Sipsmith Freeglider

Many gin substitutes lean heavily on juniper and other spices to mimic the oily aromatic nature of gin; Sipsmith has avoided this and gone instead for a deliciously light citrus underpinned with hints of pine, that has enough weight to carry the tonic easily without being swamped by it. There is juniper, deep in the mix but it doesn’t overwhelm, and the maker’s notes tell me there is chilli too, which my tongue isn’t attuned enough to pick up, but no doubt is contributing something.  It’s delicious, a careful blend that creates a very confident, balanced and subtle alcohol-free drink.  And the bottle is a thing of beauty, elegant in gold and pale blue with a swan with a coiled neck embossed in the glass.