A guide to alcoholic and alcohol-free botanical drinks

No list of botanical drinks is complete without this absolute classic. Tanqueray's London Dry Gin is crisp with just four botanicals and has a balance of refreshing juniper, coriander, angelica and sweet liquorice.

Pros: Premium gin with tasting notes of juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice
Cons: None

Customer review: "This gin is very smooth and can be taken over ice or with a decent tonic, orange juice, or in a cocktail. Not as dry as some, but that didn't work against it. Would recommend and will buy again."

The perfect combination of floral botanicals infused with fresh pomelo, sweet honeysuckle and soothing chamomile is used here for a delicately balanced taste.

Pros: Beautiful packaging, a wonderful summery gift
Cons: It's just too pretty to give away

Customer review: "Excellent product, it’s a great way to welcome in summer. Exquisite taste and I will be buying again."

This flavoured vodka approaches the distillation process in the same way as gin making and has a dominant grapefruit flavour with undertones of rose. Perfect with a mixer on a warm summer's day.

Pros: All natural botanicals and flavours
Cons: None

Customer review: "A really lovely vodka."

This unique botanical blend uses ten commonly used botanicals, with the addition of Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel. It has an earthy and deep flavour profile with floral notes.

Pros: Sustainably produced, earthy and spicy flavour notes and pleasing floral aroma
Cons: None

Customer review: "This stuff is incredible. it is just the finest gin I have ever tasted and believe me when I say I have had a good crack at many. What makes this even more attractive is the sustainable methods they use to still the gin."

Floral and herbaceous - this absinthe from Devil's Botany distillery in London has a striking blend of botanicals that will create a flavour explosion.

Pros: Intriguing alternative botanical flavours
Cons: High alcohol content

This gin has been distilled in copper pot stills at De Kuyper in the Netherlands and uses botanicals such as cardamom seeds, cardamon, coriander and grapefruit peel.

Pros: Norwegian gin, with cardamom seeds and grapefruit peel in its botanicals. Floral and spicy tasting notes
Cons: Taste is subjective, and some reviews felt this wasn't the gin for them

Customer review: "I haven't tried all premium gins, but I did try a few in this price range and this is the smoothest, most balanced of all. Really good neat from the freezer, or on the rocks, but of course it works in cocktails also."

If you are looking for a pre-made margarita, this tequila from Pimentae provides a slight chilli kick and all the flavour. However, if it is something sweet and refreshing you are after, they also make a cucumber and elderflower tequilawhich is just divine. Not to mention the design on the bottle is gorgeous and will look lovely on any liquor cabinet or trolley.

Pros: A fiery twist on the classic Margarita
Cons: None

Customer review: "This is the best spicy margarita I have ever tried. The perfect balance of sweet and spice perfect for a hot summers day or a snuggle on the sofa in front of the fire."

This gin uses more than 24 botanicals. Tasting notes include pears, kaffir lime leaves, elderflower, lavender, honey, chamomile, orange peel, and juniper berries. If you are looking for something with a crisp undertone, then this is perfect.

Pros: Resounding praise for the delicious tasting notes
Cons: Some reviews commented that the jigger they received was not engraved

Customer review: "The gin is delicious - redolent and resinous, and full of layers of botanical flavours."

Get your gin pouring no matter the time of year with this bitter, tangy and floral tonic. It's low in calories, comes with no artificial sweeteners and has a honeyed finish. We couldn't recommend this mixer more.

You can find The London Essence at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose and Amazon.

Pros: Refreshing mixer
Cons: None.

Tried & Tested by Modern Gardens: "London Essence Co. is perfect for a quiet night in - or a family function. No matter the time of year, they're fabulous. With a wide range of craft sodas, ginger beers and outrageously-delicious tonics, you can't go wrong. The flavours are botanical, fruity and lip-smacking. Perfect for anyone who loves a floral flavour. Elderflower & Blood Orange pairs perfectly with gin and makes a great gift for a loved one who lives a tipple."

