Benefício Gin Estival

Benefício Gin Estival is a Portuguese London Dry GinLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins bottled at 43% ABV. Its eleven botanicals combine juniper, lime, hemp, lemongrass, cardamom, basil, black tea, rosemary, coriander seed, angelica and cassia. The recipe is designed around a more citrus-led approach within the Benefício range, while keeping enough herbal material to give the gin a firm, savoury shape. It received a silver medal at the 2022 London Spirits Competition.

Citrus · Floral · Herbal

The nose is fresh and lifted, with lime and lemongrass leading into green rosemary and basil. Cardamom and coriander add aromatic lift, while black tea and cassia provide a dry, spiced background.

On the palate, citrus arrives first, followed by herbs and a lightly floral impression. Juniper and angelica keep the texture structured; hemp and tea bring a measured vegetal depth that prevents the gin from becoming purely zesty.

For a long serve, fill a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary with clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary, add the gin and top with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic WaterMediterranean tonicA tonic with less bitterness and sugar, scented with herbs and citrus (rosemary, thyme, lemon). It leaves more room for the gin's botanicals.Glossary. A thin lime wheel and a fresh rosemary sprig support the citrus and herbal notes already present in the recipe. The result is a bright, savoury gin and tonic with a clean aromatic finish.

Taste the serve slowly after the first stir. The opening aromas are clearest while the tonic is cold and lively; as the ice softens, the botanical structure becomes rounder and the finish gains space. This progression is part of the appeal of a carefully made gin and tonic, and it rewards a clean glass, fresh ice and a garnish that supports the recipe rather than competing with it.

A fresh pour and a generous charge of clear ice keep the texture bright from the first sip to the final aromatic notes.