Top 10 Gin Botanicals
Making your own Gin at home is a wonderful way to get creative and understand what is behind this much loved tipple that we have grown so fond of. With so many options and combinations to try, teaming herbs, spices and floral botanicals with various types of gins and infused tonics can be a great way to impress guests or just make that much needed G+T at the end of a long day that even more special. Here are our top 10 favourite botanicals to make the perfect gin at home.
Juniper Berries
Juniper Berries are the main ingredient of any gin. These tiny dried berries have a sweet and spicy taste with a slight bitterness. The name gin itself is derived from either the French genièvre or the Dutch jenever, which both mean "juniper". If you are planning to make your own gin at home from a pure spirit then you'll need around 25g of Juniper berries for a 70cl bottle of Gin. Once you have this foundation, you can enjoy adding other elements to create a personalised taste.
2. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are an important part of the flavouring of gin. The oil from the seeds’ is called Linalool, which has a beautiful spicy and slightly floral note. You will be surprised to know that this is the ingredient that you will most familiarly recognise the taste and smell of gin from.
3. Angelica Root
Angelica root provides the earthy flavour in Gin. A tad bitter but with a hint of herbs, the flavour of angelica can sometimes be confused with juniper berries but they both equally have a part to play and are actually very different.
4. Rose petals
Rose petals are the perfect way to infuse gin with a sweet and floral taste. Rose as a signature botanic, teamed with the spicy warmth of juniper and the sharpness of blueberries or blackberries combine to make the perfect glass of Gin. Try adding a few fresh mint leaves in for a hint of freshness.
5. Berries
Berries such as Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries are what you will find in pink gin to add sweetness and that enticing pink colour. They also double up as the perfect garnish. Chop up one strawberry and throw some raspberries in your glass of Gin & Tonic for a sweet taste and an added treat to fish out at the end of your drink!
6. Lemon peel
Lemon peel is an important and popular botanicals used in many gins and adds a refreshing twist with a combination of sharp, fresh citrus notes. These tones are what lightens and compliments the heavier, earthier flavours.
7. Orange peel
Varieties of orange such as blood orange and the Seville orange are typically used over the classic sweet orange for their bitter and aromatic qualities. Any type of orange is sure to perfectly compliment the spicy notes and floral aromas from the Juniper Berries and Coriander seeds.
8. Cardamon Pods
Ever had a curry and got one of these little explosions of flavour in a mouthful? They certainly pack a punch. But Cardamom seeds are a growing trend within popular Gins over the past decade. It is the little black seeds inside the pods which contain the flavour, a slight chai-like combination of flavours with notes of pepper and spices.
9. Rosemary
Delicious rosemary adds a wonderful herbly note to a glass of G&T. Perfect to compliment the spicy tones of juniper and also a sophisticated garnish to add to a goblet glass over ice for a late afternoon tipple.
10. Pink Peppercorns
Pink Peppercorns have a light berry sweetness with a subtle zest of fire. Bold but fruity, these pretty little gems are the perfect addition to add a hint of spice but promise not to overpower with strong pepper flavours.
