If there’s anything that’s taken a massive jump back into vogue over the past 5+ years, it’s gin.
With people making it in their bath tubs, to huge multinationals pumping out varietals by the dozen, there’s no denying that these days, it’s all about the artisan batches with a dashing story to-boot.
So without further ado and to help you celebrate World Gin Day on 11 June, we’ve rounded up our favourite gins of the new and old that you need a bottle of to drink either with or without friends this World Gin Day – or month?
Lovingly inspired by French florals, more specifically a garden cultivated by Debbie Gabriel, wife of Citadelle Founder Alexandre Gabriel, Jardin d’été is made with the addition of melon flesh, whole lemon, yuzu zest and orange peel, atop the unique 19 botanical combination used to make Citadelle Original.
Gin and tonic A La Francaise recipe
- 1 part Citadelle Jardin d’été
- 3 parts tonic
- Peel of an organic lemon
In a large wine glass filled with ice cubes, pour 1 part of Citadelle Jardin d’été.
Top it off with 3 parts tonic.
Make a nice twist of lemon peel; express it above the glass and place it delicately in the glass.
This unconventional, intriguing ode to the sea emanates from the curious mind of Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie and uses a mysterious blend of refreshing Scottish coastal botanicals to express the magic of the sea in liquid form, creating a rich, evocative sensorial story. Unmistakably Hendrick’s, based on the classic Hendrick’s style, Hendrick’s NEPTUNIA adds another wave of flavour with an enticing chorus of deeply refreshing Scottish coastal botanicals and combines a smooth, bright citrus finish with a deliciously distant sea breeze.
A London Dry Gin with countryside flavour from fresh, farm-grown botanicals. Their award-winning taste is all thanks to Mother Nature (and their expert distillers, of course).
From Healesville just outside Melbourne, 2019 and 2020 IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year, believes the simplicity of a gin and tonic lets the gin shine. “For me, there is nothing better than our signature Rare Dry Gin mixed in a G&T with good quality tonic water, plenty of ice, and a slice of orange,” says Four Pillars co-founder & distiller, Cam Mackenzie. “We use whole fresh oranges in each distillation so using an orange wedge as a garnish really complements the unique citrus notes in the gin.”
Head distiller Rowdy Rooney says, “My favourite G&T is a wild one! I pour 60ml of Glendalough Wild Botanical gin over a full glass of ice, then top it with a premium, non-flavoured tonic water. I like to add a wedge of pink grapefruit and some freshly picked and slapped basil. The grapefruit amplifies the citrus notes from the pine shoots we pick. The slapping of the basil releases its flavour which compliments the more herbaceous notes of fresh, wild Wicklow mountain botanicals.”
This tasty local number bears all the quintessential flavours of its unique origins from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Aromatic and fruity. Enjoy sweet notes and savoury hits in every sip. Grown in New Zealand’s famous winemaking regions, every aspect of this lovingly crafted gin is traceable. Mix Strange Nature Gin with premium tonic and a slice of lime.
This Swedish gin is distilled in the small village of Dala just outside Härnösand on the High Coast of Sweden, was honoured as the World’s Best Gin & Tonic in 2016 at IWSC, the foremost global spirits competition in alcoholic beverages. Founder Jon Hillgren simply pours Hernö Gin with a good tonic and lemon zest.