The family of non-alcoholic drinks for adults has just got bigger
It is difficult if not outright impossible to imitate the typical juniper-forward taste and texture of gin. That fact notwithstanding, there are now many distillers creating their own non-alcoholic version of what resembles a gin.
Let’s agree they are not a substitute; but they are actually getting better and better. Most likely because after the first round of beverages mimicking ‘real’ gin, the latest creations are not particularly made as substitute. Instead, we are now into a new type of tasty drink that is intended to add to the growing range of innovative aperitives and flavourful drinks.
If you wish to embrace a more conscious drinking pattern, cut down on alcohol every now and then, or do not drink alcohol at all, these ‘non-alcoholic spirits’ are the perfect base to mix cocktails that have all the fun but not the booze.
I’ve already talked about Windspiel Distillery on the blog before. The brainchild of Sandra Wimmeler and Denis Lönnendonker, this small craft gin distillery that makes gin on the basis of potatoes (no joke) has morphed into a renowned name in the German gin scene.
The now significantly extended range of different gins has also welcomed the brand’s own non-alcoholic creations.
To my delight, I discovered the most recent addition, the non-alcohol Pink Grapefruit just in time for Dry January.
Review: Windspiel Alkoholfrei Pink Grapefruit
This non-alcoholic drink does not have the ambition to be a gin, but it strongly resembles the Windspiel Pink Gin. This is thanks to the same strict production method. All botanicals are infused and distilled just like all Windspiel spirits.
The result is a drink revealing its own character, and perfect to be enjoyed as a refreshing ‘gintonic’ or mixed into a range of cocktails and long drinks.
Fruity and tangy, the full-bodied non-alcoholic Pink Grapefruit displays a perfectly balanced tart sweetness of ripe grapefruit, depth of flavour and versatility.
Final Thoughts
As a true gin lover, Windspiel Pink Grapefruit is a great non-alcoholic alternative for me as it offers the traditional notes of juniper, a distinct citrusy element, and enough complexity and heat not to miss the alcohol.
It is also a great mixer and will be a welcome mixer for a range of cocktails and long drinks enjoyed during the warmer months of the year.
A few of them I have already tried, and what can I say: approved.
Four delicious Windspiel Pink Grapefruit Mocktails to try
Below are four delicious mocktail ideas using Windspiel Pink Grapefruit taken from the Windspiel website.
Pink Grapefruit ‘Gin Tonic’
45 ml pink grapefruit
180 ml tonic water
Pour pink grapefruit and tonic water in a highball glass over plenty of ice.
Pink Grapefruit Spritz
50 ml pink grapefruit
50 ml tonic water
50 ml non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Pour all ingredients into a lowball glass over ice.
Pink Grapefruit Sundowner
60 ml pink grapefruit
60 ml grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
15 ml hibiscus syrup
grapefruit wheel and mint for garnishing
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with the grapefruit wheel and mint.
Pink Grapefruit Martini
50 ml pink grapefruit
15 ml peach syrup
30 ml cranberry juice
15 ml lime juice
a small grapefruit slice
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass over ice. Stir to combine then pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Do you have a favourite grown-up non-alcoholic drink?
Carrots and Tigers 