Natalie Williams takes a look at the latest new alcohol-free beverage from Lyre's. This unique spirit has been impossibly crafted to capture the essence of a classic Gin, with flavours that are distinct and contemporary. Lyre's spirits don't just mimic, they have their own distinction as a premium, non-alcoholic beverage.
I love a drink. Really, I do. So much so that my friends can quite confidently predict my drink order; the eternally classic gin and tonic. I feel in love with gin in 2016, on the cusp of the gin boom, after an ex-bartender friend introduced me to some alternative gin brands.
More recently there has been growth in the non-alcoholic/low alcohol alternatives entering the market offering an alternative choice to this classic tipple and offering the possibility of avoiding those nasty side effects without the feeling that you’re missing out on the fun.
Enter, Lyres! An Australian non-alcoholic spirit company. The brand as a whole is great and there’s plenty of choices. From whisky, rum to amaretti and absinthe! I love the whimsical, charm and sense of fun with the anthropomorphic art, giving each bottle its own distinct character; a flamingo with binoculars, a 1920’s leopard pilot, and a dandy goat to name a few.
The word “non-alcoholic” initially filled me with some trepidation. I need not have worried. Lyre’s Dry London Spirit is a fantastic substitute of real gin and as alternatives go, this is one of the best I’ve tried.
Fresh and clean with soft citrus and peppery notes. Lyre’s Gin was the ideal balance of that distinctive dry juniper flavour of gin with a pleasant fragrance and taste. The best part is that it’s entirely guilt-free. How often do you get to say that! No inner punishment for having a drink on a school night, no risk of a hangover or having one too many, and no fear of getting behind the wheel if I needed to.
Initially, I made the mistake of thinking it was low alcohol but after a thorough inspection of the bottle, and with no beer glasses in sight, I realised it had absolutely no alcohol at all. I enjoyed three in one sitting with ease.
I drank it on it’s alone with some tonic and did not miss the absent alcohol content one bit. Being able to enjoy my beloved g&t and join in with friends on future nights out is really exciting. Vive le non-alcoholic revolution!
Bottles retail at £23.50 for 700ml and are available from Lyre's Shop
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Chatting Food Contributor: Natalie Williams
Natalie Williams is the founder of Milkstache Magazine. Natalie took her passion for food and created the monthly newsletter which features restaurant and food reviews, an opinion piece and an interview with a founder of an independent food or drink business to tell their story and shine a light on their passion for food and drink.
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