ZERO,O developed and crafted by Sterkstokers.
ZERO,O is developed and crafted at Sterkstokers, our artisanal distillery in Sint-Lenaarts.
Here, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and, above all, a great deal of curiosity. We taste, test, and experiment until flavour, aroma, and character come together perfectly.
And we don't do that just for ourselves.
Do you have an idea for a drink? At Sterkstokers, you can also turn to us for private label services and the development of your own spirit, from the initial idea and recipe to the finished bottle.
About ZERO,O
In 2019, we were looking for a way to capture the essence of gin in an alcohol-free form. However, simply replacing roughly 40% alcohol with water was not the right approach. Our GINOO was an interesting attempt, but...
The real breakthrough came when we realized that people choosing alcohol-free options don't want a substitute, but a drink that offers an experience: celebrating life by sharing something special with themselves and others.
This insight led us to new techniques for capturing flavours in a bottle. We discovered that the brain needs to be enticed to enjoy unique drinks.
Our Zero line represents delicious drinks that offer a special experience.
Local Happiness
“We aren't replacing alcohol”
As a distiller, I normally work with alcohol to convey aromas. To me, alcohol is a tool, not an end in itself. What truly fascinates me is how our drinks move you—not just in terms of taste, but emotionally, too. Our drinks are made precisely for those moments when life is celebrated.
Without alcohol, I had to rethink what makes a drink truly special.
- It had to be intriguing. Made from natural ingredients.
- A drink that stimulates your brain, that makes you pause for a moment.
- Not everyone has to like it right away.
- It doesn't have to be a “comfort drink.”
- It can be something that demands your attention.
For me and for you, I create ZEROO.
"Think Outside the box, think in another box."
Thomas & Karin: Without alcohol as an aroma carrier, we had to rethink everything:
- What makes a cocktail special?
- Does it always have to be comforting and sweet?
- Can it be intriguing, too?
- What does alcohol do to your brain?
- How do I stimulate the appetite instead of suppressing it?
We found the answer in techniques typically used in perfumery or gastronomy.
From herb to perfect taste
At Sterkstokers, we believe in purity and craftsmanship. Our spirits are made exclusively from carefully selected, natural ingredients, without added sugars or artificial flavorings. With an inventory of over 250 botanicals and herbs, and years of experience in producing artisanal spirits, we select the finest raw materials to create a rich, refined taste experience.
Steam distillation
We extract essential oils from botanicals using controlled heat, releasing complex aromas and bitter compounds.
Vacuum distillation
Lowering the pressure lowers the boiling point, allowing us to extract delicate flavours without thermal degradation.
Infusion
Through cold maceration, we extract flavour components from fruit and botanicals and infuse them into the liquid.
Fermentation
Using controlled bacterial and yeast cultures, we break down unwanted compounds and refine the flavour.
Filtration
We filter to achieve the desired clarity and texture, depending on the recipe and the intended final appearance.
Crafted with passion. For true connoisseurs.
New ideas bring us joy: discovering ingredients, combining flavours, and experimenting until everything is just right. What began as an experiment born of pure curiosity grew into our own artisanal distillery. That same curiosity lives on in ZERO,O today. Because for us, a good drink isn't about the alcohol content, but about how much you enjoy it.
MADE BY STERKSTOKERS
ZEROO is the alcohol-free beverage brand from Sterkstokers, developed and crafted with Belgian expertise.