Rhubarb and ginger lovers who enjoy spicy and sweet flavour profiles but are looking for a non-alcoholic version - here is an excellent choice for you. This natural botanical beverage is blended with natural flavours and has a tangy, juicy taste perfect for mixing with gin, lemonade or your tipple of fancy.

Pros: Rich taste and natural flavouring
Cons: Same price as an alcoholic version

Review: "This is lovely - rich flavours of rhubarb and a hint of ginger. Being non-alcoholic it’s difficult to believe, really as it tastes just like gin. Really been enjoying this with friends over the Easter weekend out in the garden, with tonic water and ice ."

This Dandy Smoke non-alcoholic spirit is aromatic and warming with flavours such as clove, ginger and cayenne and is lovely and smoky.

Pros: Unique interpretation of intense, dark and smoky spirits, excellent for experimental mocktails
Cons: Some reviews have commented that in terms of its flavour it's not an alternative to whiskey

Customer review: "What it does is reproduce many of the things you like from a good whisky - the spiciness, the smoke, the slightly medicinal flavour. It's way too intense to drink neat, but as a mixer, with cola or ginger beer for example, it's delicious."

This white peach and jasmine soda from The London Essence Co is a blend of fruitful white peach and fragrant jasmine, complete with champagne-like bubbles. It makes a great mixer for prosecco, gin, vodka and even whisky.

You can find The London Essence at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose and Amazon.

Pros: Amazing flavour
Cons: A pack of 24 may be a large amount for some

Review: "We had this for Christmas so that the drivers had something nice to drink. It has a lovely flavour. And each portion is low in calories too. We will be buying some more for sure."

Bursting with fruity rhubarb, juniper, and citrus with a subtle hint of coriander, mint and cinnamon, this non-alcoholic gin is perfect for warm sunny days.

Pros: Non-alcoholic, zero-sugar
Cons: None

Customer review: "Perfect on its own or as a mixer drink."

Haymans Small Gin is an excellent choice for any G&T drinker looking for a low-alcohol and low-calorie option. It is filled with citrus notes and botanicals and is perfect for those looking to cut back on their alcohol intake.

Pros: Use only a thimble-full of gin for the taste of a full-strength G&T
Cons: Expensive

Customer review: "This is a very clever idea, and it works well. Mixed with a decent tonic you get a very pleasant citrussy G&T. You can immediately tell that there is no strong spirit in the taste… but it makes a delicious and refreshing low alcohol drink."

Distilled in Fife, Scotland, this authentic alcohol-free botanical spirit has a huge depth of flavour, with leading notes of lemon verbena, blackcurrant leaf, Scottish seaweed and botanicals like pink peppercorn.

Pros: Unique blend of wild botanicals from land and sea, small batch, distilled in Scotland
Cons: Opinion is divided on the taste

Customer review: "Loving making a different cocktail at home every night - favourites are the Feragaia Paloma (Feragaia, pink grapefruit and tonic) and the Feragaia Mojito (Feragaia, lime juice, mint, honey and tonic). So easy to make and genuinely delicious. I would recommend drinking Feragaia mixed in cocktails."

Next, from The London Essence Co, we have the unusual, but totally delicious tonic water, flavoured with zingy grapefruit and herb-y rosemary. We reckon it'll make a great gift this Christmas, perfect for a festive tipple.

You can find The London Essence at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose and Amazon.

This full-bodied G&T is very low-alcohol at 0.6 per cent ABV and has a high concentration of botanicals. Featuring notes of fresh juniper to warming cardamom and floral hibiscus.

Pros: Perfect if you're looking for a high quality, low alcohol alternative to gin
Cons: Expensive

Customer review: "Really like this. Have tried a few similar products. This one is streets ahead."

Blended with the four same signature botanicals as their alcoholic London Dry Gin, Tanqueray's 0% is a convincing non-alcoholic gin with citrus notes and a juniper-led profile.

Pros: Enjoy the taste of a G&T without the alcohol
Cons: Some reviews comment why is it priced the same as the version containing alcohol

Customer review: "The best alcohol-free gin we have tried. Genuinely tastes like a nice gin. Perfect for the nights I'm on call-out duty for work."

