These non-alcoholic sustainable spirits are ideal, if you would like to celebrate a special occasion, but can’t or prefer not to drink (or are driving). These artisan spirits are often served with artisan local tonic waters. Avoid quinine in tonic water for pregnancy/nursing. Avoid grapefruit for certain medications, avoid rhubarb for inflammatory stomach/kidney conditions.
Seedlip Drinks (Lincolnshire) makes artisan ‘gins’) to ancient apothecary recipes, invented by a doctor a couple of hundred years ago. Distilled in copper, you can also find ready-made ‘gin and tonics’ in cans in good supermarkets. The gift pack is made from mushrooms, so keep away from pets. Choose from Spice 94 (allspice berries and cardamom), Grove 42 (bitter orange, mandarin and zesty lemon) or Garden 108 (floral peas and hay). The company also makes a non-alcoholic Nogroni (a spicy orange cocktail from Italy).
Pentire Drinks (Cornwall) is made with native botanicals of rock samphire, sage and Cornish sea salt. Garnish with rosemary, sage, rock samphire or lemon peel.
Sea Arch (Devon) is another local botanical, also sold in ready-made cans of ‘gin and tonic’. You can also buy it in bottles. Flavours include Sea & T and a Rose Sea & T.
Xachoh (London) offers Eastern-inspired drinks, named after a Persian philosopher (who discovered alcohol, but did not drink). Pronounced Za-Ko, this is made with ancient herbs and spices. Choose from Blend No 4 (fresh aniseed with fruity ginger, pepper and turmeric) or Blend No 7 (ginger and mace/nutmeg, with subtle fruits & cinnamon).
Square Root Gin & Tonic (East London) offers a bottle of alcohol-free gin & tonic. It features dried lime, spices and liquorice (avoid for high blood pressure or heart/kidney/liver disease)
Noki & Co Non-Alcoholic Gin (Ireland) is made with pure spring water, juniper, lemon verbena, orange and angelica root. Garnish with lemon or lime. Once open, consume within 3 months. Also as ready-made gin and tonics.
Borrago (Oxfordshire) is a teetotal gin that contains borage (a herb that bees love but is toxic to pets). This company uses profits to buy borage seeds to help save our bees. A dry spirit with notes of cardamom, rosemary and peppermint, this is designed to mixed with tonic water. Avoid borage tea, if pregnant/nursing.
Caleño (Bristol) is a fun drink inspired by the founder’s Colombian heritage. Made with juniper, spices and inca berry (an Amazon superfood that tastes like sweet-sour citrus), serve with an inca berry. 20% discount for Student Beans.
