non-alcoholic spirits : rum, whisky & gin

When we talk about rum, we immediately think of a strong alcohol with complex and fragrant flavors, often accompanied by oak, dried fruits, or vanilla. However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged: that of non-alcoholic spirits, including rum. This article aims to explore this lighter alternative, ideal for accompanying your evenings during Dry January or for surprising your guests with a non-alcoholic cocktail.

What is Non-Alcoholic Rum?

Non-alcoholic rum is a product that retains the traditional taste characteristics of rum while being devoid of alcohol. It is made from natural ingredients such as molasses and sugar cane, then undergoes a distillation process to separate the alcohol from other aromatic compounds. This process does not alter the explosion of flavors expected in a glass of rum and thus offers a similar tasting experience.

Composition of Non-Alcoholic Spirits

The main ingredients used for the production of these non-alcoholic beverages are:

• Molasses, obtained by cooking and evaporating the juice extracted from sugar cane
• Natural flavors, such as cocoa, vanilla, or spices, to add subtle and distinct notes

This composition preserves what makes the essence of rum: a rich and complex taste, both sweet and spicy.

The Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Rum

There are many reasons to opt for non-alcoholic rum:

1. Enjoying Dry January: Whether you have embarked on this initiative out of personal conviction or simply to take on a challenge, non-alcoholic rum is an excellent option for continuing to enjoy your favorite cocktails while respecting your festive commitment.
2. A convivial alternative: Offering non-alcoholic rum at a dinner with friends or a party is a sure way to satisfy all your guests, including those who do not consume alcohol, while offering an interesting taste experience that contributes to the success of your event.
3. A cocktail without constraints: Using non-alcoholic rum as the base for your favorite recipes allows you to indulge in the art of mixology without fearing the effects of alcohol on your health or the quality of your sleep.
4. Allowing athletes to indulge: Non-alcoholic rum is compatible with an active lifestyle, respecting the dietary regimens of athletes in search of a refreshing and fragrant beverage.

The Best Non-Alcoholic Rum-Based Cocktail Recipes

The success of a good non-alcoholic rum lies in its ability to integrate harmoniously into your cocktail recipes. Here are some examples of non-alcoholic variations of classic mixology favorites:

Non-Alcoholic Mojito

• 4 cl of rum (non-alcoholic of course!)
• 12 fresh mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
• 1/2 lime cut into quarters
• Crushed ice
• Sparkling water to top up

Muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and lime quarters together in a long drink glass. Add the non-alcoholic rum and crushed ice up to half the height of the glass. Lengthen with sparkling water and mix gently with a cocktail spoon. Enjoy chilled, with a straw and a sprig of mint for decoration.

Virgin Piña Colada

• 4 cl of non-alcoholic rum, coconut or natural
• 12 cl of fresh pineapple juice or bottled
• 4 cl of coconut cream
• Crushed ice

In a shaker, pour the non-alcoholic rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. Add a handful of crushed ice and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled. Pour into a large glass (Hurricane type) and decorate with a slice of pineapple and a candied cherry.

Non-Alcoholic Gin-Based Cocktails: Original Recipes for G&T Enthusiasts

Non-alcoholic gin is probably the star of non-alcoholic spirits, and this is not surprising given the popularity of Gin & Tonic in recent years. This type of non-alcoholic spirit usually has pronounced juniper notes that mimic the characteristic taste of traditional gin. Thus, it pairs very well with different tonics for tasty and refreshing mixes. Here are some ideas for non-alcoholic gin-based cocktails:

1. Non-Alcoholic Gin & Tonic: A great classic revisited without alcohol – mix your non-alcoholic gin with a quality tonic and serve it over ice with a slice of lemon or cucumber.
2. Non-Alcoholic Bramble: Pour non-alcoholic gin, fresh lemon juice, and blackberry or blackcurrant syrup into a glass over crushed ice. Mix and decorate with fresh berries.
3. Non-Alcoholic Negroni: Compose this cocktail with non-alcoholic gin, non-alcoholic vermouth, and a non-alcoholic orange liqueur. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange slice.

These cocktails are the perfect example that non-alcoholic mixology can be just as creative and tasty as traditional recipes.

Where to Find Non-Alcoholic Rum?

At Excellence Rum, of course, we offer several alcohol-free spirits, both on our website and in our physical store.

The De-Alcoholization Process: How is a Non-Alcoholic Spirit Made?

The de-alcoholization of a spirit is now an old dream come true for many producers who wish to offer an alternative to consumers. Several methods can be used to extract the alcohol contained in a spirit:

• Vacuum Distillation: This technique involves heating the liquid under reduced pressure to evaporate the alcohol, which is then separated from the water and other components.
• Reverse Osmosis: The principle of this method is to filter the spirit through a semi-permeable membrane that retains the alcohol, while allowing water and aromas to pass through.
• Centrifugation: The spirit is placed in a centrifuge which separates the alcohol from other components using centrifugal force.

Note that often, the recovery and valorization of the alcohol obtained during these processes are integrated as part of a sustainable, environmentally respectful production.

Expand Your Beverage Range with Non-Alcoholic Spirits.

Whether you are a professional in the catering industry or an individual enthusiast of mixology, non-alcoholic spirits offer a multitude of options to enrich your cocktail offerings. In addition to non-alcoholic gin, there are also other alternatives such as non-alcoholic whiskey, non-alcoholic vodka, and non-alcoholic rum. Generally, these non-alcoholic spirits pair very well with different syrups, tonics, and sodas to create original and tasty mixes.

In summary, non-alcoholic spirits are a rising trend in the world of beverages. Their unique characteristics in terms of taste, aromas, and texture allow for a variety of light and delicious cocktails without compromising on taste quality. So, do not hesitate to discover this new range of beverages to diversify your recipes and fully enjoy the pleasures of non-alcoholic mixology.