Gin has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with new distilleries popping up all over the world. While traditional gin is made with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and angelica root, there is now a trend for flavored gins that incorporate additional botanicals, fruits, and spices. One way to create your own unique gin is to flavor it yourself. Here are some tips and techniques for doing just that.

Choose Your Base Gin
The first step in flavoring your own gin is to choose the base gin you want to use. There are plenty of options out there, from well-known brands to craft distilleries. It’s best to choose a high-quality gin with a relatively neutral flavor profile, so that the additional botanicals you add can really shine through. A classic London Dry gin is a good place to start, but feel free to experiment with other styles as well.

Pick Your Botanicals
The beauty of flavoring your own gin is that you can choose exactly which botanicals to use, and in what quantities. Some classic gin botanicals include juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, and citrus peel. However, there are countless other options to consider, such as cardamom, cinnamon, rose petals, lavender, or even chili peppers. Be sure to research the flavors and properties of each botanical before adding them to your gin.

Infuse Your Botanicals
Once you have chosen your botanicals, it’s time to infuse them into your gin. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on the botanicals you have chosen and the flavor profile you are looking for. Here are a few options:

Cold Infusion: This method involves steeping your botanicals in your gin for several hours or overnight. Simply add your chosen botanicals to a jar or bottle with your gin, seal it, and let it sit. This method is best for delicate botanicals that could be damaged by heat, such as fresh herbs or flowers.

Hot Infusion: For heartier botanicals, such as spices or dried fruits, you may want to use a hot infusion method. Simply heat your gin on the stove with your chosen botanicals for a few minutes, then strain out the solids. Be sure not to overheat your gin, as this can damage the flavor.

Vapor Infusion: This method is more advanced, but can yield some truly unique and complex flavors. With a vapor infusion, you heat your gin in a still or infusion chamber, and then pass the vapor through a basket or chamber containing your chosen botanicals. The vapor picks up the flavors of the botanicals as it passes through, resulting in a more delicate and nuanced flavor profile.

Experiment and Taste
The key to successful gin flavoring is experimentation and tasting. Try different combinations of botanicals and infusion methods until you find the perfect balance of flavors. Be sure to taste your gin frequently as you add botanicals, as a little can go a long way. Remember that the final product will be stronger than the infused gin on its own, as the flavors will intensify over time.

Store and Serve
Once you have created your perfect flavored gin, it’s important to store it properly. Keep your gin in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and make sure the bottle is sealed tightly. Flavored gins can be served in a variety of ways, from classic gin and tonics to more creative cocktails. Consider pairing your gin with complementary mixers and garnishes, such as elderflower tonic or grapefruit peel.