Zero de Cologne. Alcohol-free gin alternative with the botanicals of Gin de Cologne, 0.0% ABV, sugar-free – from Cologne.

Zero de Cologne is an alcohol-free gin alternative from Cologne: the botanicals of Gin de Cologne as spice and floral distillates, 0.0% ABV, 500 ml. Handmade in Cologne, zesty-tangy-refreshing with tonic, without sugar and without artificial flavorings.

An alcohol-free gin alternative is a drink made from the botanicals of a gin, just with 0.0% ABV. Legally, it cannot call itself gin, because a gin requires at least 37.5% ABV. According to the makers of Gin de Cologne, they developed this drink over months of work because many people asked for it. It's Tuesday evening, you're still driving, and yet you want something in your glass that looks like lime, ice, and tonic. That is what this bottle is for.

Taste: zesty, tangy, and refreshing with tonic

With tonic, the manufacturer describes the taste as zesty, tangy, and refreshing. The basis consists of spice and floral distillates, supplemented by natural flavorings. Citric acid provides acidity, and potassium sorbate serves as a preservative; both are listed on the ingredients label, along with water as the base.

The sharpness of alcohol is missing at 0.0% ABV, but the drink carries the freshness of the botanicals instead. Those expecting the body of a 42% ABV gin will find a lighter drink here that fits well into a long, fresh drink.

Usage: Zero & Tonic with lime and three ice cubes

The manufacturer's recipe is called Zero & Tonic: 4 cl Zero, 16 cl tonic water, a wedge of lime, three ice cubes. The ratio is 1:4. Put ice and Zero into the glass, slowly pour the tonic along a spoon, and squeeze the lime over the drink. With 500 ml, you get about twelve glasses. For a pitcher, mix 8 cl Zero, 32 cl tonic, lime slices, and ice, and serve it at the table to keep the carbonation intact.

The bottle also works with soda water and a lemon slice as a light long drink or with ginger ale and cucumber. For a Zero Lemonade, shake 4 cl Zero with 2 cl lemon juice over ice and fill up with soda water; those who prefer it sweeter can add a dash of sugar syrup. For guests who are driving, set out the ingredients as you would for a gin and tonic, and everyone can sit at the table with the same glass.

Our tip: Serve the Zero in a balloon glass with plenty of ice and a lime wedge. The look matches a classic gin and tonic, and no one at the table has to explain why their glass looks different.

Origin: the same makers, the same botanicals, alcohol-free

The drink is produced by Cologne Spirits GmbH in Cologne, Bonner Straße 205, founded in 2017 by Abbass Khatami, who previously worked with his advertising agency for beverage brands. The Gin de Cologne is handcrafted in Cologne-Ehrenfeld; this drink uses the same botanicals at 0.0% ABV.

Once opened, store the bottle in the refrigerator and consume within 8 weeks. The best-before date is on the bottle.

For whom: drivers, those taking a break, and gin and tonic fans

Zero is for everyone who enjoys the ritual of a gin and tonic and wants to drink alcohol-free. This includes drivers, people taking a break from alcohol, and hosts who want to offer more than just juice. The bottle is also a good gift idea for people who do not drink, because it provides a beverage that looks like a gin and tonic. If you want to get to know the original, you can find the Gin de Cologne with 42% ABV, and for a fruity note, there is the Orange version. You can find more from Cologne on the Gin de Cologne page.

Zero is not suitable for anyone looking for a real gin with juniper sharpness; it remains a gin alternative.

Alcohol-free gin alternative from Cologne, 0.0% ABV, 500 ml – for Zero & Tonic with lime and ice.