I bought a bottle of gin. Once. Ever. I bought a bottle of vodka once too. Neither purchases ended well. So I am entry level. But that might play in my favour. The world of Alcohol Free spirits is growing and the range of distilled botanicals is amazing.
So far each has its own distinct flavour profile and is not so much a direct copy of the original, more a stand alone product waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. It takes a little confidence to dive into mixing your own drinks, but have fun with it. Soon you’ll be a master mixologist.
This delightful, Melbourne made distillation is warming with spicy goodness. It brings together aromatic native Australian wattleseed, cassia bark, ginger and sweet citrus. I get a strong clove coming through too which I just love.
On the rocks with a dry tonic and a wodge of dried orange…perfection. There’s loads of room to get creative and play around with the flavours if you’re up for some mixology.
For me this is not a straight up gin replication, it’s something way more interesting. It’s sugar-free which is always a bonus in my book!
Rating: 9/10
Buy Again?: Yes
This review that links to an online retailer may pay me affiliate commissions. If you purchase I collect a small commission (at no cost to you!) and it really helps me offset some of the cost of running Dry but Wet.
For UK – Use DRY5 at checkout for 5% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
9 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Australia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
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Be the first to review “Brunswick Ace’s Hearts Sapiir 9/10” Cancel reply
It’s so good it’s my early contender for dink of the year.
Its robust, with intense and distinctive flavours. I get rosemary, blood orange, clove. It is a flavour sensation that is not overwhelmingly sweet and sugary. It’s simple too, 1 part Wilfred’s to 2 parts tonic. I think the flavours are so good even soda water could carry it. It’s a really cleverly researched and developed British product that ticks all the boxes. Low sugar, vegan and VERY pretty.
Rating: 10/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For NZ – Use DRY10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
For UK – Use DRY5 at checkout for 5% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
41 cal
Carbs per 100ml
10.2 g
Sugar per 100ml
10.2 g
Country of Origin
England
Price
$35.00
Reviews
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Be the first to review “Wilfred’s Spritz 10/10” Cancel reply
Grace in name, grace in appearance, grace in taste.
This distillation is an homage to classic gin botanicals without aiming to mimic. Its clean, refreshing and rich with juniper, ginger, cardamom, chicory & citrus. I love the uniqueness and complexity of flavours.
Described by the makers as “bringing the art of winemaking to the science of distilling to create the world’s finest alcohol-free distillations”. She’s fancy, refined (so nothing like me) and very moreish.
I suggest served with a light tonic and garnish. There’s a world of cocktail recipes on their on the website if you want to get creative!
Rating: 9/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
0 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Australia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
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Be the first to review “Ovant Grace 9/10” Cancel reply
As a former Negroni enthusiast, I have been on the hunt for something non-alc that compares for some time now. I realise that trying to replicate a product that is pure alcohol in a non-alc way is a big ask, but a girl can dream right? The Lyres Negroni set fell seriously below expectations. Like SO far below. Too sweet, no body, no depth. I LOVE my Wilfred’s but more as a spritz than on the rocks like a traditional Negroni; she’s still a little on the sweet side for neat.
Enter Vera Spirits Aperitivo Classico. When they first posted this on their IG, I got REALLY excited: “What’s the tasting experience of Aperitivø Classicø? The first scent delivers mouth-watering sweet and herbal notes coming from bitter orange, rosemary, and thyme. This continues into a full-bodied experience with a sweet and citrusy flavour that leaves you with a long herbal and bitter finish.”
Sounded too good to be true. I’ve waited months and it’s finally on our shores and I can tell you…it was worth the wait. It totally lives up to that description. You get a real bitter punch from the rosemary and orange. The orange is delicious and so well balanced. This is not going to kill you with sweetness at all. If punchy is not your vibe, pop in a dash of tonic and you are in a spritzy heaven.
The missing 0.5/10 is that there’s just a tiny bit lacking in a full mouth feel, but add a squeeze of orange and your pretty much at 10.
