfied after all!

Here’s a selection of my favourite non-alcoholic spirits that are delicious, natural and low in sugar.

PENTIRE Created for active living.

Pentire makes botanical non-alcoholic spirits by distilling plants native to the North Cornwall?headlands. True to the Swiss way of life, Pentire was founded on a love of active outdoor and healthy living. Pentire has 2 unique taste profiles - Pentire Adrift and Pentire Seaward.

No alcohol. No added sugar. Vegan. Plant-based. Gluten Free.

PENTIRE ADRIFT

Crisp, Herbaceous and Fresh. Notes of citrus, coupled with Sage, Rock Samphire and Sea Salt for a round herbal finish.?

Adrift’s key botanical Rock Samphire is rich in vitamin C,?vitamins E and K, iodine, carotenoids and flavornoids. It’s also?includes antioxidants, fatty acids and omega 3.

PENTIRE SEAWARD

Invigorating and replenishing. Seawards bright and zesty grapefruit citrus top notes blended with refreshing green natural tones from the Pentire Plant Blend layered with natural berry from harvested sea buckthorn and wild seaweed.

Grapefruit is infamously rich in Vitamin C, used by sailors for generations to strengthen the immune system. Our Pentire plant blend along with wild seaweed contain properties and minerals to aid health, sleep, circulation and recovery.

FERAGAIA Bold by nature

Feragaia is an alcohol-free spirit made from land and sea botanicals. True to its name, meaning ‘Wild Earth’, it is a product of windswept coastlines, open country and creative minds.

This drink is progressively distilled, blended and bottled in the far reaches of the Scottish Lowlands, an area governed by centuries of spirit innovation.

Amber in colour, with a taste of clean complexity and warming finish, this is an open call to cut out the noise and take in the moments worth savouring.

No sugar. No alcohol. No allergens. Gluten Free.

APRTF Forever in good spirits

APRTF alcohol-free is a balanced and beautifully bitter 0.0% alcohol aperitif. Enjoy the rich taste and vibrant colour carrying notes of Cranberry’s natural tart cent accompanied by a touch of beautiful wormwood and orange bitterness.

Simply pair with a tonic, soda or a delicious Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling for the perfect non-alcoholic Spritz alternative. Don’t forget the orange slice!

No alcohol. No added sugar. Vegan. Plant-based. Gluten Free.

WILFRED'S Reinventing the Spritz

Free from artificial flavours, sweeteners and colours, Wilfred’s is a carefully crafted blend of natural rosemary, bitter orange, rhubarb and clove to create an unusual but unmistakably delicious drink. Each of these ingredients makes the perfect garnish for non-alcoholic cocktail recipes.?

Serve as a Spritz: Wilfred’s is best enjoyed over ice with premium tonic water for a vibrant and refreshing spritz.

No alcohol. No added sugar. Vegan-friendly. Plant-based. Gluten Free.