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BEHIND THE LIQUID: BOTANICALS AND THE WORLD OF GIN

The Gin boom shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon—so how can you make the most of this versatile liquid? The key to creating great mixed drinks is understanding and complementing the flavors within your base spirit. Join us as we dive into the world of Gin and botanicals and find out how you can use this knowledge to create incredible Gin cocktails.

What are botanicals?

Gin is produced by combining a neutral grain spirit with juniper berries and other ingredients, such as fruits, seeds, and spices, to flavor the liquid. These additional ingredients are known as botanicals. The aromatic compounds found in botanicals are absorbed when immersed in the spirit, or by the vapor as it passes through during the distillation process.

The exact combination of botanicals is meticulously selected by the Master Distiller to produce a perfect balance of flavors unique to their Gin. This process will ultimately define the overall character of the final product.

The importance of juniper

A member of the cypress family, juniper is to Gin what grapes are to Wine: indispensable! Not only are juniper berries the core botanical found in all Gins but, by law, they must be the principal flavor in order to classify a spirit as Gin.

The main flavor is produced by the oil found in the seeds of the berry. This flavor is fragrant and spicy with tasting notes of lavender, camphene, and pine.

Other common botanicals

There are hundreds of different botanicals used to make Gin, but here is a selection of the most common:

Now let’s use this knowledge…

Knowing and understanding the different botanicals and flavors in your chosen Gin is key when it comes to creating better, more balanced serves. It also allows you to be more inventive, and experiment with new ingredients and garnishes to produce a truly unique experience for your customers.

So let’s put this into practice and take a look at some serves that really highlight the botanicals in the world-famous Tanqueray Gin.

Gin: Tanqueray London Dry

Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, angelica, and licorice

Flavor: Distinctive piney juniper and faint lemon zest

Perfect Serve: Tanqueray and Tonic with Lemon and Rosemary

The combination of lemon and rosemary perfectly complements the notes of licorice and lemon zest.

METHOD:

Add ice to a Copa de Balon glass and pour in TANQUERAY LONDON Dry Gin using a jigger

Add fresh tonic water and stir

Finish with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of rosemary to garnish.

Gin: Tanqueray No. Ten

Botanicals: Tanqueray’s four base botanicals; juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice, together with whole fresh citrus and chamomile

Flavor: Citrus and zesty notes

Perfect Serve: Tanqueray No. Ten Martini

The pink grapefruit garnish draws out the subtle hints of citrus and chamomile.

RECIPE

METHOD:

Stir TANQUERAY No. TEN and Dry Vermouth together.

Strain into a chilled Martini glass.

Garnish with a twist of pink grapefruit.

Gin: Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla

Botanicals: Tanqueray’s four base botanicals; juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice, together with bittersweet Seville oranges and orange blossom flavors.

Flavor: Tangy and sweet profile

Perfect Serve: Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Negroni

For those looking to create a sumptuous evening aperitif, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Negroni is the perfect serve and really brings out those tangerine notes and hints of juniper and coriander in the Gin.

METHOD:

Add ingredients to an old-fashioned glass full of ice.

Stir to mix.

Garnish with a Seville orange and serve.

Gin: Tanqueray Rangpur

Botanicals: Tanqueray’s four base botanicals; juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice, together with Rangpur lime (an exotic citrus fruit originating from India), ginger, and bay leaves

Flavor: A light, easy-drinking Gin with a sharp citrus twist

Perfect serve: Tanqueray Rangpur and Tonic

With its distinct citrus flavor, this Gin is best paired with premium tonic water and a generous wedge of lime.

RECIPE

METHOD:

Fill a Copa de Balon glass to the top with quality cubed ice.

Pour in TANQUERAY Rangpur Gin.

Follow with fresh, premium tonic water.

Add a wedge of fresh lime to garnish.

(*One standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol)