Clicky

15 Best Non-Alcoholic Gins: Sipping Without the Alcohol (2023)

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Having sampled numerous non-alcoholic spirits for professional and personal reasons, I’ve found that non-alcoholic gin stood out among others.

It’s a no-brainer that despite their advantages, there are still subpar brands in the non-alcoholic gin market with pretty expensive prices despite their quality.

So, if you’re cutting down on booze yet still yearning for a glass of gin and tonic, here’s a curated list of the best non-alcoholic gin brands worth your money.

Top 15 Non-Alcoholic Gins To Try

1. Monday Zero Alcohol Gin

Woman Holding Bottle of Monday Zero Alcohol Gin

Average Price: around $40 (Official site) 

Nose: Fresh aroma with citrusy and juniper hints 

Palate: Juniper with lemon and grapefruit notes

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Why We Like It: Monday Zero Alcohol gin offers a pleasing alcohol-free gin-like savor without the buzz. It’s hard to come by a brand that could offer the same tasting profile of gins, but Monday proves to be a worthy substitute. 

Just imagine a watered-down version of gin, where the botanicals, coriander, and citrus are not that strong, but you can savor their presence.

2. NKD LDY Gin Alternative

Bottle of NKD LDY Gin Alternative

Average Price: around $35 (Official site) 

Nose: Juniper, orange, banana, and a blueberry hint

Palate: Warm with coriander and citrusy notes

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Why We Like It: NKD LDY has a juniper-forward flavor, but the citrusy notes still come through. It is something I like using in a gin-forward cocktail like Martini. 

It has a piney juniper and spicy coriander savor, and among other zero-proof gin alternatives, this one does not emit that chlorine-like scent. 

3. Lyre’s Dry London Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Man Holding Bottle of Lyre's Dry London Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Average Price: around $36 (Official site) 

Nose: Strong juniper and citrusy smell

Palate: Warm and peppery, with a long dry finish

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Why We Like It: Lyre’s Dry London is another excellent non-alcoholic gin alternative that resembles the traditional gin. 

“In alcohol’s defense, I’ve done some idiotic shit sober.” – Mark Millar, Comic Book Writer 

It was a bit off when I first tried it on cocktails. But eventually, if you’ve practiced more with this alcohol-free gin, it will provide you with almost the same effects as gin but without the buzz.

4. Pentire Seaward

Making Cocktail Drink Using Pentire Seaward

Average Price: around $39 (Official site) 

Nose: Zesty, with floral and herbaceous aroma

Palate: Refreshing herbal flavors with saline notes 

Star Rating: ★★★★

Why We Like It: It is not exactly a non-alcoholic gin, but it sure captures the botanical flavors of an alcoholic gin. Pentire Seaward used key botanicals like sea rosemary, pink grapefruit, wild seaweed, and more. 

I like mixing it with lemon, tonic, and spring of rosemary to make a crisp and delicious non-alcoholic cocktail. It also has saline notes and herbs that add complex flavors to the mocktail.

5. Free Spirits: The Spirit of Gin

Free Spirits The Spirit of Gin Bottle and a Glass of Cocktail Drink

Average Price: around $37 (Official site) 

Nose: Fresh aroma of coriander, cardamom, and juniper

Palate: Bold flavors with the right bite

Star Rating: ★★★★

Why We Like It: Free Spirits: The Spirit of Gin tastes remarkably well when mixed with ginger beer, tonic, and lime. It has a playful bite and intense citrus flavors, but not overpowering, making it one of the best non-alcoholic gins.

Free Spirits: The Spirit of Gin is suitable to drink straight with just a hint of pepper in the finish. But you can also mix it with other ingredients like grapefruit juice.

6. Ceder’s Classic Distilled Non-Alcoholic

Close Up Image of Ceder's Classic Distilled Non-Alcoholic

Average Price: around $25 (Official site) 

Nose: Floral gin aroma

Palate: Smooth with citric, crisp juniper notes and nutty hints

Star Rating: ★★★★

Why We Like It: This one’s a light alternative to gin. It offers some of the best non-alcoholic spirits in the market, but the Classic is the closest to a gin’s flavors. 

I suggest this substitute as a mixer because it has very subtle gin flavors you wouldn’t even enjoy straight. 

7. Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative

Pouring Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative on a Jigger

Average Price: around $30 (Official site) 

Nose: Pine and juniper aroma

Palate: Crisp and bright with cucumber hint as an aftertaste

Star Rating: ★★★★

Why We Like It: Ritual is refreshing and bright, with lively juniper flavor. It’s versatile enough as an alcohol-free gin alternative, but I can use it for tequila or vodka-based cocktails.

Additionally, it comes with a recyclable bottle, making it an ideal gift choice for someone cutting down on booze but still loves making gin and tonic.

Also Read:

8. Sir James 101 Pink Gin Tonic

Bottles of Sir James 101 Pink Gin Tonic

Average Price: around $15 per 4-pack of 250 ml (Better Rhodes) 

Nose: Raspberry with pomegranate and juniper aroma

Palate: Refined herbs with flavors of red fruit and a light bitter finish

Star Rating: ★★★★

Why We Like It: This product is for those who prefer strong gin flavors. It is one of the best non-alcoholic gins because it resembles gin and tonic, and you might even think you’re drinking actual alcohol.

It’s perfectly fine to drink on its own, but you can still add some light mixer if you’re not into strong juniper taste. 

