Spring in a Glass: Floral and Herbaceous Gin Cocktails

Amber Dias explores why gin is the perfect spirit to partner the botanical infusion trend.

As the seasons change, there’s no better time to embrace fresh, aromatic flavours in cocktails — and no spirit captures this essence better than gin. With its botanical complexity and floral-forward notes, gin is the natural choice for Spring. Its versatility shines through a vast range of botanicals, from savoury herbs and vegetables to sweet fruits and exotic spices, making it the perfect foundation for creative and refreshing cocktails.

A Gin For All Flavours

Unlike other spirits that derive their primary flavour from base ingredients – like whisky from grain or tequila from agave – gin’s taste is largely shaped by the flavours it’s infused with.

The classic backbone of gin is juniper, but modern gins incorporate everything from citrus peels, coriander, angelica root, licorice, cardamom, and florals like chamomile, lavender and rose.

And as we move away from the warming spices and heavier spirits of winter, refreshing and vibrant flavours are the ones we crave most. Gin, with its herbal, floral and citrus-driven profile, fits the bill perfectly. Whether in a zesty gin and tonic, a herbaceous Tom Collins, or a floral-infused martini, gin cocktails are tailor-made for al fresco sipping and garden parties.

Getting Crafty

Gin has been experiencing a massive surge in popularity over the past decade. Once a spirit overshadowed by whisky and vodka, it is now at the forefront of craft distilling movements worldwide.

Craft distilleries have taken gin innovation to new heights, experimenting with locally sourced botanicals and unique distillation techniques. In the UK, Spain, Australia and the US, microdistilleries are crafting gins that reflect regional landscapes.

Traditionally, London Dry Gin, known for its strong juniper presence, dominated the market. However, a new category of Contemporary Gins has emerged, where juniper takes a backseat to allow other botanicals to shine.

On Trend

As gin continues to evolve, new trends are emerging that align perfectly with the season’s flavours and aesthetics.

Floral-Infused Gins: Are leading the charge. Featuring delicate flavours of elderflower, lavender, hibiscus, and chamomile, brands have captivated cocktail lovers with their visual appeal and soft, fragrant notes.

Garden-To-Glass Cocktail: The farm-to-table dining philosophy is making its way into cocktails. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme and rosemary are being muddled, infused and garnished in gin-based drinks.

Spritz-Style Gin Cocktails: Lighter cocktails with lower alcohol content are in high demand, especially during warm spring days. Gin’s ability to shine in spritz-style drinks, paired with soda, tonic, or prosecco, makes it a star ingredient in the low-ABV movement.

Japanese-Inspired Gins: Gins like Roku and Ki No Bi are crafted with seasonal botanicals like sakura flowers, yuzu, and sansho pepper, offering a delicate and refined alternative to traditional gins.

Sippin’ In Style

Here are a few ideas to embrace gin as your spirit of choice.

The Elderflower Collins: Combine elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sparkling water and of course, some gin to give the classic Tom Collins a floral twist.

The Spring Negroni: A lighter, fresher take on the classic Negroni, this cocktail features gin, dry vermouth, Suze and an orange twist to finish.

The Sakura Spirit: This Japanese-inspired cocktail combines Roku gin, cherry blossom syrup, prosecco and soda.

Limoncello Gin Fizz: A play on the classic gin fizz, this cocktail combines gin, limoncello, lime juice and a dash of simple syrup, topped up with sparkling water.

The Bee’s Knees: A fun and flirty cocktail, this delight uses honey and raspberry flavoured gin, paired with honey, lemon juice and orange juice, garnished with an orange twist.

Gin & Raspberry Lemonade: This fresh ‘n’ fruity cocktail pairs gin with raspberries, some lemonade and a splash of limoncello.

Keepin’ It Fresh

From its vibrant botanical profile to the explosion of craft innovation, gin is the perfect spirit to indulge in if light and fresh is the way you want to go. Its floral and citrus-forward nature mirrors the season’s freshness, making it ideal for garden gatherings, brunches and sun-drenched afternoons. Whether you’re sipping a classic G&T with a twist, indulging in a floral-infused cocktail, or exploring the exciting new world of contemporary gins, there’s never been a better time to let gin bloom in your glass.