Choosing between a lukewarm elderflower cordial, or super sweet non-alcoholic wine does not have to be your fate when you're on an evening out if you’re off the booze. Where Seedlip paved the way back in 2015 with its grown-up, complex, alcohol-free spirits, many other brands have followed. The range is winningly comprehensive these days, from botanical-based gin-like tipples, to rums and whiskeys, with all the warmth, spices and herbs of the real thing, minus the hangover. We’ve rounded up seven of our favourites here. Whether you like yours with tonic, over ice or with an umbrella in it, you’ll find a more-than-worthy substitute for the hard stuff this month.
Seedlip
Inspired by a 17th-century physician’s recipes for distilled non-alcoholic herbal remedies, Seedlip’s story is about as magical as it sounds. Founder Ben took up the mantel in the 21st-century and over his kitchen table, with a simple still and herbs from his garden, created the first Seedlip. The original ‘Spice 94’ was snapped up by everyone from Buckingham Palace to Michelin-starred restaurants when it launched four years ago, while the earthy Garden 108 blend uses peas picked from Ben’s 300 year old family farm in the north of England (don’t worry it doesn’t taste of peas; just earthy and fresh). The final addition, the zesty Grove 42 is a refreshing tipple, with a blend of three oranges and spices for a perfect winter’s drink. This Christmas, try the ready-mixed ‘Nogroni’ a headache-free version of a classic Negroni, ready to pour.
Three Spirit
If you’re missing that ‘sharpener’ before a night out, or a glass of something to help you mellow and wind down after a long day, Three Spirit has concocted a blend of 11 plants to give you the experience of drinking alcohol – without the side effects. The botanicals in the mix ‘target specific receptors in the brain to heighten positive feelings’. There’s the ‘Livener’ a fiery, pre-party pick-me-up with exotic heat and energising green tea; the ‘Social Elixir’ designed to lift your mood and loosen lips with dark apple and cacao notes; and ‘The Night Cap’ with woody aromatics, black pepper, maple syrup and vanilla, designed to calm and mellow. A clever concept for those looking to imbibe without the influence.
Stryyk Vodka
With its clever tagline, ‘all the spirit, none of the alcohol’, Stryyk has managed to remove the alcohol from its ‘not Vodka’ and yet actually leave behind something resembling vodka in taste with a cleverly recreated fresh flavour of cucumber and menthol profile with a delicate apple finish. The website is full of great cocktail ideas, from a Cosmopolitan to a Caipiroska. There’s a ‘not rum’ and a ‘not gin’ too for those looking to mix things up a little.
Everleaf
This blend of 18 different botanicals is great for creating a satisfyingly bitter and tangy spritz. We prefer using tonic water to mix it for that extra bitter kick as, although it has been distilled with saffron, vetiver, orange blossom, gentian, voodoo lily, wild roots and iris, the sweetness of vanilla really does stand out. Founder Paul Mathew, a conservationist turned bartender, has also taken special care to source all ingredients from sustainable and ethical sources.
Celtic Soul
If you like to brood over a darker spirit, preferably on the rocks in front of a roaring fire, then Celtic Soul has all the depth of a whiskey or rum with sweet vanilla, a warmth of spice and oak cask wood notes. It mixes well with cola, or with ginger ale for a dark and stormy vibe.
Available at Sainsbury’s.
Caleño
If you’re looking for a bit of sunshine to brighten up a grey winter’s day, Caleño, inspired by South America, combines juniper, citrus and botanicals for a tropical flavour. Full of those warm, exotic fruits – think mango, pineapple, with a slight hint of juniper to stop it being sickly sweet (it is also sugar free) – just simply add tonic. Umbrella optional.
Feragaia
Taking its inspiration from land and sea, Feragaia is distilled, blended and bottled in the Scottish Lowlands using local botanicals from seaweed to bay leaves. Served neat over ice the full lightly smoked, peppery flavours are in full effect, or try it with tonic for a more refreshing, herbal finish.
Shake it up
Feeling inspired? Why not try shaking up these sensational recipes from Feragaia? We have our eye on the Feragaia Paloma.Feragaia Grapefruit Negroni
Feragaia Paloma
By Lydia Mansi
Updated October 2021
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