We’re right in the middle of dry or damp (depending on your preference) January. Which made it the perfect time for a little taste test: classic Tanqueray versus its zero-proof cousin, Tanqueray 0.0.

To make this as fair as possible, I did a blind tasting (Ed participated, too—always game for science in the name of cocktails). I mixed up two identical gin and tonics, using 1-1/2 ounces of each gin, a small can of Fever-Tree Light tonic, and a generous wedge of lime. Same ice, same glasses—my beloved gin and tonic glasses, naturally.

On first sniff, neither drink had much of a nose—the tonic was most prominent. But in taste? Surprisingly close. Not identical, but not wildly different either. The regular Tanqueray has a bit more warmth and a slightly stronger juniper bite, as one might expect. But the 0.0 holds its own—especially compared to other non-alcoholic gins I’ve tried, which tend to lean heavily into florals or botanicals. This one tastes like gin. That classic juniper-forward flavor is pretty much there.

Would I make a martini with it? No. Non-alcoholic gins need mixers. But in a gin and tonic, Tanqueray 0.0 is a very respectable substitute. Perhaps the best among the handful I’ve tried. It’s not yet available in the U.S.—I ordered mine from Upside Drinks in Canada (it took a bit of patience as it was delayed crossing the border).

A few notes if you try it: once opened, refrigerate your bottle and use it within two months. And don’t skimp on presentation—use your favorite glassware and a fresh garnish. A non-alcoholic drink should still feel special. Cheers to finding a delicious middle ground this January.

I’ve also tried CeroCero (Juniper, White Grapefruit & Lemon Grass), Pentire Adrift (a little to ‘ocean-forward’ for me) and a few from Seedlip. For my Philadelphia area readers, if you want to explore some non-alcoholic spirits, check out Wallace Dry Goods in Ardmore, Pennsylvania (near Suburban Square). They are very knowledgeable about NA spirits.

Tanqueray 0.0 and Tonic

 

Tanqueray 0.0 and Tonic

Blind taste test: gin showdown
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Course Drink
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1/2 ounces Tanqueray 0.0 gin or other non-alcoholic gin
  • 5 ounces high-quality tonic water (such as Fever-Tree Tonic or Q Tonic) see Notes
  • Garnish: lime wedge

Instructions
 

  • In a tall glass filled with ice, add gin and tonic water.
  • Rub lime around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the glass and stir.

Notes

  • I recommend Fever-Tree Tonic, Q Tonic or another high-quality tonic water. I used Fever-Tree Light Tonic for this cocktail.
Tanqueray 0.0 and Tonic