It’s no great secret that I enjoy a gin & tonic (Hendricks, slimline Schweppes & a squeeze of lime) but it wasn’t until last Christmas that I started to take this fondness to the next level by getting experimental (or “fussy” so I’m told) with mixers and cocktail recipes. “What was the catalyst for this rather frivolous and entirely extravagant new hobby Anna?” I hear you ask. Well, it began with a rather splendid gift from my brother. Wrapped under the Christmas tree last year was a bottle of Twisted Nose Gin, a local tipple that is distilled just up the road from me in Winchester. I knew it would be nice, it was recently voted 17th in a poll of the nation’s favourite gin’s and received rave reviews at the Gin Guild Ginposium (YES, a place where gin professionals get together solely to discuss gin…!).
I’m going to put my neck on the line here as a gin novice and say that it’s got quite a distinctive peppery taste, which is very refreshing! This might have something to do with it’s watercress infusion (a speciality of the area, thus lending its name to our wonderful steam line – The Watercress Line) or a combination of nine other botanicals of which you can read about on the website. Of course Twisted Nose makes for a wonderful G&T, but I also wanted to share with you a beautifully bitter gin cocktail that I’m becoming rather fond of (potentially sacrilege? I’m new to this!).
Gin Bramble
Ingredients:
45ml gin
20ml lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
20ml crème de mûre (Blackberry liquor is difficult to source – but you can also substitute this with Chambord)
Lots of ice
Blackberries or raspberries to garnish
Method:
MIX and enjoy!
N.B. I originally stumbled across this recipe on Honestly YUM, which is crammed full of good & drink related goodness!
I'd love to hear your thoughts & recommendations about gin, cocktails or this recipe so do leave comments!
Much love,
Anna xxx
P.s. Since we're on the topic...