Continuing our Gin Essentials series, let’s next explore what is a flavoured gin, how it’s made, what qualifies as gin, common styles, and how to drink it properly.
What Is a Flavoured Gin?
Flavoured gin is gin that has additional flavours added after distillation, usually fruit, herbs, spices, or florals.
Unlike London Dry gin, flavoured gin prioritises approachability and aroma over strict dryness.
How Flavoured Gin Is Made
There are three main methods:
1. Post-Distillation Infusion
Fruit, herbs, or spices are steeped into finished gin.
2. Natural Extracts
Natural flavour extracts are added for consistency and shelf stability.
3. Redistillation + Infusion (Hybrid)
Some producers redistil with core botanicals, then add fresh flavours afterward.
Is Flavoured Gin Still “Gin”?
Legally, yes — if:
- Juniper is still present
- The spirit meets minimum alcohol requirements
If the sugar content is high, it may instead be classified as a gin liqueur.
Interesting Flavoured Gin Style
Distilled in small batches, St. Laurent Gin is an all-natural, hand-crafted gin.
After a steam infusion of exotic spices in a custom-designed gin-basket, laminaria seaweed is macerated in the resulting distillate to extract umami flavours, which form the base notes of this gin.
On the nose, it is like a sea breeze, interspersed with intense herbal and citrus notes, peppery spices and cinnamon.
Pair with a mediterranean-style tonic and any kind of seafood. Try it sprinkled on oysters with a squeeze of lemon!
How to Drink Flavoured Gin
Classic cocktail recipes include the Red Snapper, Martini, Gimlet, Tom Collins, Gin Rickey.