Zero-proof liquors are typically made using a process called fractional distillation, in which the alcohol is distilled out of a spirit but leaves behind its flavor and mouthfeel. Luxe Lounge co-owner Isabella Owens says she likes Ritual’s alcohol-free gin because the brand “makes it with juniper berries and botanicals, so it tastes like the real thing.”

  • ½ ounce egg white
  • ½ ounce orange simple syrup*
  • 1 drop nonalcoholic orange bitters
  • Ice
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • 1½ ounces Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative (or another zero-proof brand)
  • 2 ounces elderflower tonic water
  • Dried blood orange slice, for garnish

*If you can’t find orange simple syrup, make your own by combining 1 part fresh-squeezed orange juice, 1 part water, and 1 part sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool and store in the refrigerator.

  1. Add egg white, orange syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
  2. Add lime and gin. Shake.
  3. Strain liquid into a glass filled with ice, top off with elderflower tonic, and garnish with dried blood orange.

This recipe originally appeared in The Zero-Proof Zeitgeist by Candolin Cook.