On a warm autumn day, on the rooftop of West Hollywood hot spot E.P. & L.P., The Botanist Gin and tennis activity pop-up break the Love celebrated a day of community with ping pong, paddle tennis, pickleball, small bites, and beautifully balanced Botanist cocktails. On this day I was introduced to The Botanist Gin, a “delicate, balanced, and complex” refreshing spirit perfect for serving on the rocks, or warm for a seasonal holiday cocktail.
A Symphony of Flavors
This is not your parent’s gin. The Botanist Gin is a harmonious blend of 22 hand-foraged botanicals, each contributing a unique symphony of flavor. It begins with a classic juniper base, then blossoms with citrusy notes of lemon and orange peel, followed by earthy coriander and spicy angelica root. The true magic unfolds with a touch of sweetness and a hint of salt. The result is a refreshingly smooth spirit with a lingering herbal finish. The gin’s flavor is not overwhelming but more subtle, as it has been balanced to perfection, allowing you to savor the flavors. It’s the perfect accompaniment to tonics, sodas, juices, fruits, and more.
Crisp, light, and refreshing
Three words came to mind when describing my first sip of the Botanist Gin: crisp, light, and refreshing. To be honest, I have never been much of a gin drinker, but this spirit blew me away. Simply put the flavor is both delicious and refreshing. But what elevates The Botanist Gin is that is also pairs nicely with the fall and winter.
Craft the perfect holiday cocktail
As sweater weather is approaching and chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, there is no better time to craft the perfect holiday cocktail. Whether you desire on the rocks cocktails or ones served hot, The Botanist Gin is here for your needs. For your dinking pleasure, try these simple holiday cocktail recipes:
The Botanist Holiday Mulled Gin (Courtesy of Reserve Bar Cocktail Lounge)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. The Botanist Gin
- 4 oz. Apple cider
- 1 oz. Orange juice
- 1/2 oz. Simple syrup
- 1/4 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 Teaspoon ground cloves
- Orange peel for garnish
- Instructions: In a saucepan, combine apple cider, orange juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spices release their aromas. Add The Botanist Gin and continue heating until warm but not boiling. Strain into a heatproof mug. Garnish with an orange peel.
The Botanist Crab Apple Collins (Courtesy of Katie Smith)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin (see notes tab)
- 1 oz. Green juice
- 1/2 cup Parsley
- 1/3 cup Celery
- 1/3 cup Coriander
- 17 oz. Cloudy Apple Juice (for extra kick and to prevent wastage, add in some of the infused crab apples from your gin!)
- 1/2 cup Caster Sugar
- 50ml Apple Cider Vinegar
- Soda water
- Ice
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain over ice into a Collins glass. Top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a fanned apple slice.
The Botanist Holiday Bramble (Courtesy of Earl of East)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. The Botanist gin
- 1 oz. Blackberry liqueur
- 1 oz. Lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. Simple syrup
- Ice
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
- Instructions: Muddle fresh blackberries with a splash of lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Add The Botanist gin, blackberry liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously until chilled. Strain over ice in a coupe glass and garnish with fresh blackberries.
The Botanist Gin is available in stores and online ($38.99+).
