When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks that are vegan, botanical non-alcoholic gin is king. Unlike non-alcoholic beers or non-alcoholic wines, gins have traditionally been vegan-friendly.
I found the five best vegan non-alcoholic gin that tastes like gin (or as close to the real thing as possible) that I think (most) former gin lovers will appreciate. If you’re longing for a vegan G&T that’s also alcohol-free, then I have the best vegan non-alcoholic gin for you.
Is Non-Alcoholic Gin Vegan?
Yes, non-alcoholic gin is usually vegan! Most non-alcoholic gins are made from a combination of botanicals, such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels. The distillation process to create gin also does not require animal-derived ingredients, unlike the need for fining agents such as gelatin or isinglass in making some non-alcoholic beers.
That said, some brands of non-alcoholic gin may use animal-derived ingredients in their production process. For example, honey might be used as a sweetener.
Another rarer ingredient that might be used to create the red in red-colored gins is Cochineal (also known as carmine, E120, and Crimson Lake), which are crushed beetles.
I recommend always checking the ingredients on the label or contacting the company to confirm if you have any concerns.
Best Vegan Non-Alcoholic Gin Roundup
Optimist Botanicals Fresh
In a previous review I wrote about Optimist Botanicals Fresh, I mentioned that it has strong cilantro and basil flavor notes that are still noticeable even after mixing it with tonic water.
This vegan-friendly gin alternative pairs very well with tonic and a splash of lime. The scent of this alcohol-free gin evokes memories of strolling down the herb section at the grocery store. Its multi-layered fragrance presents a plethora of notes to relish, ranging from basil and oregano to lime and citrus.
Order Optimist Botanicals directly from their website (within the United States)
Monday Gin
Monday non-alcoholic gin is Monday’s award-winning flagship spirit, made in Southern California in small-batches using natural ingredients. As a vegan-friendly option, it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
When I tried the Monday Zero Alcohol gin, I found the aroma to be spot-on for a gin, with the perfect amount of juniper that reminded me of pine trees.
However, I wouldn’t recommend drinking this neat, and instead to mix it with ice or tonic water. The drink can be quite sour and bitter due to the presence of citric acid and lime, but adding more ice can help to reduce the bitterness.
Order Monday Gin directly from their website (within the United States)
DHŌS Gin Free
Dhōs Gin Free is one of the better-tasting non-alcoholic gins I have tasted and reviewed, and it is also vegan-friendly. While many non-alcoholic spirits taste like a syrup or sparkling water infused with herbs, Dhōs Gin Free stands out as it has a strong Juniper taste that reminds me of gin.
This strong resemblance to actual gin comes from the steam distillation process, which uses pure Juniper berry oil and other botanicals that are cold-pressed to retain the intensity of the flavor.
In addition to its great taste, Dhōs Gin Free is a great option for those watching their calorie or sugar intake since it has zero calories and zero sugar.
Overall, Dhōs Gin Free is a fantastic choice for those looking for a non-alcoholic, vegan-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits.
Order Dhōs Gin Free on Proof No More (within the United States)
FLUÈRE Original
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly, dry non-alcoholic gin with a pleasant back-of-the-throat burn, I would recommend FLUÈRE Original.
When I tasted it, it had a nice lemony dry sharpness, giving it a “dry burn” similar to traditional gin. The heat I experienced slowly faded to a feeling of dryness, making it a neat drink indeed.
While the Juniper taste isn’t too strong with this non-alcoholic gin, it still provides a refreshing and dry gin alternative that mixes well with tonic water to make a great G&T.
Order FLUÈRE Original on Proof No More (within the United States)
CleanCo Clean G
CleanCo is a London-based alcohol-free spirits company founded in 2019, offering vegan-friendly non-alcoholic drinks that have garnered a lot of hype (partly because the founder is UK reality TV show Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews).
One of their offerings, Clean G alcohol-free gin alternative, is a decent option for those who prefer a milder gin taste to serve as a mixer.
In my Clean G review, I found that while it may feel quite watery and does not have the strongest juniper flavor, it has a dry lemon taste that would suit those who like their drinks lemony.
This vegan-friendly option is worth considering for those looking for a non-alcoholic gin alternative that is easy to mix and has a refreshing taste.
Order CleanCo Clean G on Proof No More (within the United States) or on Wise Bartender (within the UK)
Interested in more vegan-friendly non-alcoholic drinks? Then check out our other vegan non-alcoholic drinks articles below: