Sipsmith have released their first ever non-alcoholic spirit, named FreeGlider – and we were lucky enough to be gifted with a bottle for a taste test and review.
Pioneering the craft gin boom, Sipsmith are passionate about creating spirits of uncompromising quality, and FreeGlider is no exception. Over the course of two years, the recipe for FreeGlider has been developed and refined numerous times, experimenting with 189 prototypes and over 100 ingredients to achieve the final seven ingredient recipe.
FreeGlider is blended with juniper, citrus and capsicum, creating a unique and delicious non-alcoholic alternative for a truly great sipping experience. With juniper playing a lead role, it is expertly balanced with the citrus and the warming spice of capsicum, offering that gentle heat you’d normally find in a gin.
Speaking about the new non-alcoholic spirit, Sipsmith Master Distiller Jared Brown said: “With more people than ever before choosing to moderate their alcohol consumption, combined with our continuously unwavering commitment to pioneering spirits of uncompromising quality, we were determined to create the best tasting alcohol-free option yet.
“It’s taken a while to get it right; two years in fact near 200 prototypes to reach a taste experience that we at Sipsmith are truly happy with. We believe this is the perfect treat for those who are choosing not to drink and gives sippers a genuinely great sipping experience.”
Sipsmith FreeGlider Tasting Notes
Nose:
Fresh citrus, spicy juniper
Palate:
Bold zesty citrus, warm capsicum spice
Finish:
Dry pine, touch of capsicum heat
Serving Recommendations
FreeGlider can be enjoyed simply with tonic for a refreshing and delightful serve. Just pour 50ml of FreeGlider into an ice-filled highball glass and top with 100ml of chilled premium Indian tonic water. Garnish with a fresh grapefruit twist.
The spirit can also be used as a base to create delicious alcohol-free cocktails, including a classic Clover Club, a FreeGlider Summer Spritz and a refreshingly herbaceous Basil Smash.
We tried the spirit in a Clover Club cocktail, which proved to be a very tasty and refreshing tipple, perfect for a warm summer’s day!
FreeGlider Clover Club Recipe
Ingredients
50ml FreeGlider
20ml Lemon Juice
15ml Sugar Syrup
6 Fresh Raspberries
1 Egg White or 25ml Egg White Substitute
Raspberry (to garnish)
Method
Combine all the ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh raspberry.
Overall
Sipsmith have created a truly great tasting, non-alcoholic gin alternative with FreeGlider. It may be free from alcohol, but the result is very enjoyable with a full-bodied flavour that you would expect from a full-strength gin. The juniper is prominent, paired beautifully with zesty citrus and spicy capsicum, providing just enough heat for a well-rounded serve. Its versatility allows it to be used as a base in a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails, making it perfect for those who love to experiment with new recipes.
Sipsmith FreeGlider (70cl/ABV <0.5%) is available to buy from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, sipsmith.com and Amazon by clicking here, priced at RRP £22.50.
