I wrote a post on “50 Shades of Gin” and jotted down a few botanicals that are used in various gins. That got a lot of interest and I decided to add a separate page just devoted to listing these elements. Of course this is a non-exhaustive list, simply a sampling for your amusement.
As always, your comments, additions, and suggestions are very welcome.
Herbal: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Liquorice, Orris root, Angelica root, Angelica seeds, Ginger, Bay leaves, Nutmeg, Fennel, Cloves, Tea, Coriander, Cassia, Caraway, Cardamom, Sarsaparilla, Anise, Lemon Grass, Pepper (Black, White, Asian), Grains of Paradise
Citrus: Lemon, Lemon peel, Orange, Orange peel, Lime, Lime peel, Grapefruit, Zest (all types)
Floral: Rose, Lavender, Hibiscus, Elderflower, Chamomile, Mint, Myrtle, Hawthorne, Saffron, Verbena
Fruit: Pear, Peach, Apple, Cranberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Elderberry, Almond, Cucumber, Barberry, Rowan Berry, Blackthorn, Cebub Berries
Earthy: Moss, Peat, Tree sap (!?)
Here are a few examples of how these elements are melded and come together to create something greater than the simple sum of its parts. Note that these are published ingredients without proportions. This may NOT be the entire list of ingredients for each Gin, only those that are ‘published’.
Bombay Sapphire: Juniper Berries, Lemon Peel, Coriander, Angelica, Orris, Grains of Paradise, Cubeb Berries, Cassia Bark, Almonds, & Liquorice.
Bombay Sapphire East adds Lemongrass & Black Pepper to the above list.
Tanqueray: Juniper, Coriander, Angelica Root, & Liquorice.
Tanqueray No. Ten adds White Grapefruit, Fresh Lime, Fresh Orange, Camomile Flowers.
Aviation American Gin: Juniper, Lavender, Sweet and Bitter Orange Peel, Cardamom, Coriander, Indian Sarsaparilla, & Anise Seed.
Nolet’s: Juniper, Licorice, Orris Root, Turkish Rose, White Peache, & Raspberries
Hendrick’s: Juniper, Bulgarian Rose, & Cucumber.
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