The Juniper-led spirit originated from Holland and was discovered by English soldiers and brought to England in the early 1600s. Gin was originally used for medicinal purposes before it became the spirit we all enjoy. Popular Gin botanicals include coriander, orris root, liquorice, cassia and lemon peel. For a spirit to be considered ‘Gin’ it must be flavoured with juniper berries. Having said that, there are other botanicals in Gin that give each bottle their amazing flavours we all love.
Why not make your own Craft Gin in the comfort of your own home? Gin is essentially a flavoured Vodka so making your own Gin is easy. As Gin is usually quite bitter, it was not designed to be drank on its own, so phone a few friends and invite them around to join you in consuming your master piece, perhaps “Shaken not stirred!”
INGREDIENTS:
1 x Reasonably priced bottle of Vodka
Keep in mind not all Vodka’s are the same, cheap can be nasty.
1 x Millside Gin Botanical Kit
As assortment of the best imported botanicals from around the world.
1 x Millside Mini Brew Bag
This mini brew bag is used to filter out the Botanicals.
METHOD:
Clean and Sterilize the bottles you will be using.
Place the selected Botanicals into the clean sterilized bottles.
Top up with Vodka, seal and leave to soak for 24 hours.
At this point the Gin will have changed color and will have a wonderful aroma.
DECISION TIME:
A taster is needed to determine if the flavor profile is sufficient for your unique taste buds.
This is the point where you can then decide whether you would like to infuse the spirit more or sieve out the botanicals and re-bottle your masterpiece.
Sieve out the botanicals using a Mini Brew Bag or Coffee Filter.
The Gin can also be cold chilled for a few days and then filtered again for a clearer spirit.
A GUIDE TO THE BOTANICALS:
Juniper Berries: It gives pine notes, some pepperiness and some say lavender flavour to the spirit. Traditionally dried juniper berries are used in Gin production as the oils are more concentrated.
Coriander Seeds: Imparts a complex citrus notes with hints of sage which amplifies the peppery finish of the Juniper flavour.
Angelica Root: This helps marry the flavours and imparts a dry woody, earthy and musky flavour to the Gin. Do not add this root in great quantities.
Orris Root: Orris Root binds the flavours of the other botanicals together.
Sweet Orange Peel: Adds a candied, orangey citrus note.
Lemon Peel: Adds fresh citrus notes and a crispness to the Gin.
Grains of Paradise: The grains infuse a distinctive pepper note.
Grapefruit Peel: Imparts bitter flavours.
Bitter Orange Peel: Adds a tangy and bitter citrus note.
Cassia Bark: It gives a cinnamon and bitter note to the Gin.
Liquorice Root: Adds an earthy aniseed flavour.
BASIC RECIPES – per 750ml
Basic Gin
Juniper Berries – 30g
Coriander Seed – 10g
Sweet Orange Peel – 1g
Lemon Peel – 1g
London Dry
Juniper Berries – 30g
Coriander Seed – 15g
Cassia – 2g
Liquorice Root – 2g
Optional – Nutmeg @ 0.2g & Ginger @ 0.2g
Plymouth Gin (Use Strongest ABV Vodka Available)
Juniper Berries – 30g
Coriander Seed – 15g
Angelica Root – 2g
Cassia Bark – 2g
Sweet Orange Peel – 0.2g
Lemon Peel – 0.2g
Orris Root – 0.2g
Cardamom Pot – ½ pod
Millside Heavy (Heavy on the Citrus)
Juniper Berries – 30g
Coriander Seed – 15g
Orris Root – 2g
Sweet Orange Peel – 1g
Bitter Orange Peel –1 g
Grapefruit Peel – 1g
Grains of Paradise – 0.2g
Liquorice Root – 0.2g
CHILL, DRINK, ENJOY!
PLEASE NOTE:
All recipes are used at your own risk. Avon Guard East cc T/A Millside Craft Distilling Supplies cannot be held liable for any consequential losses.
