Homemade Zero Proof Spirits
Craft your own delicious and refreshing zero-proof spirits at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes for any occasion. Each recipe makes 24 ounces.
Servings 36 servings
Calories 4kcal
Ingredients
Whiskey Substitute
- 4 black cask bourbon tea
- 3 pieces orange zest
- 6 cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cups water boiling
Tequila Substitute
- 1 whole lime peeled and quartered
- 6 black peppercorns
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 vanilla bean halved and seeds removed (see note)
- 1 piece ginger root about 4 inches long, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar optional
- 3 cups water boiling
Gin Substitute
- 1 whole lemon peeled and quartered
- 6 slices cucumber
- 6 black peppercorns
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs sage
- 3 cups water boiling
Instructions
- Whiskey substitute: In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, add tea bags, orange zest, cloves and cinnamon sticks.4 black cask bourbon tea, 3 pieces orange zest, 6 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 3 cups water
- Tequila substitute: Peel lime so no white pith remains and discard the zest. Dice the fruit of the lime. In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, add lime, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, halved vanilla bean shells, ginger root and agave nectar. (If you need to use vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean, it is better to add it once the liquid has cooled.1 whole lime, 6 black peppercorns, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 vanilla bean, 1 piece ginger root, 1 tablespoon agave nectar, 3 cups water
- Gin substitute: Peel lemon so no white pith remains and discard the zest. Dice the fruit of the lemon. In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, add lemon, cucumber slices, peppercorns, thyme, rosemary and sage.1 whole lemon, 6 slices cucumber, 6 black peppercorns, 4 sprigs thyme, 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, 4 sprigs sage, 3 cups water
- All: Pour boiling water over top and stir gently. Let steep for 1 hour or until cooled to room temperature. Pour into an airtight glass bottle through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard the solids. Use immediately or refrigerate and use within 1 week.3 cups water
Notes
To make a mocktail: Start by using these zero-proof spirits in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 ounces of whiskey, use 2 ounces of the whiskey substitute. Adjust the ratio to your liking, using more for a stronger flavor or less for a milder one. A great combination to start with is 2 ounces zero-proof spirit + 1 ounce simple syrup + 1 ounce lemon/lime juice.
Gin substitute note: You can use whatever herbs you want. I liked the ones above for a more savory vibe, but lavender, dill, mint and basil would all be delicious. You can also experiment with other botanicals such as pine or edible flowers.
Whiskey substitute note: A reader suggested adding ¼ teaspoon of peppercorns to add a little heat.
Nutrition
Serving: 2ounces | Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.04g | Fat: 0.04g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg
