Dry January – Free Bird
Obviously, there is not just non-alcoholic “gin” on the market by now. The folks at Heimat Distillers also have a version of their Vogelfrei based on sugarcane. This interesting no-ABV “rum” which also includes chilli and Limousin wood seemed perfect for a alcohol free version of the Jungle Bird cocktail. At the same time, this also serves as a smooth transition into Tropical Month!
Fake ester notes
When you look at the alcoholic Heimat Distillers portfolio, you will notice that they also bottle rum from Guyana. So, it is only logical for them to also experiment with a non-alcoholic “rum”. In case of their Vogelfrei Sugar Cane they use water, sugar cane molasses, maple syrup, natural herbal distillates and extracts, glycerine, preservative potassium sorbate, acidity regulator citric acid. Two of these extracts are chilli and Limousine wood.
At first glance, the Vogelfrei Sugar Cane really reminds me of Jamaica rum. You get a certain ester-like bouquet. Yet, after a while the noose changes towards some more umami notes which instantly reminded me of the distillate using habaneros by Empirical Spirits. When it comes to the mouthfeel, the chilli helps, but you do notice that this is a no-ABV spirit. Again you are reminded of Jamaica rum, but with also certain umami notes.
A not so bitter bird
Besides the looming Tropical Month, I also needed an excuse to mix another drink with the Lyre’s Italian Bitter. This is why I came up with a virgin Jungle Bird variation using the Vogelfrei Sugar Cane and the no-ABV bitter. Apart from that, I kept the original recipe.
3 cl Lyre’s Italian Orange
4,5 cl Pineapple Juice
1,5 cl Lime Juice
1,5 cl Demerara Simple Syrup
Garnish: Dried Lime Wheel – Lime Twist;
Song: Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird;
When sipping the “Free Bird” you are reminded of the original Jungle Bird. However, the chilli note really shines through and the Italian Orange is way smoother than regular Campari. Besides that, the pineapple juice smoothens the drinking experience. All in all, it was a great way to end the Dry January 2022!
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. The Vogelfrei was provided by Heimat Distillers.
