How gin and vodka makers are slowing the spread of coronavirus – by making their own hand sanitisers, and giving them away for free
As Covid-19 continues to spread, distillers are stepping up to fill the shortage in hand sanitisers, and giving them away to customers who come through their doors
Some unexpected sources already have stepped up to fill the shortage in hand sanitiser. In France the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH is now using its perfume factories to make the product for hospitals. In the US the Food and Drug Administration is now encouraging pharmacists to make their own.
Earlier in March, Tito’s warned the public not to use its vodka for home-made versions because it didn’t meet the 60 per cent alcohol requirement. But that hasn’t stopped small-batch distilleries in the US and the UK from doing their part to pitch in on the effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
They are uniquely equipped to make hand sanitiser because the most effective germ-fighting ones are generally made with a base of 60 per cent-plus alcohol, a product that distilleries have in abundance.
Beyond that, basic recipes include aloe vera for moisturising; distilleries will also add the botanicals or flavourings from their signature spirits as a twist. Portland-based Shine Distillery & Grill isn’t treating its formula like a trade secret. “I have fielded some calls from Seattle and suggested they contact their local distilleries to tell them what we are doing,” says general manager Ryan Ruelos. “Because any distillery can do it.”
The one thing they cannot do, though, is sell their sanitisers. Sales of distilled spirits are strictly regulated by the government and could jeopardise business licences. Instead, distilleries are giving them away to customers who come through their doors. In some cases, such as at Psychopomp Microdistillery in Bristol, England, donations from customers who take the sanitiser are being given to charity.
Naval Gin Sanitiser
Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Co. has begun using its straight-from-the-still Perry’s Tot Navy Strength gin to make sanitiser, which it is giving out to area restaurants, bars, and liquor stores. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last Sunday night that the city’s bars and restaurants will close, except for pickup and delivery services.
The recipe is simple: two parts uncut gin with one part aloe vera; the scent is of juniper berries and citrus.