Inspired by the flavours of Italy, this non-acholic spirit from Tuscan Tree is a distillation of botanicals infused with natural flavours of Italian Elderflower blossom, a hint of Sicilian lemon zest, and Italian sparkling wine.

Pros: All-natural Italian flavours for making a non-alcoholic Spritz
Cons: Some reviews have commented on the lack of storage instructions

Customer review: "Although slightly expensive it's a decent-sized bottle. I pour it over ice to appreciate its tangy flavours, anything else seems to mask it's unique taste."

This quintessentially British tonic is made with cucumber, rosemary and mint and would be perfect with a G&T or perhaps on its own.

Pros: Low-calorie, premium tonic water evoking the English garden, refreshing
Cons: Some reviews have commented that it has a strong cucumber-tasting note which wasn't for them

Customer review: "Amazing fresh taste, perfect on its own or used as a mixer with a straight gin. There is so much taste you don't need to mix it with other flavours. Fabulous quality product."

This blend of elderflower, delicate hibiscus and geranium make a beautiful botanical fizz for your G&Ts, vodka cocktails or enjoy on its own. It is also free from all artificial ingredients, sweeteners and preservatives and only 20 calories per 100ml.

Pros: All natural flavours, low calorie
Cons: None

Customer review: "I found this botanical soda fizz uplifting and a delightful treat. It quenched my thirst after heavy gardening on a very hot day. This is like drinking from a perfumed oasis after travelling for hours across a scorching desert. My husband likened the flavour to proper Turkish Delight."

Cawston has a range of fizzy botanical drinks that are refreshing and flavourful, from elderflower to ginger beer; there are five options to choose from to quench your thirst.

Pros: Tangy, balanced flavour, low sugar
Cons: None

Customer review: "Saw these and decided to give them a try as they were sparkling water and juice based, and had less artificial sweeteners, flavours and sugar than pop or fizzy drinks. These drinks were refreshing, tasty, gentler on the tummy than pop drinks."

This botanical drink is an infusion of ingredients filled with antioxidants and nutritional benefits. Made with nettle, chamomile, wild strawberry, meadowsweet and cucumber, this drink will hydrate and satiate you.

Pros: Low calorie, immune boosting, natural nutrients
Cons: None

Customer review: "I would recommend this drink for someone wanting a healthy drink alternative that’s natural and has plenty of health benefits. It’s only 53 calories too."

Or, why not grab a fruit botanical soft drink from Firefly? Their refreshing botanical drinks are perfect over ice or with your favourite spirit. A mix of lime and mint sounds perfect, don't you think?

Pros: Tasty and refreshing flavour, also vegan
Cons: None.

Customer review: "The mint and pomegranate flavours are really tasty; the mint is refreshing on a hot day."

This set of the 12 finest botanicals and spices will transform any gin into flavoured G&T drinks to match your favourite flavours - sweet, citrus, spicy, or floral. This range of spices and herbs makes for a fun activity that will give you an insight into the world of botanicals.

Pros: 12-month shelf life, gift idea, infuse your own gin
Cons: Not available outside the UK

Customer review: "Came in a really well-presented tin, with sturdy individual tins of botanicals. The quality and quantity of each botanical are excellent. All the ingredients are difficult to source and buy in smaller quantities, so this pack is great value for money."

This handy guide is perfect for plant lovers, foragers, brewers, fermenters or those interested in the healing power of herbs and spices. Learn how to make a selection of fantastic non-alcoholic drinks, among many other things.

Pros: Detailed information about natural medicine
Cons: Not for an amateur

Customer reviews: "This is clearly a book for a committed modern alchemist. The range of drinks, the description of their uses, and detailed instructions for making them, is excellent."

Can't get enough of botanicals? This card set contains 100 rare portraits of exotic flowers, cacti and succulents from the world-renowned collection of the New York Botanical Garden. Either frame them, place them on your fridge or send them to a fellow green thumb.

Pros: Charming botanical illustrations, no repeats
Cons: Some reviews commented on the white background being impractical if you intend to post the cards

Customer review: "Really beautiful I bought these to frame, and they do not disappoint… the colours are gorgeous."

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