Ever been disappointed when trying to find a decent non-alcoholic drink that satisfies your cravings for the real thing? I sure have—more times than I can count. Being pregnant was challenging in many ways, one of which was not being able to enjoy a beer or cocktail at parties, celebrations, and family gatherings. Throughout my non-drinking journey, I tried numerous soft drinks, mocktails, and other alternatives, hoping to share the vibe. But they all tasted either fake or boring, or both. This went on for months until I found the real deal I’m about to share.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where alcohol is off the table, yet you still crave the taste and experience of a “real drink,” look no further. I invite you to try my top picks. These gin mocktails serve the purpose perfectly and offer a taste experience that’s both nuanced and refreshing. Ladies, please welcome our caller today – The TANQUERAY non-alcoholic gin.
Who is it good for?
Let’s face it: there are plenty of times when people can’t or choose not to drink alcohol. This includes expectant mothers, individuals focusing on their health, those embracing sobriety for personal growth, drivers, or anyone simply taking a break from alcohol. Even the most enthusiastic drinkers sometimes find themselves in situations where alcohol isn’t an option, which can be tricky.
Imagine you and your partner want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but one of you isn’t drinking that day. Or maybe you’re hosting a party with guests split into drinkers and non-drinkers, and you need to cater to both. In situations like these, you want everyone to enjoy the celebration with a nice party glass and have a great time. Let’s dive into how to make this happen.
Why Gin?
When it comes to cocktails, gin really stands out for its versatility and unique flavor. It’s a favorite among cocktail lovers. While many brands try to offer non-alcoholic versions of cocktails, only a few really capture that authentic taste. That’s why I think TANQUERAY’s non-alcoholic gin is a game-changer. It’s designed to mimic the aromatic and complex nature of traditional gin, using a blend of botanicals, herbs, and spices to get that true gin flavor without the alcohol. This means everyone can enjoy the taste of a sophisticated drink, whether they’re avoiding alcohol permanently or just temporarily. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a well-mixed gin cocktail but can’t or doesn’t want to drink alcohol yet still craves the taste and experience of a meticulously mixed gin cocktail.
The Best Gin Mocktail Recipe + a Few Alternatives
Having tasted numerous non-alcohol alternatives of popular alcoholic drinks, I’d like to proudly share my top pick and my all-time favorite gin mocktail recipe that delivers both the superb taste and authentic vibe to satisfy even the pickiest drinker and perfectly illustrates my point about the flavor of non-alcoholic gin. Since many modern couples find themselves in situations like mine, where only one of the two is a (non-)drinker, this fantastic recipe can be easily flipped to be made with the regular gin as well – so that both people can enjoy their versions of the drink with the same level of flavourness.
Now, let’s get to the recipe! Here’s what you’ll need for the mocktails/cocktails:
1
Citrus&Sage Gin Tonic
Ingredients for mocktail:
- 50 ml non-alcoholic Gin (or 75 ml for a “stronger” taste)
- 150 ml citrus tonic water OR 150 ml tonic water + fresh lemon juice (from half a lime)
- Fresh sage (I highly recommend sage for this recipe but it can be replaced with fresh rosemary or thyme)
- Ice
Ingredients for cocktail:
- 50 ml Gin
- 150 ml citrus tonic water OR 150 ml tonic water + fresh lemon juice (from half a lime)
- A Fresh sage (I highly recommend sage for this recipe, but it can be replaced with fresh rosemary or thyme)
- Ice
Method:
Combine (non-alcoholic) gin and fresh lime juice in a glass filled with ice. Add slightly crushed sage leaves and top up with tonic water. The lime adds a refreshing zest, while fresh sage adds an unparalleled scent and luxury to the drink.
Personally, I picked the above mocktail recipe as the best one, yet, I don’t want to stick to a single option here because all tastes are different. So I’m including a few great alternatives to showcase the rich and diverse palette of tastes offered by gin mocktails for you to try and select from. From the crisp freshness of cucumber and lime to the sweet allure of berries and rose, each recipe is a testament to the fact that choosing non-alcoholic options does not mean sacrificing depth of flavor or the pleasure of drink craftsmanship. Let’s explore these sophisticated sips that promise all the botanical bliss of gin, sans the spirits.
2
Cucumber and Lime Fizz
Ingredients:
– 50 ml non-alcoholic gin
– Fresh lime juice (from half a lime)
– 100 ml tonic water
– Sliced cucumber
– Ice
Method:
Combine (non-alcoholic) gin and fresh lime juice in a glass filled with ice. Top up with tonic water and garnish with thin slices of cucumber. The cucumber enhances the botanical flavors of the gin, while the lime adds a refreshing zest.
3
Herbal Garden Delight
Ingredients:
– 20 ml elderflower cordial
– 50 ml (non-alcoholic) gin
– Sparkling water
– Fresh herbs (mint, thyme, or rosemary)
– Lemon peel
– Ice
Method:
Mix the (non-alcoholic) gin with elderflower cordial in a glass filled with ice. Top up with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with your choice of fresh herbs and a twist of lemon peel for an aromatic touch.
4
Berry Rose Fizz
Ingredients:
– 50 ml (non-alcoholic) gin
– 20 ml rose syrup
– Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
– Sparkling water
– Ice
Method:
Muddle a handful of berries in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, non-alcoholic gin, and rose syrup. Top up with sparkling water and stir gently. This drink is visually stunning and has a delightful balance of sweet and floral notes.
5
Ginger & Lemongrass Twist
Ingredients:
– 50 ml (non-alcoholic) gin
– 20 ml ginger syrup
– Fresh lemongrass
– Sparkling water
– Lime wedges
– Ice
Method:
Bruise a stalk of lemongrass and place it in a glass with ice. Add the non-alcoholic gin and ginger syrup. Top up with sparkling water and squeeze in a wedge of lime for an extra kick. The ginger and lemongrass create a spicy, refreshing twist.
Key takeaways
Gin mocktails are a fantastic way to enjoy the complexity and versatility of gin without the alcohol. These recipes show that with the right ingredients, you can create non-alcoholic drinks that are just as enjoyable as their alcoholic counterparts. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon refreshment to a sophisticated evening soiree, these gin mocktails are sure to impress.
I recommend trying the Citrus & Sage Gin Tonic for a blissful taste. Not a fan of sage? You can easily swap it out for rosemary or thyme. Or, explore other mocktail options to find the perfect one for you. The best part is you can offer both cocktail and mocktail versions at the same event. Just have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic gins ready, and let each guest choose their preference. This way, everyone can enjoy a great drink, no matter their choice.
Leave a Reply