9. ISH Non-Alcoholic Gin

Two Bottles of ISH Non-Alcoholic Gin on a Wooden Table

Average Price: around $35 (Drizly) 

Nose: Juniper aroma with hints of herbs

Palate: Botanicals, citrus and bitters

Star Rating: ★★★★

Why We Like It: ISH is one of those non-alcoholic gins that offers exactly what you are looking for in a gin. If some brands have aggressive tasting notes or overly chemicals and spice to make up for the alcohol burn, this alternative is different. 

It offers a classic gin profile with subtle sweetness and a well-balanced heat at the end.

10. Dhōs Gin-Free Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Bottle and a Glass of Dhōs Gin-Free Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Average Price: around $28 (Official site)

Nose: Fresh pine and juniper berries

Palate: Warm spices and earth-influenced flavors

Star Rating: ★★★

Why We Like It: Dhōs Gin Free offers an alcohol bite similar to the real deal. It closely resembles an alcoholic gin but with solid pepper notes. 

It’s an excellent choice as a non-alcoholic gin, and I prefer to pair it with a tonic rather than drinking it straight.

11. Damrak Virgin 00 Non-Alcoholic Distilled Spirit

Bottle of Damrak Virgin 00 Non-Alcoholic Distilled Spirit with Lemon on a Wooden Table

Average Price: around $25 (Official site) 

Nose: Fresh pineapple with sweet orange hints and delicate aroma

Palate: More concentrated orange hints with a lemon touch

Star Rating: ★★★

Why We Like It: Damrak is one of the best non-alcoholic gins if you use it in cocktails. Although it delivers a gin-forward taste, I still find it watery compared to other non-alcoholic drinks. 

It is slightly tart and sweet, but if you mix it in a Martini cocktail, it will have a great refreshing result.

12. Cut Above Gin

Bottle and a Glass od Cut Above Gin with Lemon

Average Price: around $35 (Official site) 

Nose: Botanical burst of aroma

Palate: Light and clean with a slight burn

Star Rating: ★★★

Why We Like It: Cut Above Zero Proof Gin is a light and clean drink that is hard to mix with strong-tasting ingredients for mocktails.

Try it with a splash of tonic water and lime wedge, or drink it with ice. It also comes with an adorable bottle, suitable as a gift.

13. Bare Zero Proof Modern Classic Gin

Bare Zero Proof Modern Classic Gin and a Glass of Cocktail Drink

Average Price: around $40 (Official site) 

Nose: Cucumber and juniper

Palate: A balanced blend of lemon, cucumber, and juniper 

Star Rating: ★★★

Why We Like It: Bare Zero Proof Gin is another excellent alcohol-free substitute for gin-based cocktails. The citrusy notes shine the most here compared to the juniper flavor.

It would suit classic gin cocktails but could get drowned if mixed with stronger ingredients.

14. CleanCo Clean G Gin Alternative

Bottle of CleanCo Clean G Gin Alternative with Glass of Cocktail Drink and a Lemon

Average Price: around $30 (Official site) 

Nose: Aromatic hints of herbs, spices, and juniper 

Palate: Crisp and flavorful London Dry Gin profile

Star Rating: ★★★

Why We Like It: CleanCo Clean G Gin is an alcohol-free alternative that offers a delicate and approachable tasting profile. It’s an easy drink, especially if you sip it with ice.

But since it’s light, you can use it with various classic cocktail recipes with ingredients like soda water or cranberry juice.

15. Everleaf Marine Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

Man Holding Bottle of Everleaf Marine Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

Average Price: around $33 per 50 ml (Official site) 

Nose: Thyme, bergamot, and fresh sea air

Palate: Bold juniper taste with a clean and crisp profile

Star Rating: ★★★

Why We Like It: Among the best non-alcoholic gin alternatives, Everleaf Marine stands out for its distinctive profile, reminiscent of coastal flavors. 

“Various gin styles exist from the London Dry gins as the most famous to the modern options with more approachable profiles.” – Liquor Laboratory 

It’s a sophisticated, alcohol-free choice suitable for special gatherings with friends and family. You can serve it straight, but having it in a refreshing cocktail is better. 

*Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.

FAQs

Is there alcohol-free gin that tastes like gin?

Yes, various alcohol-free gins taste like gin, such as NKD LDY and Monday. 

Modern gin styles are focused on herbs, citrus, and spices rather than their traditional juniper-forward flavors [1]

Is non-alcoholic gin better for you?

Yes, drinking non-alcoholic gin is better for you. Studies have shown that reducing alcohol intake results in better sleep, overall health improvement, and more money saved [2]

Alcohol-free spirits/drinks are sometimes made with the same process as alcoholic spirits but go through an extra process of removing the alcohol [3]

In Summary 

Gin is known for its use of botanicals as its flavoring. Juniper berries are the primary botanical source of gin, but distillers would also add ingredients like cardamom, coriander, citrus, honey, and other flavorings [4]

Some of the best non-alcoholic gins can copy the original flavor of a traditional gin but without the alcohol burn. 

In recent years, many people have been switching to alcohol-free spirits due to health concerns and to simply avoid hangovers.

That’s why, with these 15 best non-alcoholic gins, you can enjoy gatherings and celebrations without worrying about the dreaded side effects of alcoholic drinks/spirits. 

References:

  1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/introduction-to-gin-760701
  2. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/a41830972/non-alcoholic-beer/
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jan/28/zero-proof-spirits-nonalcoholic-drinks-california
  4. https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/what-is-gin-made-from

Lydia Martin

Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here or feel free to give Lydia a tip.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *