The trends of red wine on the rocks seem to have faded out over time along with the health-conscious as well as the preference for stepping away from the hardcore drinking culture into a more modern one. Not only health-conscious people but amateur non-drinkers seem to aim to replicate the authentic taste but without any hazardous substances, which seems to be a challenge. Well, worry no more for the market’s ready to serve you with everything ranging from sauces to even curries. Non-alcoholic spirits are gradually taking over the industry and replicating what alcohols have to offer but sans the hangover. Instead of helplessly waiting in December to gawk at the new collection by these designer brands, why not create your own in the comfort of your house and with mixtures of your own choosing?
Now I know what you’re thinking - ‘how can I create these amazing substitutes?’ Here’s the best part: you only need to experiment. The process of creating these magic potions is never-ending. If you’re attempting to recreate the smoky aftertaste in a whiskey or the exotic herbs in gin, creating your own substitutes is the way to go. On the bright side, it’s also more cost-effective and sustainable. Making your own versions helps experiment for safety combinations that you’ll enjoy!
What Are Non-Alcoholic Spirits?
Non-alcoholic spirits refer to beverages that have the taste and experience of traditional spirits, but have no alcohol in them. They are crafted using combinations of many botanicals, herbs, spices, fruits, and more to make the blend reminiscent of gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka. The drinks are supposed to have the same bitterness, sweetness, aroma, and complexity, however, without alcoholic content.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Now the real challenge lies in the fruits, herbs, and spices where the drink will be based on. Many spirits such as gin, whiskey, and rum use spices, herbs, and fruits; distillation separates the flavors from them. Non-alcoholic products use the same method but rely on infusions and extracts. Listed below are some of the ingredients used with non-alcoholic spirits.
1. Botanicals
Botanicals can be understood as the plant-based ingredients or substances such as spices or even herbs that are utilized in a variety of ways particularly to infuse flavor into non-alcoholic spirits. A good example is the case of juniper berries which are the most widely used botanicals in the gin industry because of that distinctive flavor of pines. Other botanicals like coriander, angelica root, cardamom, citrus peel, and many others are more complex and deepen the flavor more.
2. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, or grapefruits are also significant when it comes to non-alcoholic spirits because they help brighten or freshen the drink and add in some acidity. Citrus herbs have that special tangy and refreshing taste that can replicate or replace the crispness associated with some spirits, notably gin and vodka. Citrus fruits can also prove to be useful herbs as they provide aromatic oils that will bring in even more flavor.
3. Spices
In the case of non-alcoholic spirits, substitute types that replicate rum or whiskey would require ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise which will help in adding the striking warm or rich spirit taste that is known in alcohol. These spices also add up to that beautiful warm aromatic feeling known from traditional spirits.
4. Herbs
Herbal components like rosemary, thyme, basil, and mint can be a great addition to your non-alcoholic gins and similar spirits. These herbs are particularly useful in creating substitutes for gin, where herbal complexity is a hallmark. Additionally, you can infuse a few grams of fresh herbs or dried versions into your base liquid to create an aromatic experience.
5. Sweeteners
The same is done to prepare agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup, sweetening agave while preparing it – but only when it becomes too bitter. In spite of this, it is crucial to exercise restraint so that the flavors are not drowned in sweetness. Luckily, in most situations, anything from light to moderate sweetness will suffice in adding a complex and deeper dimension to the flavor.
The Process of Creating Non-Alcoholic Spirit Substitutes
Creating your own substitutes for spirits which do not contain alcohol could seem confusing at first but is fairly simple. Once the mixture is ready it can be prepared by mixing in the desired solid and volatile ingredients, combining it with a base, maturing it within a selected timeline, and tweaking it to the desired firmness and flavor.
1. Choosing the Base
The first decision to be made regards the ideal base with which the non-alcoholic spirit will be created. The base will be the fluid that is used in the infusion and will depend on the taste you seek to achieve. Water is the most neutral and is good for most of the spirits, but you can also use herbal teas, fruit juices, or flavored water to add additional depth. For despairing phases, herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos make a good base to build on if you’re making gin.
2. Bottling up the Flavor
Once you have made your selection regarding the base it is time to immerse the aromatics, spoiling ingredients, and other things to enhance the flavor. The secret is to add the right quantity of such ingredients to ensure their presence in aroma but things don’t get overwhelmingly fragrant. A standard procedure includes soaking the herbs in the base fluid that is to be used in order to get the flavor. You can warm the mixture over low heat on the stove or let it soak in a jar at ambient temperature for a longer time. Depending on the ingredients and strength of taste you want, the duration of infusion can differ.
3. Adapt Ingredients to Your Tastes
After the infusion has been done as per the standard expected strength of 23.3, mix and taste the drink to know the balance and if you need to alter it, go ahead. It is possible that the drink falls short in terms of acidity level, in this situation, you can rectify it by adding a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice. Conversely, if the drink is too bitter because of the herbs, sweetener works best in moderation.
4. Get Rid of the Solid Ingredients
When the right balance of infusion is achieved, through the extraction process get rid of the solid parts like herbs, spices, fruit peels, etc. The liquid left is the concentrate that is the non-alcoholic spirit substitute for the solution you desired. Rely on a very fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to make sure there are no small pieces of botanicals or herbs left in the non-alcoholic spirit mix.
5. Transfer the Mixture to a Consignment
Afterwards, store your non-alcoholic spirit in a jar or a bottle. Make sure that the bottle has no sediments left in it. Store the mixture in the fridge for a week, maximum depending on the ingredients used.
