Check the drink type: for gin-and-tonic or spritzes, prioritize tonic + juniper; for martinis, prioritize dry bitterness and low sweetness.
Start with the 1:1 swap from the reference table; if the substitute is sweet, use slightly less and dilute with water or soda.
Adjust the “gin backbone”: add a little more juniper (tea/syrup) if it tastes flat, or add citrus/bitters if it lacks lift.
Balance after dilution: if the drink turns too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of alcohol-free bitters.
Chill/serve over ice and taste once the drink is properly cold, since flavors mute at first and open up after a few minutes.
