Devon-based Salcombe Distilling Co has released its first non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ – New London Light (NLL).
The low-calorie, alcohol-free liquid is crafted by first distilling three botanicals – rich Macedonian juniper berries, ginger and habenero capsicum.
Fifteen additional botanicals are then blended into the base liquid, delivering “complex layers with hints of citrus orange and sage”.
NLL is named after an iconic lighthouse marking the entrance to the best deep-water harbour in Long Island Sound – once a beacon for the crews of 19th century Salcombe Fruit Schooners trading cargoes of exotic fruits and spices with the new world of the Americas.
Chef Mark Hix said: “I rarely go for a non-alcoholic option when having drinks with friends, but NLL has effortlessly raised the bar in this space with a great clarity of flavour that really shines and makes you feel that you aren’t missing out.
“After a few dirty NLL martinis, we were hooked for the afternoon. It has made such an impression that we are adding it into our mocktail menu straight away.”
Guy Hodcroft, head buyer at Master of Malt, added: “So often in the world of low and non-alcoholic ‘spirits’, texture is problematic, with several products seeming to be little more than flavoured water.
“Not so with Salcombe Distilling Co’s ‘New London Light’, which captures the weight and body of a full strength spirit on the palate, ably supporting the fresh, citrus lead palate.
“This not only makes it a pleasurable drinking experience on its own, it also means the base product shines through in the signature serve with tonic, and isn’t overwhelmed by other pronounced flavours – just as a spirit should be!”
Signature serves
New London Light & Light
50ml ‘New London Light’
150ml Fever-Tree Light tonic water
Orange slice
Sage leaf
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add a large measure of ‘New London Light’. Add 150ml of Fever-Tree Light tonic water. Garnish with a slice of orange and a sage leaf. Gently stir and serve.
Shore Elevation
50ml ‘New London Light’
25ml Chilled, strong green tea
25ml Sage syrup*
25ml Lemon juice
15ml Aquafaba (chickpea juice)
Sage
Fill a Nick and Nora glass with ice to chill and set to one side. Add the ‘New London Light’, green tea, sage syrup, lemon juice and aquafaba to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and shake for 15 seconds. Remove the ice from the Nick and Nora glass, double strain the mixture into the glass and garnish with sage.
*To make the sage syrup, mix together 1 cup of hot water, one cup of sugar and three sage leaves.
