Dromore teen creates Northern Ireland's first alcohol free gin

by Gráinne Connolly

16 year old Hana Hughes from Dromore has created Northern Ireland's first alcohol-free gin at her parents local distillery, Hughes Craft Distillery based in Moira, Co. Down.

The drink called 'Driver's Gin' was created using a range of botanicals such as juniper, coriander, cubeb’s, black peppercorns & sweet orange and is also sugar and calorie free.

Hana's idea, is that 'Driver's Gin' will offer an alcohol-free alternative to people who don’t drink alcohol or are taking part in the sober for October campaign without compromising on flavour. 

Following the launch, Hana said; "I had a keen interest in learning a new skill, and when reading the list I was given at a Duke of Edinburgh awards meeting I was initially surprised to see brewing and wine making as suggestions.

"I knew the resources available to me at my parent’s distillery were unique and I set myself a challenge to learn how to distil a non-alcoholic gin.

"I came up with two recipes, my first was very similar to a classic gin recipe but the second was my own recipe of botanicals, strong juniper, coriander, black peppercorns, cubeb’s, sweet orange.

"When I had finished distilling the recipes I measured the alcohol and they were both 0%ABV.

"I had to ask for help from people who like the taste of gin and I was relieved and really happy when they said my recipe tasted great. I serve it with Fever-tree tonic and a slice of orange.” 

(Barbara and Stuart Hughes, owners of Hughes Distillery, with daughter Hana)

Barbara Hughes (Owner of Hughes Craft Distillery and Hana’s mother) said;

“Hana is a very focused young lady who pays so much care and attention to all of her school studies.

"When she takes on a new project or hobby she gives it 100% commitment and she has taken on the Duke of Edinburgh awards with such enthusiasm.

"This past few weeks she has embraced the skills challenge and through research, trials and a taste panel of gin connoisseurs, she has created a juniper led non-alcoholic spirit. 

"Hana’s ‘Driver’s Gin’ really is a special drink and we are very proud of her.

"To be able to offer Hana’s Non-Alcoholic gin to visitors to Hughes Craft Distillery or The StillHouse Gastropub is really amazing and perfectly timed for those taking part in Sober for October campaign.”

Hughes Craft Distillery was established in 2010 by husband and wife team Stuart and Barbara.

They were the first small-batch spirits producer in Northern Ireland much ahead of the craft spirits movement.