Breathing Gin Since 2023
Curated bottles, botanicals, mixers, serving rituals, and practical pairing advice.
Quirky pairings
Unexpected ingredients, balanced builds, and names that give the table something to talk about. Start with a good gin, keep the garnish purposeful, and taste as you go.
01
Build: 50 ml dry gin, 20 ml green-apple juice, 10 ml lime, two basil leaves, and chilled tonic over ice.
Why it works: Green apple and basil make a bright, crisp bridge to a citrus or herbaceous gin.
Pair it with: Whipped feta, cucumber ribbons, or a fresh herb salad.
02
Build: 50 ml gin, 25 ml chilled Earl Grey tea, 15 ml lemon, 10 ml honey syrup, shaken and strained over fresh ice.
Why it works: Tea tannin gives the drink shape while lemon and honey keep juniper lively.
Pair it with: Shortbread, smoked trout, or a sharp cheddar toastie.
03
Build: 45 ml floral gin, 30 ml pear juice, 10 ml lemon, and soda. Build over ice with a thin pear slice.
Why it works: Ripe pear softens floral notes and the dry cheese adds a savoury counterpoint.
Pair it with: Blue cheese, toasted walnuts, or a pear and endive salad.
04
Build: 45 ml gin, 15 ml lapsang tea syrup, 20 ml lemon, and 60 ml soda. Stir gently over ice.
Why it works: A small smoky accent makes a resinous gin feel deeper without hiding its botanicals.
Pair it with: Grilled mushrooms, charred corn, or dark chocolate with sea salt.
05
Build: 45 ml gin, 30 ml mango nectar, 15 ml lime, a pinch of chilli, and soda over crushed ice.
Why it works: Mango brings roundness, lime cuts sweetness, and chilli echoes peppery botanicals.
Pair it with: Coconut prawns, spicy tacos, or chilli-lime fruit.
06
Build: 45 ml gin, 20 ml fresh beet juice, 15 ml lemon, 10 ml simple syrup, shaken and strained over ice.
Why it works: Earthy beetroot amplifies root botanicals while lemon keeps the colour-rich drink clean.
Pair it with: Goat cheese, pickled vegetables, or earthy roasted beetroot.
07
Build: 45 ml savoury gin, 10 ml dry vermouth, 5 ml pickle brine, and tonic. Stir over cold ice with dill.
Why it works: A tiny amount of brine adds salinity and makes a dry, savoury gin taste more substantial.
Pair it with: Crisps, fried chicken, or a loaded deli sandwich.
08
Build: 45 ml gin, 15 ml orange marmalade, 20 ml lemon, and 10 ml water, shaken hard and strained over ice.
Why it works: Marmalade supplies bitter orange peel and gentle sweetness that mirrors classic gin botanicals.
Pair it with: Bacon-and-brie toast, citrus cake, or brunch pastries.
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