What Are Gin Botanicals?
Gin botanicals are the various garnishes that are infused with gin to add a depth of flavour to your favourite drink.
Over recent years gin and tonic have become one of the most popular drink choices in the UK. In fact, Taste Atlas class London Dry Gin third on their Most popular UK spirits list.
But how do people enjoy their gin?
There is more to this British tradition than a standard gin and tonic. The faint juniper flavour combines with the oily texture to provide a refreshing drink that many people enjoy.
Gin is a versatile spirit that you can enjoy with ginger ale, pink lemonade or a variety of other choices. The distinctive flavour makes it a British favourite with a selection of gin botanicals.
You can also enjoy your best gin in several delicious gin cocktails. But we can get into that later.
Our 7 Favourite Gin Botanicals
Here we go, our complete guide to what we see as the seven best gin botanicals. Some of these flavours work well together, or on their own.
It will take a bit of experimenting to find what you like most, so don’t be afraid to try something different.
#1 – Orange Peel
It may seem like an odd thing to include when talking about a sweet fruit like an orange. However, you can find the boldest flavour of orange in the zest. Orange peel as a gin garnish provides a citrus kick that cuts through the bitterness of gin.
You can use both fresh orange peel, or dried orange peel. They will both provide a citrus twist in a gin and tonic.
Tips: If using fresh orange peel, fold it in half between two fingers and squeeze together over your gin and tonic to release more flavour into your drink.
Common Combinations: Orange peel and a cinnamon stick can add a festive twist to your gin this Christmas.
#2 – Cinnamon Quills
Cinnamon is one of my favourite spices. The sweet, woody flavour brings out the juniper undertones and provides a slightly spicy kick that will complement the oily mouthfeel of gin.
Tips: Give the cinnamon quill time to infuse with your favourite gin and tonic, and the results will amaze you.
Common Combinations: Try a combination of cinnamon and star anise to give your gin a bold range of flavours.
#3 – Star Anise
Alongside tasting delicious, star anise is one of the most aesthetically pleasing gin botanicals. The star shape draws the eyes towards your drinks and offers a hint of liquorice.
#4 – Fresh Mint
You won’t have to look far to find a gin mixer with some fresh mint. The subtle flavours from the fresh herb infuse with gin to provide a refreshing drink.
To get the most flavour out of your mint, lightly bruise by hitting gently on the back of your hand or a work surface.
Tips: Fresh mint works well as a gin botanical when mixing with ginger ale as well as tonic.
Common Combinations: The picturesque mint leaves are an excellent addition to most gin cocktails.
#5 – Peppercorns
You may be wondering why peppercorns are on this list. However, peppercorns add a distinct savoury profile that works well with a regular gin and tonic.
Tips: Try experimenting with various peppercorns to see which you prefer. Szechuan peppercorns can add a slight numbing feeling to your drink. Don’t worry, Szechuan can actually enhance the flavour of your gin and tonic.
Common Combinations: Peppercorns work well with fresh strawberries.
#6 – Raspberries
Fresh raspberries are an excellent option if mixing your gin with pink lemonade. The slightly sour raspberries will cut through the sweetness of the pink lemonade and provide you with a sweet gin botanical mixer.
Tips: You can try a combination of other berries and fruits with gin. The slightly bitter juniper flavour compliments a range of sweet and citrus fruits.
#7 – Juniper Berries
Most producers use juniper berries to manufacture gin. So it stands to reason that juniper berries would enhance the flavour.
The juniper berries give a slight aromatic pine flavour with a hint of pepper. These look great in a variety of gin mixers but work well with a traditional fresh gin and tonic.
Tips: Keeping a supply of dried juniper berries will allow you to enjoy this garnish for a long time.
Common Combinations: Juniper and rosemary are a traditional combination of gin and tonic.
Summary
Like with most cooking skills and drinks preferences, to find your true favourites, you need to experiment. Try using each botanical on its own or in combination with other gin botanicals.
You could even get creative and try and come up with some gin garnish of your own.
If you find something that you love, get in touch. We love hearing from you and hope that you enjoy this list of our seven favourite gin botanicals.
Not Sure Where To Start?
If you need a nudge in the right direction, take a look at our Gin and Tonic Box. We have put together a box including five gin botanicals that are on this list.
Start your weekends in style with a mix of star anise, cinnamon, orange peel, peppercorns and juniper berries, all part of our Gin and Tonic box.
