Here’s everything you need to know about flavoured gin!
Aug 16, 2022
Flavoured gins have surged in popularity over the last few years. They’re perfect for gin lovers who fancy something a little different or enjoy a fruity twist on classic gin.
From bright citrus flavours to sweet berries, to decadent chocolate flavoured gin - there’s probably a flavoured gin out there for you.
Here at Craft Gin Club, we’ve been a fan of flavoured gin for a while: from Manchester Raspberry Gin (featured in our Gin of the Month box in April 2018) and Warner Edwards’ Honeybee Gin (as sent to Craft Gin Club Members in June 2017), flavoured gins have drawn high acclaim from the industry and gin-lovers.
One thing is for sure, this innovative category is one to watch…
‘Flavoured gin’ is a term that has become more well-known in recent years thanks to spirits that are pushing the boundaries of the traditional definition of gin - by adding new aromatics and flavours. A gin is usually classed as a ‘flavoured gin’ once the flavours are added after distillation.
The alcohol content and production process are similar to those of traditional gin, but the common botanicals take a back seat to stronger flavours of fruits, spices and berries (like strawberry or elderflower).
So yes, flavoured gin is actually gin!
In short, flavoured gin will have more sugar compared to a non-flavoured gin. Some flavoured gins contain up to 65g of sugar, (15 teaspoons) in a full bottle. But it’s not all bad news…
Good quality flavoured gin is often flavoured over a long period (hence the beautiful hue they often have!) so they deliver maximum taste - rather than being full of artificial colouring or sweeteners.
As fruit is usually involved, the sugar and sweetness of a craft flavoured gin comes from the naturally sweet fruit. For example, in the Manchester Gin Blackberry Infused (in our Flavoured Gin Explorer Set) below, a third of each bottle is made up of blackberry juice - so it’s coming from the berry and not sweeteners!
Flavoured gin liqueurs are often confused for flavoured gin - but there is a difference. Gin liqueurs often have a high sugar content, lower alcoholic volume and lack of juniper flavour.
A flavoured gin should have over 37.5% ABV, with juniper featuring alongside one or more other prominent flavours. On the other hand, a gin liqueur will have a lower ABV than 37.5%, feature gin as a base, and taste sweeter.
If you thought flavoured gin simply means pink gin (like raspberry or strawberry) or sloe gin, you’d be mistaken. There are many, many tasty craft flavoured gins that have incredible flavours, like this York Gin Chocolate & Orange, or Three Wrens Apple Crumble Gin. The flavour possibilities are quite literally endless!
It’s a good idea to try your flavoured gin over lots of ice (neat) first to really get a taste for it. For a longer drink and to embrace the flavour, try it with a good quality neutral tonic or soda. You don’t want to overpower your craft flavoured gin with a different flavour that will disturb the balance.
Depending on what flavoured gin you’re trying, our Craft Gin Club shop often recommends the mixer that’ll complement it perfectly, taking the hard work out of it. The same goes for a garnish - to really let your flavoured gin sing, try it first without one.
If you usually avoid a flavoured gin (for fear of it tasting artificial or too sweet) then you need to try a delicious craft flavoured gin, like these ones here.
If you want to dip your toe into the world of flavoured gins and try some different brands and flavours, welcome our Flavoured Gin Explorer Set: which has 4 flavoured miniature gins that have been selected by our gin experts.
From blackberry gin to clementine gin, there’s something for everyone:
Whitby Distillery The Bramble & Bay Edition | ABV 38%: This flavoured craft gin strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury notes, with a mixture of herbaceous bay and berry tones.
Batch Distillery Whinberry Gin | ABV 40%: This rich, complex, craft gin has a subtle spice, thanks to the juicy whinberry tones.
Sibling Distillery Cranberry & Clementine Triple Distilled Gin ABV 38%: If you love the flavour of cranberry, you’ll enjoy this sweet, tart and tangy gin. Extra points go to the warm citrus tang from the clementines.
Manchester Gin Blackberry Infused ABV 40%: Bursting with blackberries and earthy tones of dandelion and juniper, this flavoured gin has Manchester Gin’s Signature edition as a base - so you can’t go far wrong!
And if you want to know more about the above flavoured gins, what to pair them with and the down-low on the distillers, click right here.
It’s easier and quicker than you think - usually, all you’ll need is a jar, some fresh fruit, sugar, gin, and time!
We’ve rolled our ginny sleeves up and made many yummy flavoured gin recipes. From lavender gin, to sloe gin, to toffee gin simply click right here. Making your flavoured gin also makes the perfect gin gift.
We’ve also made:
