Elegant, herbaceous, zesty and refreshing – you can’t get more classic than a simple G&T. This alcohol-free gin and tonic emulates the distinctive herbal and botanical flavors of the original drink without a drop of gin in sight.
In recent years, non-alcoholic spirits have seen a significant rise in popularity . You’ll be able to find a selection of high-quality alcohol-free gins available at your local supermarket. But, be warned, they will come with a hefty price tag.
To help save your well-earned cash, this recipe includes instructions on how to make your own non-alcoholic gin from a cold water infusion. Healthier than using syrups, you can feel guilt-free about enjoying this low calorie treat without sacrificing on the flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. (60 ml) alcohol-free gin (see below)
- 5 oz. (150 ml) tonic water
- ½ lemon, cut into wedges
- Ice
- Cucumber and lemon slices to garnish (optional)
For the alcohol-free gin:
- ¼ cucumber
- 1 fennel tea bag
- 15 juniper berries, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon of coriander seeds, crushed
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 3 strips of lemon peel
- 10 oz. (300 ml) water
Equipment
- Pestle and mortar (or the backend of a rolling pin)
- Knife
- Mason jar or jug
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail spoon
- Gin and tonic glass
Instructions
- First, start with the non-alcoholic gin.
- Cut the cucumber into rounds.
- Lightly crush the juniper and coriander seeds with a pestle and mortar.
- Add the cucumber slices, fennel tea bag, spices, rosemary, lemon peel and water into a mason jar or jug.
- Cover and leave to infuse in the fridge for 4 hours.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the solids.
- Next, assemble the mocktail.
- Pour the non-alcoholic gin into a gin and tonic glass filled with ice.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the glass and throw in the used peels.
- Top with the tonic water.
- Stir gently with a cocktail spoon to combine.
- Garnish with lemon and cucumber slices.
Similar Mocktails
If you liked Counterfeit, check out:
- Garden Party: Pear, Elderflower, and Cucumber Fizz
- Rosemary Thyme Out: Non-Alcoholic Citrus and Herb Cooler
Alcohol-Free Gin and Tonic FAQ
Can I substitute the ingredients used to make the non-alcoholic gin?
Yes, you can experiment with different herbs, spices, tea and fruits to create your favorite alcohol-free gin infusion. If you want to keep a distinctive gin-like flavor, remember to include the juniper berries – they are one of the primary botanicals used in traditional gin distilling. Feel free to go off-piste if you find alternative ingredients that you prefer to use.
Can I make the alcohol-free gin in advance?
Yes, you can make the alcohol-free gin in advance. Once the infusion has been strained, you can keep the mixture in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days until you are ready to use it.
What is tonic water?
Tonic water is a carbonated drink that is typically used as a mixer in cocktails. It is flavored with quinine, a bitter extract derived from the bark of a cinchona tree.
Can I use a different type of mixer instead of tonic water?
Yes, you can substitute the tonic water if you prefer to use a different type of mixer. I’d recommend using milder tasting alternatives like soda water or lemonade to prevent masking the subtle flavors from the alcohol-free gin.
How should I garnish the mocktail?
You can garnish the mocktail however you like. For this simple alcohol-free gin and tonic, the recipe calls for lemon and cucumber slices to garnish. Thinly slice the lemon and cucumber before adding to the glass along with the ice. Alternatively, you can garnish with different citrus fruits or add spices into the drink as well (for example, juniper berries).
Can I add sugar or sweetener to the mocktail?
Yes, you can add sugar or sweetener to the mocktail if you like the drink sweeter.
Can I use a different glass to serve this mocktail?
Yes. If you don’t have a gin and tonic glass, you can use a highball or Collins glass to serve the alcohol-free gin and tonic.
Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!