The Botanist Gin is the first dry gin originating from Scotland, taking great pride in it’s Isle of Islay roots. Incorporating 22 hand-foraged botanicals, this gin has a fragrance and flavor like no other. Hints of citrus and a regionally inspired essence peaks your curiosity. The Botanist Gin has a very unique distilling process utilizing the world’s last surviving Lomond Spirit Still, “Ugly Betty”. Using a slow trickle process, the botanicals are able to reach their full flavor profile.
I was invited to experience this first hand a few weeks back at a pop-up event in Deep Ellum, an iconic area of Dallas, where I was welcomed with one of the best gin based cocktails I’ve had yet. The Fruit of Thyme is refreshing and aromatic with its grapefruit and thyme components.
What you’ll need:
- The Botanist Gin – 1.5 oz.
- Tonic Water – 4 oz.
- Slim Ruby Red Grapefruit Wedge – 1
What you’ll do:
- Squeeze grapefruit wedge in glass and leave in glass
- Add The Botanist Gin, then ice and top with tonic water
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme
Cocktails were paired with dinner and we even got a crash course in making our own Red Lady. The cocktail workshop was lead by mixologist, Scott, and we were provided all items required, down to a wooden cell phone stand. While I would have never thought to use a red pepper in a drink, I sure am glad they did!
What you’ll need:
- The Botanist Gin – 2 oz.
- Cointreau – 1 oz.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice – 1 oz.
- Julienned red bell peppers – 6 strips
- Orange Bitters – 3 drops
What you’ll do:
- In a shaker tin, muddle red bell pepper
- Add all remaining ingredients
- Shake without vigorously
- Add ice and shake briskly
- Double-strain into a coupe glass
- Garnish with a julienned red bell pepper
There’s nothing like muddling to work up an appetite! I had never done that before and let me tell you, its much harder than it looks. Props to all you bartenders out there. It was time to sit down for dinner and yes, have another cocktail. This round was the Smoke Show. Tart and sweet, just my style.
What you’ll need:
- The Botanist Gin – 2 oz.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice – 1 oz.
- Ginger syrup – 1 oz.
- Mezcal – .25 oz.
- Orange Bitters – 4 drops
What you’ll do:
- Add all ingredients to shaker
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously
- Strain to a coupe glass and garnish with pickled ginger
With our second course came yet another fabulous pairing. This time they changed it up to a taller glass and brought the grapefruit back. Gin for All Seasons is a palate pleaser for all.
What you’ll need:
- The Botanist Gin – 1.5 oz.
- Suze – .25 oz.
- Fresh squeezed Red Grapefruit Juice – .25 oz.
- Fresh squeezed lime juice – .5 oz.
- Simple Syrup – .75 oz.
- Soda Water – 3 oz.
- Sea Salt – 1 pinch
What you’ll do:
- Add The Botanist Gin, Suze, Fresh squeezed Red Grapefruit Juice, and Simple Syrup to a shaker and fill with ice
- Shake vigorously and strain into an iced highball
- Top with soda water
The evening ended with a Regroni, a twist on a classic gin cocktail.
What you’ll need:
- The Botanist Gin – 1.5 oz.
- Aperol – 1 oz.
- Cocchi Dry Vermouth – 1 oz.
What you’ll do:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
- Add ice and stir to 20 seconds until chilled
- Strain and pour over large ice cube in rocks glass
- Garnish with a sweet pepper circle
This was such a great evening hosted by The Botanist Gin and I had such a lovely time learning about this one of a kind spirit. For more information, recipes, and where to purchase, visit their website here.
I received dinner and drinks in exchange for this post. All opinions are mine.
Leisurely Leah 