Time for an Easter feaster – with gin
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The word on the street is that nostalgia is having a moment. So tap into Easter’s classic trends and satisfy that homesick craving for pre-Covid days when life was simpler. Hot cross buns, eggs and chocolate – I think I feel a tear coming on.
Best way to enjoy gin with an egg: A White Lady
One of our favourite cocktails where the egg white consistency is a delicate foam with a silky-smooth texture.
Here’s what to do: find 50ml gin; 25ml triple sec; 25ml lemon juice; 2 tsp sugar syrup; half an egg white; and a handful of ice.
Tip it all into a cocktail shaker and shake until your hand freezes, then strain. Discard the ice and return the drink to the shaker. Shake again until the egg white is frothy, then pour and garnish with a lemon twist.
Best way to enjoy gin with chocolate: X-Gin from Belgium
Cocoa has turned up in many spirits over the years, from bitters to wine to liqueurs. But these guys from Belgium (no surprises there) were the first to put it in gin.
Featuring Columbian cocoa as the signature botanical, along with hazelnuts, almonds, chillies, peppers, lemon, raspberry, banana and vanilla, this gin is said to be a heady aphrodisiac. Serve with cocoa nibs but drink fast!
Best way to enjoy gin with a bunny: Whittaker’s Gin
Based in Harewell in Yorkshire, it made sense for Whittaker’s branding to celebrate hares.
Their Clearly Sloe gin is our favourite: chock full of sweet berry richness coupled with a nutty, marzipan depth. Across the range the bottles are all colour co-ordinated, with an intricate sketch of a hare emblazoned across each one.
Best way to enjoy gin with a hot cross bun: Hot Cross Bun Gin
This is an adult twist on an Easter favourite, leaving the buns and chocolate for the children.
Created by Gin Tales, it is infused with natural flavours such as fresh citrus fruits, sultanas, cinnamon and nutmeg. As all their recipes contain real fruit, it’s worth giving the bottle a shake before pouring so it doesn’t settle.
But be careful: the price is hot too at £42 for a 29 per cent ABV spirit in a 50cl bottle.
- Chrissie Fairclough is tastings director for Gin Club Scotland, which runs touring and distillery-based tastings, as well as offering tasting kits for people to run their own events. www.ginclubscotland.com
