Sipsmith Orange & Cacao Gin

Sipsmith Orange & Cacao Gin is a 40% ABV release built on a more juniper-forwardJuniper-forwardA classic profile where juniper clearly dominates, with resinous, piney notes.Glossary version of the house recipe. The distillery uses fifty percent more juniper than in its 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, then brings together cacao nibs, orange peel and orange blossom. The result is deliberately dry, with citrus and cocoa used to broaden the gin rather than soften it.

Citrus · Spicy · Vanilla

Orange peel provides the first aroma, bright and zesty, while orange blossom gives the nose a lighter floral tone. Cacao nibs add a darker, toasted background that is more bitter than sweet. Juniper is present from start to finish, giving the recipe a brisk, piney line beneath the orange.

On the palate, marmalade-like orange develops alongside cocoa and vanilla. Ginger and cinnamon add restrained warmth, and the higher juniper content prevents the richer notes from becoming heavy. The finish is dry, gently spiced and marked by a lingering contrast between orange oil and cacao.

For the house G&T, use 50 ml of gin with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic WaterIndian tonicThe classic tonic: sparkling water, bitter quinine and sugar. The name recalls colonial India, where quinine warded off malaria.Glossary over plenty of clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary, then add an orange wheel. The garnish is enough to amplify the orange without hiding the cacao or juniper. It also makes a strong base for a NegroniNegroniAn Italian cocktail of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and red bitter (Campari), served over ice with orange peel. Born in Florence in 1919.Glossary variation where bitter orange and cocoa can remain visible.

Orange & Cacao Gin is not a chocolate confection in a bottle. It is a dry, juniper-led gin in which toasted cacao, orange and spice bring depth to a very recognisable London dry structure. It has enough bitterness and spice to sit comfortably beside savoury aperitif food, particularly dishes with orange, nuts or roasted spices.