Making your own gin flavours.

WTF actually is gin?

Gin is a spirit defined by its botanicals. At its heart, it’s an infusion of nature - aromatic, versatile and - as you'll see on the shelves in any supermarket or off-licence - endlessly variable. While a classic London Dry gin is a standard choice, infusing your own with spices and botanicals allows you to create a spirit that’s completely personal.

Our own DIY Gin Kit is designed for exactly that: to help you transform a simple bottle of gin into something which tastes fresher, flavourful and authentic. Be that just for more interesting and delicious G&Ts or to help make cocktails, syrups or gin-flavoured jellies! Here, we’ll explore the 12 ingredients included in the large set and how they can elevate your basic, everyday gin at home.

Summer-inspired gin botanicals

For those who enjoy bright, refreshing flavours, these ingredients bring a touch of summer to every glass of gin and tonic.

• Fennel Seeds. Sweet and earthy with a liquorice-like flavour that adds warmth and depth.  
• Lavender. A fragrance that works really well in gin. Strong and floral with subtle woody notes. A little goes a long way for a beautifully perfumed finish. 
• Lemongrass. One of the darlings of Asian cooking, its zesty and citrus-forward character provides a clean, lemony aroma that’s ideal for fresh summer cocktails. 
• Pink Peppercorns. Complex and layered, with a balance of heat, sweetness and surprising floral notes. A little goes a long way,

Citrus and fruity gin infusions

Citrus is one of the cornerstones of gin, adding a distinct and much loved brightness. These ingredients are perfect for anyone who loves a zesty profile.

• Orange & Lemon Peel. Classic gin botanicals that bring freshness and balance, especially when paired with warming spices. 
• Coriander Seeds. Spicy, fruity and slightly gingery, with hints of lemon and sage that round out the citrus notes.

Floral botanicals for gin

Floral botanicals give gin a delicate, aromatic quality. They’re ideal for adding elegance and fragrance to cocktails.

• Rose Petals. Sweet, aromatic and yes, romantic. Rose petals create a refined floral profile. 
• Elderberries. Dark, fruity and naturally sweet, elderberries add richness with a jam-like finish.

Juniper: The essential gin botanical

No gin is complete without juniper. It’s the defining ingredient of the spirit, bringing that classic piney character. We include them in our kits as it allows people to really indulge in a strong juniper note.

• Juniper Berries. Aromatic, pine-scented and slightly bittersweet with fruity undertones. Juniper is what makes gin taste like gin. Indeed, without it, life would be far more dull. 

Spiced gin botanicals

If you prefer a bolder flavour, these warming spices add depth, intensity and a real character to your homemade gin infusions.

• Ginger. Fiery and pungent, perfect for adding a lively kick. 
• Allspice. Warming with subtle notes of mulled wine, making it an excellent choice for winter drinks.
• Cassia. This sweet and cinnamon-like root, with slight minty undertones gives  lovely spice and sweet notes. 

Want to infuse gin at home? Three tips.

Infusing gin doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right botanicals, you can easily create flavours that taste better than pre made flavoured spirits. You can save money and have fun at the same time, too. Here are three simple tips.

1. Start with plain gin. Choose an unflavoured, basic (cheap!) London Dry gin as your base. 
2. Infuse before mixing. Always add botanicals to the gin directly before adding tonic or other mixers. 
3. Experiment with flavours. Try different combinations and adjust the quantities until you find your perfect blend. If you don't try, you'll never know.

We hope you found this helpful.