Flavored gins are an exciting way to add a personal touch to your drinks, especially during the colder months when a warming, aromatic drink can lift your spirits. Not only do these gins make fantastic gifts, but they also allow you to experiment with the fresh, natural flavors straight from your garden. In this article, we’ll explore how to create two delightful flavored gins: a fruity strawberry gin and a comforting cinnamon bun gin.
Key Ingredients for Flavored Gin
Flavored gins can be made using ingredients you likely already have in your garden. From sweet fruits like strawberries and blueberries to fragrant herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary, the possibilities are endless. You can even add a bit of heat with chili peppers or experiment with vegetables like celery or rhubarb. Seasonal berries, such as blackthorn berries, are perfect for creating a rich sloe gin.
A neutral, high-quality gin serves as the ideal base for these flavors. London dry gin, with its clean and crisp profile, is a popular choice for infusions.
Infusing Your Gin: A Simple Process
To begin, you’ll need a clean and sterilized jar or bottle to ensure your gin doesn’t spoil. For each liter of gin, use about 200-400 grams (half to one pound) of your chosen flavoring ingredients. The amount of time you let the flavors infuse will depend on the type of ingredient. For instance, chili peppers and citrus only need 24 hours, while spices can be steeped for a week or more. Berries typically require about a month, and traditional sloe gin is best after several months of infusion.
Strawberry Gin Recipe
A strawberry gin is a perfect starting point, with its sweet and aromatic flavor. To make this gin, you’ll need:
- 700ml bottle of gin
- 400g strawberries
- 100g caster sugar
Start by hulking and halving the strawberries. Place them in a sterilized mason jar, add the sugar, and shake to combine. Let the jar sit overnight in the fridge to allow the strawberries to release their juices. The next day, add the gin and stir well, then return it to the fridge. Shake or stir the mixture daily for three weeks. As the gin infuses, it will turn a lovely pink color. Once ready, strain the gin through coffee filter paper or muslin and bottle it. Your homemade strawberry gin will last for up to a year.
Tip: You can make a variation by using raspberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
Cinnamon Bun Gin Recipe
For a spiced, wintery treat, cinnamon bun gin brings to mind the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. This recipe is easy and quick, ready in as little as a week—perfect for last-minute gifts. You’ll need:
- 2 cinnamon sticks (broken)
- 10 cardamom pods (gently crushed)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 150g caster sugar
- 700ml gin
Combine the cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, sugar, and gin in a large, sterilized jar. Stir the mixture well to mix the flavors, then store it in a cool, dark place. Swirl the jar every day for at least one week (or up to two weeks for a richer flavor). Once the infusion is complete, strain and bottle your gin. It can be enjoyed for up to six months.
Serving Your Flavored Gin
Flavored gins can be served in a variety of ways. Enjoy them neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of tonic water or sparkling apple juice for a refreshing twist. A slice of apple cake made with fresh garden apples makes the perfect accompaniment.
These homemade gins are not only a great gift idea but also an opportunity to explore new flavors and share them with friends and family. And don’t forget to keep a bottle or two for yourself—you’ve earned it!
Have you ever experimented with flavored spirits? What are your favorite ingredients to infuse? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!