Sipsmith

FreeGlider came out of a lengthy development process, with the team working through a large number of prototypes before settling on a recipe they were happy with. Creating genuine flavour without alcohol requires solving different problems than traditional distilling, and Sipsmith clearly took that seriously.

Juniper leads the flavour profile, as it should in anything aspiring to gin-adjacent territory. Citrus provides brightness while capsicum delivers warmth, replicating the gentle heat that alcohol usually provides. The combination creates something genuinely sippable rather than medicinal or overly sweet.

Notably, Sipsmith avoids the artificial sweeteners that other brands use to mask flavour deficiencies. No sucralose, no acesulfame K. The taste comes from careful botanical selection rather than sweetness covering weaknesses.

FreeGlider works well with tonic and a grapefruit twist, but it holds up in proper cocktails too: Basil Smash, Clover Club, anything you'd normally make with gin.

One practical consideration: shelf life differs from alcoholic spirits. Unopened bottles last around 12 months from production. Once open, refrigerate and consume within two months. Worth knowing before you stock up.

Sipsmith has real craft credentials, and FreeGlider reflects that. It sits at the premium end of AF spirits, but the quality shows.