Rating: 9.5/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
56 cal
Carbs per 100ml
14 g
Sugar per 100ml
14 g
Country of Origin
Slovenia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
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Be the first to review “Vera Aperitivo Classico 9.5/10” Cancel reply
If you have been here for a little while you will know how much I love the Ovant Grace. I think the team at this Margaret River distillery are really onto something and are creating some truly unique distillations.
I first opened the bottle, took a sniff and though, woah that smells like rocket fuel! It’s a strong aroma and a really unique experience for the world of non-alcoholic spirits. Described as “An entirely new take on a traditional dark spirit, synchronising the sweetness of rum and the smokiness of whisky.” It does all that and more.
The flavours of lemon, cinnamon and star anise are the star of the show here and I have enjoyed it served with a spicy ginger beer and a twist of citrus. If you are not afraid of new flavours and willing to have a play then this is the drink for you.
There’ s a world of cocktail recipes on their on the website if you want to get creative!
I now cant wait to try the Ovant Verve once it is back in stock!
Rating: 8/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
0 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Australia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Ovant Royal 8/10” Cancel reply
Non-alcoholic spirits are actually my quiet hero of the whole industry. They use they same distillation process as alcoholic spirits but they are all so gentle, nuanced and unique. Don’t go in thinking, this will taste like Gin. Because it wont, but it is a very enjoyable drinking experience.
ALTD Green Grocer is all of those things. Subtle with beautiful native botanicals, I get lemon myrtle, bitterness from the lemon peel and green grapefruit and a dry finish thanks to the Tasmanian Pepperberry. I had to be quite heavy handed and had to go more than the recommended 50ml pour for it to cut through the tonic, but once I got the balance right it was just a delight.
Would also be good with a quality sparkling mineral water and squeeze of lemon.
These spirits are alcohol-free, sugar-free, calorie-free and vegan-friendly.
Rating: 8/10
Buy Again?: Yes
This review that links to an online retailer may pay me affiliate commissions. If you purchase I collect a small commission (at no cost to you!) and it really helps me offset some of the cost of running Dry but Wet.
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
1.9 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0.3 g
Sugar per 100ml
14 g
Country of Origin
Australia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “ALTD Spirits Green Grocer 8/10” Cancel reply
I’ll be rocking the boat with this review, as the Gordon’s Alcohol Free Gin gets a LOT of good press!
But for me? I can’t do it. There is just too much of an air of industrial toilet cleaner that I can’t get past. It has wiffs of gin, but they are just dominated by an overwhelmingly chemical taste. So fake. Wondering why this might be, I checked the ingredients list. Whilst all other non-alc spirits I have reviewed to date consist of water, natural botanicals and one preservative (which you need because without alcohol you get no shelf life), Gordon’s really does read like the afore mentioned toilet cleaning chemicals.
Now there is a much bigger discussion here, to do with what’s exactly in our drinks and what we should be looking out for on labels if we’re concerned about what we put into our bodies; but that’s one I want to have with a qualified nutritionist and share with you another day.
For today, there are way too many numbers in this drink for me to be able to enjoy it, plus to me those numbers really do reflect the taste. Fake as f**k.
If you’re after that real gin flavour, my top recommendation is a Monday Distillery Classic G&T, the real gin taste without any of the nasties. But that is ready-to-drink. Not a bottle of spirit.
Ugh why am I still drinking this? The THINGS I do for you guys!
Rating: 4/10
Buy Again?: No
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Determined to try for yourself? To Buy click on the button and use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order (a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
12 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Italy
Price
$34.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Gordon’s Alcohol Free 0.0” Cancel reply
As with most non-alc spirits (excepting Gordon’s) Banks isn’t aiming to directly mimic a gin flavour profile. Its a unique blend of native botanicals distilled naturally in water. The Banks team have headed towards a warmer palette, with strong notes of Cassia giving you a very cinnamon forward flavour and Wattle Seed a slightly bitter, earthy taste. There’s Pepperberry for heat and lemon myrtle and lime for a balancing blend of citrus.
