Ashifa Bano
November 15, 2024
Botanicals are the core of gin. After all, gin is made by combining a neutral grain spirit with juniper berries and peels, roots, seeds, barks and spices.
As the cornerstone of gin, juniper berries have a piney, resinous note that characterises the spirit. Infusing it creates a crisp foundation for any Gin and Tonic cocktail.
Gin gets its characteristic bitterness and earthininess from angelica roots, which is one of the primary ingredients making the base of gin.
The final base gin botanical, coriander seeds have a strong citrusy, herby and fruity hint that complements the slightly neutral taste of tonic water.
Cardamom has a strong, floral aroma that is carefully infused into the spirit to not overpower other flavours. Cardamom pods are often slightly cracked and dropped into the drink.
Lemons infuse the spirit with a strong citrusy aroma. Its peel is the storehouse of the essential oils. Hence, distillers prefer to use them to impart the citrusy note to gin.
This cinnamon-like spice is harvested in Vietnam and China and is much preferred over cinnamon to flavour gin because of its toughness.
Selected for its piney and earthy notes, pepper is a complementary flavour profile to juniper berries, and pairs well with the sweet and fruity notes of tonic water.