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Non-alcoholic spirits might have seemed like an insult to Australian drinking culture ten years ago, but their credibility has steadily gained momentum as producers release increasingly impressive non-alcoholic spirits, such as gin. 

Made by distilling water with botanicals, non-alcoholic gins are a high-quality impersonator of the real deal. The spirit offers a sophisticated, low-calorie option that still allows you to be social with zero consequences. All your classic cocktail mixers such as tonic, elderflower, citrus or berries make them sing, too. Nobody misses out with these nine non-alcoholic gins.

Gordons 0.0 Alcohol Free, 700ml, United Kingdom, $29

One of the most well-known gin producers on the planet has jumped on the non-alc-train, with excellent results. This 0.0% alcohol-free gin is a juniper-forward, aromatic and bold spirit that will pass the pub test and still let you drive home. Win-win!

John Ross The Herbarium Virgin Distilled Botanicals Gin, 750ml, South Africa, $49.90

There’s a lot to like about John Ross’ Virgin gin, intensely infused with sage and rosemary and – to my great surprise – a green tint will emerge as you pour it, the result of the chlorophyll in the botanicals. Could this gin sound any healthier? Top it with citrus or floral tonics such as elderflower.

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Dry London Spirit, 700mL, Victoria, $47.99

Lyre’s have released an extensive and successful range of non-alcoholic spirits and pre-mixed drinks. You have probably seen the label around almost as regularly as the popular Seedlip brand. The Dry London style features traditional notes of juniper, pepper berry, orange peel and mint, with a rich mouthfeel that’s often missing in non-alcoholic spirits. It’s a keeper.

Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, 700ml, England, $49.99

Seedlip are pioneers in the non-alcoholic gin space, capturing the market of young professionals seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic options and encouraging other producers to lift their game. The bottles are beautiful, making them great gifts, while the product is truly tasty. The Garden 108 features herbs and edible garden botanicals inspired by the English countryside such as peas, which incidentally make a handsome garnish topped off with tonic.

Banks Botanicals Non-Alcoholic Spirit, 700ml, Victoria, $49.99

The celebration of local botanicals is what I love most about Australian alcoholic and non-alcoholic gins. Banks features wattleseed, pepperberry and lemon myrtle, to name a few. These botanicals are infused with fresh Yarra Valley water, creating a truly local drop. Garnish with edible flowers alongside a plate of fresh oysters with a squeeze of finger lime.

ALTD Spirits ‘Golden Emperor’ Non-Alcoholic Spirit, 700ml, New South Wales, $54.95

Handmade in Sydney’s inner west, ALTD’s Golden Emperor is a sophisticated treat, bursting with jaffa-esque, choc-orange flavour. Rich and tart organic blood orange, roasted cocoa husks and toasted red gum bark play among other Australian native botanicals. Would it be such a terrible idea to whack a smear of marmalade on a toasty baguette alongside this perfect brunch spirit? I think not.

Seadrift Non-Alcoholic Spirits Classic, 700mL, New South Wales, $55.00

Seadrift – the name on the label describes so well what we’d all like to be doing on a hot summer’s afternoon. But if that’s not possible, this is the next-best option, mixed with your favourite tonic. Coastal and oceanic botanicals layer this crisp, day-at-the-beach refresher. Serve alongside a plate of fresh prawns with a wedge of lemon.

Abstinence Cape Fynbos Gin, 750ml, South Africa, $42.95

Cape Fynbos gin is overflowing with botanicals indigenous to the Fynbos scrubland of the Eastern and Western Cape in South Africa. The champion ingredient here is the aromatic Cape rose geranium. Mix with tonic, garnish with fresh cranberries and serve beside a bowl of spiced biltong.

Clovendoe Distilling Co. Stem Zero Non Alcoholic Spirit, 500mL, Queensland, $39.99

Founded by master distiller Catie Fry, Clovendoe serves up Stem – a South-East Asian-inspired, non-alcoholic gin featuring ethically and locally sourced botanicals, including kaffir lime leaf and galangal. For island-escape vibes, Clovendoe suggest serving it with pineapple juice and coconut – who needs a pina colada!

How is non-alcoholic gin distilled?

The production method of non-alcoholic spirits is similar to that of alcoholic gins, except water is distilled in a giant copper pot instead of neutral-based alcohol. Botanicals are added, and the liquid is heated, which extracts vapours from the botanicals that then flavour the water.

Can you become intoxicated from non-alcoholic gin?

If the alcohol content is zero proof or 0%, then you cannot become intoxicated from non-alcoholic gins. However, if the spirit is 0.5%, it is possible to raise your blood-alcohol level.

Why are non-alcoholic spirits so expensive?

The production process of non-alcoholic spirits is as expensive, if not more, than alcoholic spirits. Along with standard costs of overheads, to make water-based spirits resemble alcohol is laborious and highly involved, thereby increasing the end product’s price.

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