There is a lot to choose from in the additive free gin and tonic category. For example, there are gins made from local produce. Some also make the grade in terms of a quality drink. One of my favorites is the Naked & Natural brand from London. They offer a 10% alcohol free Monday evening drinks special. A well crafted gin and tonic is a sure fire way to ring in the New Year. Besides, it is a good idea to get in the habit early in the year. This is particularly true if you are planning on a New Years Eve bash.
Of course, there is more to a well crafted gin and tonic than simply using a swig of water. In addition to the usual suspects, there are a few movers and shakers who have taken the time to think up some tasty gin and tonic concoctions. Among them, there are the aforementioned Naked & Natural and the more esoteric, Seedlip. The most interesting aspect of the latter is the company’s ability to custom mix and match gins for a bespoke aperitif. Not only that, but their signature product is also available in a non-alcoholic variant.
Of course, the most important part of the equation is what to actually put in the additive free gin bottle. If you’re not on a calorie budget or just have a bit of a hangover, try your hand at a mixologist approved cocktail with a twist.
There are several gin brands out there. However, if you are going to invest in one you want to make sure it is all natural. One such brand is Sans Drinks, which is preservative free, preservative free and distilled to boot. Their latest offering, Naked Life, is touted as being one of the tastier gins on the market. Besides its namesake gin, they also produce several vodkas and rums. If you are looking to shake up your cocktails in a non-alcoholic fashion, you can check out their 10% Natural Monday Distillery range.
In the world of spirits, one may be tempted to stick with the big three – vodka, gin and whiskey – but there are plenty of smaller distillers to choose from, each claiming to offer something a little different. They are the best way to discover new tastes and snag a good bargain. While they may not be able to compete with the oh so crowded spirit aisles of the larger brands, they are worth a swig. For example, one may be pleasantly surprised by the plethora of high end gins produced in the UK, most of which are hand crafted in small batches, a true rarity. Using a local distiller has many advantages, such as the ability to track down rare bottles and make sure you are getting the best deal possible.