Spring is here. You may or may not know that from looking outside – but let’s ignore the weather forecast for a moment. If the weather won’t reflect the changing of the seasons, then we’ll have to do it ourselves in the form of spring-tastic cocktails!
Wondering where to start? We’re glad you asked – here are our favourite tipples to see in the beginning of longer days, warmer weather, and... Well, if we’re being honest, hay fever. But let’s focus on the first two. Onto the gins!
Why is it spring-tastic? In the words of Miranda Priestly: “Florals? For Spring? Ground-breaking.” Floral deliciousness and the springtime are old friends for a reason – and though it may not be ground-breaking, it sure works! Neroli Gin is made with the wonderfully distinctive blossom of the bitter orange tree, and it takes over a tonne of flowers to produce just 1kg of oil. It’s pretty special stuff.
What does it taste like? A crackle of juniper underneath orange sherbet, perfumed florals, coriander spice, and a little liquorice sweetness.
Why is it spring-tastic? Warmer weather and zesty gins go together like bread and butter. Or ice cream and chocolate sauce. Or– you get the picture. Finger limes are a rather unusual fruit all the way from Australia, which look like a stretched out regular lime, but inside look more like caviar. Plus, it’s up for debate whether they should even be included in the Citrus genus or not. While the jury’s out on that one, it doesn’t stop them imparting heaps of zesty flavours to the gin!
What does it taste like? Lemon blossom, tart pink grapefruit, and a smidge of candied juniper, with lime peel and a pinch of peppery spice.
Why is it spring-tastic? We enjoy different flavours in the warmer seasons. Like berries. And salads. While these usually wouldn’t go together, we combined elements of both of these in Strawberry & Balsamico Gin! Fresh strawberries, strawberry and black pepper distillates, and Aceto di Balsamico tradizionale di Modena DOP (which is aged for between 12 and 25 years) are the stars of this show. Yes, it’s an unlikely pairing, but would we have done it if it didn’t work? We rest our case.
What does it taste like? Fresh strawberry sweetness initially, bolstered by spicy juniper, a hit of black pepper, and distinctive. It’s a touch woody, too.
Why is it spring-tastic? Remember what we just said about citrus and spring? We won’t repeat ourselves, but we will introduce to you another contender for those refreshing cocktails you’ll be wanting to shake up – Yuzu Gin! While the humble yuzu looks more like a grapefruit, in fact it tastes somewhere between a grapefruit and a lemon. Oh, and it’s totally awesome in a Gin Fizz.
What does it taste like? cream soda texture there’s sweet sherbet lemon, orange oil and bergamot. Perfumed vanilla and jasmine linger beneath, with tart liquorice root and a suggestion of star anise. Turkish Delight and icing sugar are also present.
sweetly floral finish also offers waxy mixed peels, warming pine needle and an intensifying earthy spiciness.
Why is it spring-tastic? Spring calls for refreshing flavours. Imagine if you could get your hands on a fruit that (while it looks like a tiny watermelon) tastes like a lime-dipped cucumber? And then we made a gin with it? You can see where we’re going with this – cucamelon is this ridiculous fruit!
What does it taste like? A touch floral and citrusy, with a juniper core, bursts of creamy lime, and prickly juniper.
Why is it spring-tastic? You want to whip up some tropical tastiness without losing the all-important juniper dimension. We get it. No matter what is going on outside, you’ll be transported somewhere warmer and sunnier with our Spit-Roasted Pineapple Gin in your glass.
What does it taste like? A tropical bonanza! Both caramelised pineapple and more sour fruit develop, with slightly burnt brown sugar, a touch of orange, and a good helping of juniper.