Make non-alc spirits at home | gin & herbal liqueur

Summary

In this video, Chris from Liverback explores how to make non-alcoholic spirits at home by attempting recipes from the book 'Zero' by Chef Grant Achatz. He compares DIY versions of non-alcoholic gin and herbal liqueur against commercial alternatives like Seedlip and Ritual. Despite challenges sourcing some ingredients, the process involves creating tinctures, simmering herbs and spices, and experimenting with flavors. While the DIY spirits don't exactly mimic their alcoholic counterparts, they offer a unique, flavorful experience, perfect for mocktails, and provide a fun and cost-effective way to experiment with non-alcoholic drinks at home.

Takeaways

• 😀 The host attempts to create non-alcoholic gin and herbal liqueur at home using recipes from the book *Zero* by Chef Grant Achatz.
• 😀 The process involves making a juniper tincture overnight and cooking both the gin and herbal liqueur simultaneously.
• 😀 Ingredients for the DIY non-alcoholic spirits include herbs, spices, vegetable glycerin, and juniper berries, which can be sourced from international food stores or Amazon.
• 😀 The non-alcoholic gin recipe calls for simmering herbs and spices in water, with the addition of the juniper tincture after straining the solids.
• 😀 The homemade gin has more sediment and sweetness compared to store-bought alternatives, but works well in mocktails like a Tom Collins.
• 😀 The homemade herbal liqueur, inspired by Chartreuse, has bitterness from herbs like basil and star anise, offering a different flavor profile than the original.
• 😀 Commercial non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Ritual are compared against the homemade versions, highlighting their distinct flavors and textures.
• 😀 Ritual's non-alcoholic gin alternative is described as grassy with a peppery spice and some glycerin, mimicking the burn of alcohol.
• 😀 Seedlip’s Spice 94 has a citrus-forward profile with orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, and clove, offering a similar vibe to gin but without the burn.
• 😀 The homemade herbal liqueur, while somewhat similar to Chartreuse, is more bitter and lacks the sweetness and complexity of the original.
• 😀 The host concludes that making these non-alcoholic spirits at home can be a fun and rewarding project, though the results don't fully replicate the alcoholic versions, with DIY options providing their own unique flavor experience.

Q & A

What inspired the creation of non-alcoholic spirits in the video?

The inspiration came from the book 'Zero' by Chef Grant Achatz from the Alinea Group in Chicago, which takes a culinary approach to making drinks, including recipes for non-alcoholic spirits.

What makes the book 'Zero' unique in its approach to drinks?

'Zero' is unique because it takes a culinary approach to making drinks, with recipes that require significant preparation, much like cooking. It also includes recipes for non-alcoholic spirits.

What equipment is needed to make the non-alcoholic gin and herbal liqueur?

The required equipment includes a saucepan, fine mesh strainers, and basic kitchen tools. Additionally, the ingredients from the book are essential.

What is the main difference in the process of making non-alcoholic gin versus herbal liqueur?

The main difference is that for the non-alcoholic gin, a juniper tincture must be made and left to sit overnight before the rest of the process begins.

How is the juniper tincture prepared for the non-alcoholic gin?

To make the juniper tincture, 300 grams of vegetable glycerin, 150 grams of water, and 150 grams of juniper berries are blended and placed in an airtight container to sit overnight in the fridge.

What was the challenge in sourcing ingredients for the non-alcoholic spirits?

The challenge was finding some of the more esoteric ingredients, which required a visit to local international food stores and even Amazon for specific items.

What was the result of the DIY non-alcoholic gin in terms of flavor?

The DIY non-alcoholic gin had a sweeter taste with background flavors of cinnamon and star anise, but it lacked the expected juniper punch. It was described as a bit sweet with a mix of spices, but not quite like traditional gin.

How did the DIY non-alcoholic gin compare to other non-alcoholic gin alternatives like Ritual and Seedlip?

The DIY gin was sweeter and spicier than Ritual, but less complex than Seedlip. Ritual had a distinct peppery spice finish, while Seedlip offered more citrus notes. The DIY version was more herbal with a bit of bitterness.

What was the result when the DIY non-alcoholic gin was used in a Tom Collins mocktail?

The DIY non-alcoholic gin worked well in a Tom Collins mocktail, creating a spiced lemonade effect that was refreshing and suited for transitioning into cooler weather, though it wasn't a perfect gin substitute.

How did the DIY herbal liqueur compare to green chartreuse?

The DIY herbal liqueur was similar to green chartreuse in terms of complexity, but it was less sweet and lacked the strong boozy flavor. It had a distinct bitterness from the herbs used, which green chartreuse does not have.

What did the DIY herbal liqueur taste like compared to green chartreuse?

The DIY herbal liqueur had a honey sweetness and bitterness from the herbs, with a cooked quality from the simmering process. Green chartreuse, on the other hand, is sweeter and has a more vibrant, fresh flavor.

Is it worth trying to make non-alcoholic spirits at home?

While making non-alcoholic spirits at home can be fun and creative, it's a time-consuming process with many ingredients. It may be worth trying once, but commercial non-alcoholic spirits are easier to find and more refined.