On first try I found the cinnamon profile TOO strong, and I quite love cinnamon. But I’ve found the stronger citrus vibes of a Fentiman’s Pink Grapefruit Tonic are the perfect compliment for the Banks Botanicals blend. That tartness is the perfect balance.
A beautifully unique, refreshing and adult drinking experience that I highly recommend and enjoy!
Rating: 8/10
Buy Again?: Yes
This review that links to an online retailer may pay me affiliate commissions. If you purchase I collect a small commission (at no cost to you!) and it really helps me offset some of the cost of running Dry but Wet.
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
0 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Australia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Banks Botanicals 8/10” Cancel reply
This is one of my all time favourite non-alcoholic spirits. There is nothing not to love here. I find this Mediterranean inspired blend of flavours to be oh so beautifully balanced and enjoyable.
I get juniper, grapefruit and a little warming herbal hit of cardamom. The finish is dry and bitter and works so well with a beautiful dry tonic water. I chose CAPI Dry Tonic, but any good quality tonic would suffice.
NOTE. Don’t skimp on tonic water. Don’t Schweppes it up with non-alc spirits. They are beautifully crafted products and deserve to be treated as such.
A beautifully unique, refreshing and adult drinking experience that I highly recommend and enjoy!
Rating: 10/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
0 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Slovenia
Price
$49.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Vera Ginø 10/10” Cancel reply
Hot tip!! The Clovendoe team suggest a ginger beer pairing with their Seed Zero spirit. To see if they are right, I’ve poured myself 2 drinks, one with Strangelove Hot Ginger Beer, the other with tonic, just to compare the experience.
The tasting notes mention lavender, rosemary, lemon thyme, lemon myrtle, orange and lemon peel. All very aromatic and I am guessing the ginger beer is used to bring in the warmth.
With tonic, the Clovendoe Seed is nice but it is not lighting my world on fire. None of those botanicals are really jumping around my mouth. But gosh gosh, that ginger beer really does the trick. You get the full blown flavours from the rosemary & lavender and the bitters and acid from all of the citrus elements. This is HERBACIOUS! Definitely one if you like it bitter.
To be honest, I was sceptical that the mixer could make such a difference but by golly it does! The ginger really pulls it all together into a symphony of flavours. So there in lies a final lesson for Gin week. Don’t be afraid to play around with flavours. Hit up the producers, see what they suggest as a best pairing!
Can’t wait to try the rest of the Clovendoe range!
Rating: 8/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
0 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
Australia
Price
$39.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Clovendoe Seed Zero 8/10” Cancel reply
I don’t say it often enough, but beautifully crafted, distilled non-alcoholic spirits are WONDERFUL and where you can have the most fun of all in non-alc. If you are after something that’s a direct mimic for gin, step away. You’re better off in the RTD space with a Monday or a Yes You Can .
Pure, distilled spirits bring you unique blends of flavours you just won’t find anywhere else. Pentire, based in the UK bring us something special from the Cornish Coast. I can practically smell the sea air and feel the moody wind blowing through my hair just thinking about it!
Pentire Seaward features Sea Rosemary, Woodruff, Sea Buckthorn, Pink Grapefruit and Wild Seaweed. I don’t even know what some of those botanical ARE but what they add up to is a beautiful and complex drinking experience. A little bitter, a little fruity, a lot of fun. I served mine with a Strangelove Dirty Tonic and a slice of grapefruit. I would have loved the addition of a sprig of rosemary too!
NOTE. Don’t skimp on tonic water. Don’t Schweppes it up with non-alc spirits. They are beautifully crafted products and deserve to be treated as such.
A beautifully unique, refreshing and adult drinking experience that I highly recommend and enjoy!
Rating: 10/10
Buy Again?: Yes
For AU – Use DRY15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
(a nice way to offset your shipping).
Note: This product emulates alcohol and could be triggering so please be careful!
Cals per 100ml
0 cal
Carbs per 100ml
0 g
Sugar per 100ml
0 g
Country of Origin
UK
Price
$49.95
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Pentire Seaward Botanical Non Alcoholic Spirit 10/10” Cancel reply
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