When you think of gin, you probably don’t immediately think of Scotland-unless you’re already a loving fan of The Botanist, the only gin made on the Isle of Islay. Gin is a much more complicated spirit than, say, vodka, and it has a ton of variations in the recipe, with almost infinite riffs on a certain herbal theme: Gin always contains juniper berries and that is the hallmark aromatic note you’ll find no matter where or how it’s made. Other classic gin flavors include orrisroot (also an incredibly expensive perfume ingredient), cassia bark, coriander seed, angelica, citrus peel, cardamom and nutmeg. These botanicals can be mixed and matched in varying proportions and there are many variations with intriguing additions. The Botanist uses 22 botanicals foraged on Islay, and the aromatics are pretty amazing: Apple mint and gorse, menthol and wildflowers, thistle honey and aniseed along with the classics. It’s a smooth customer but with an edge of wildness to it. And all those herbaceous notes make it a very fun companion for Experimental Cocktail Night.
The Botanist’s own mixology department suggests these potions specifically for their gin. Obviously, if you have an allegiance to a particular spirit you should still try these combinations. All small-batch gins will have their own unique character, so you’re bound to stumble onto something tasty. Cheers!
Punkin’ Gin Fashioned
Ingredients
1.5 oz. The Botanist Gin
.25 oz. Dry Vermouth
.25 oz. Maple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish
Directions: In a mixing glass, stir all ingredients with large ice cubes. Strain into rocks glass over large ice cubes. Express orange peel over and garnish with cinnamon stick
Fallen Gimlet
Ingredients
1.5 oz. The Botanist Gin
.75 oz. Fresh lime juice
.75 oz. Honey syrup
4 Fresh sage leaves
Directions: In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake and strain into chilled Collins glass. Garnish with fresh sage.
Leaf’ Behind
Ingredients
1.5 oz. The Botanist Gin
.5 oz. Cointreau
1 bag Lemon Ginger Tea
1 bag Earl Grey Tea
.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
Orange wheel and star anise for garnish
Directions: Steep tea for 10 minutes in tea cup and remove tea bags. Add in remaining ingredients and stir. Garnish with orange wheel and star anise.