CLEAN CO Rhubarb Alcohol Free Spirit Review

DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Helen Wyatt

I’ll start with the obvious: I’d been drinking a bit too much. Not dramatically, not daily-bottle-of-wine levels, but enough that I noticed. Gin had become a habit, something I reached for when I needed to switch gears or mark the end of the day. While the buzz had its place, I started feeling like I was running on auto-pour. That’s when I started looking for something that could replace the ritual, not just the alcohol.

Enter CleanCo Rhubarb, a non-alcoholic spirit that promised to fill the gin-shaped hole in my routine. And to my surprise, it sort of did.

Let’s be clear upfront: this is not gin. If you’re expecting a straight swap for a Tanqueray or a Hendrick’s, this isn’t that. But if you’re looking for something that feels like you’re drinking a proper drink, grown-up, intentional, a bit fancy, then CleanCo’s Rhubarb option delivers enough of that vibe to be satisfying.

I don’t drink tonic (never have, never will), so the classic G&T comparisons are lost on me. I’ve been pairing it with lemonade, which works fairly well. The rhubarb flavour is the main event, slightly tart and a little dry, though I will say it smells more complex than it tastes. There’s a lovely botanical fragrance when you first open the bottle, almost like it’s promising something deeper, but the flavour itself doesn’t quite follow through. It’s pleasant, light, fruity, and a touch grown-up, just not as layered as the scent might suggest.

Still, it doesn’t feel like you’re just drinking squash. There’s a bit of cleverness in how it’s put together. Enough of a sharp edge and subtle warmth to convince your brain that this is something more than just a soft drink in disguise.

What I like most is that it gives me the psychological cue that I’m having a treat. The bottle looks the part, the pour feels intentional, and over ice with a good mixer, it feels like I’m still part of the grown-up table, just without the fuzziness, guilt, or next-morning regret.

That said, it’s not cheap. At around the same price as a regular bottle of gin, you’d be forgiven for expecting a bit more oomph, or at least some alcohol for your money. But honestly, I’ve found it to be worth it. Not because it’s a miracle product, but because it’s allowed me to shift my habits without feeling like I’m giving something up. It’s a swap, not a sacrifice.

There are downsides. If you’re after that bold, juniper-heavy hit, this probably won’t cut it. But if you’re looking for something that ticks the “I’m having a drink” box without spiralling into another evening of accidental “home double” measures then this does a decent job.

Bonus point, it actually makes a really thoughtful gift. If you know someone who’s trying to drink less, or just fancy giving something a bit different than the usual bottle of wine or prosecco, this is a solid option. It looks good, feels considered, and gives someone a decent alternative without making a big deal out of it.

Rating: 4/5

RRP: £16

This product can be purchased from clean.co