AQVALVCE Gin V.I.C.E. takes the historic copper-still approach of Distilleria dell’Alpe into a brighter Mediterranean and exotic direction. Each botanical is infused for more than fifteen days and distilled separately before blending, a method that allows citrus, fruit, flowers and roots to retain their individual definition. Bottled at 45.7% ABV, the gin combines a substantial juniper base with passion fruit, stone fruit and several layers of citrus.

The recipe brings together juniper, hawthorn, caraway, rosehip, angelica and hops with passion fruit, tonka bean, pink grapefruit, mandarin, lemon and apricot. Grapefruit and lemon give the opening a tart edge; mandarin softens it with sweeter citrus. Passion fruit and apricot broaden the centre with ripe fruit, while rosehip and hawthorn provide a lighter red-fruit and floral accent. Caraway, angelica and hops keep the finish botanical, and tonka adds a warm, rounded note beneath the fruit.

The nose begins on pink grapefruit, mandarin and passion fruit, followed by apricot and a subtle floral lift. On the palate, juniper prevents the fruit from drifting towards liqueur. Citrus keeps the attack fresh, then passion fruit and apricot add volume before hops and angelica bring the gin back to a drier line. Tonka appears late as a soft warm note rather than overt sweetness. The finish is long, citrus-led and gently bitter, with caraway and hops still present.

For a vivid but controlled gin and tonic, pour 5 cl over clear ice and add 12 cl of Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water. Garnish with a wide pink-grapefruit peel and half a passion fruit placed neatly beside the ice. The grapefruit reinforces the gin’s driest citrus, while passion fruit reflects the exotic centre. A Mediterranean tonic supports the floral and herbal details without covering the apricot, mandarin or juniper.