How Is Alcohol-Free Gin Made?
Popular brands of alcohol-free gin include Gordon’s 0.0, Free Spirits’ The Spirit of Gin, Whitley Neill 0.0, Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin and Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative.
In the ever-evolving landscape of beverage consumption, the emergence of zero-proof gin has marked a significant advancement. Combining aromatic complexities and flavors reminiscent of traditional gin without the alcoholic content, this innovative drink has gained traction among individuals seeking a sophisticated taste without the intoxicating effects. But what exactly is alcohol-free gin, and how is it made?
What Is Alcohol-Free Gin?
Alcohol-free gin, though labeled as such, deviates substantially from traditional spirits due to its nearly non-existent or completely absent alcohol content. These beverages are a result of an advanced distillation process that successfully eliminates alcohol, making them akin to a glass of water in terms of their impact on blood alcohol levels.
Unlike traditional gins, which typically boast a minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, alcohol-free gins proudly stand at 0.0% ABV. Therefore, any product in this category cannot actually be called “gin,” and is often labeled as a “gin alternative” or “zero-proof spirit.”
How Is Alcohol-Free Gin Made?
The process of producing alcohol-free gin is usually carried out in the same way full-proof gins are made — just with a few extra distillation cycles. The initial stages of crafting both traditional and non-alcoholic gins involve selecting a base alcoholic and choosing flavor-enhancing ingredients called botanicals. Popular gin botanicals include juniper berries, coriander, angelica root and citrus peels.
Non-alcoholic gins then undergo significantly more distillation cycles than traditional gins to remove the alcohol while retaining the flavors. After alcohol removal, water is added to create the final product.
Another method for making alcohol-free gin involves maceration, where botanical ingredients are left to infuse in water until it transforms into a flavorful gin alternative. This method may result in a thinner consistency compared to distilled spirits — but still makes for a great option for those looking to sip on herbal complexity without the booze.
Interested in more gin-formation? Check out our close look at the world of vegan gin.
Read next:
What Is Sloe Gin? Exploring the Fine Line Between Liqueur and Liquor
Whitley Neill Launches 4 Non-Alcoholic ‘Gins’ Just in Time for Sober October
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