Larios London Dry

Dry and made without added sugar, Larios London DryLondon 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 has Mediterranean lemon and orange aromas alongside juniper. This Spanish gin is bottled at 37.5% and contains no added sugar. Its character comes from the contrast between the resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary scent of juniper and the brighter fragrance of the two fruits, with a particularly clear distinction between citrus aroma and sweetness.

Citrus · Dry · Herbal

Lemon brings a brisk, zesty note to the nose, while orange adds a rounder peel fragrance. Alongside them, the juniper supplies a fresh, herbal quality that keeps the fruit from becoming the only impression.

On the palate, the citrus remains easy to recognise, but the dry character becomes more apparent. The softer scent of orange does not change that dryness; it gives a warmer shade to the lemon's sharper freshness.

The mouthful is direct, moving from fragrant citrus towards juniper and a restrained finish. There is no need for a dense succession of spices to appreciate the balance: the interest is in the way the fruit brightens the juniper while its resinous note gives the citrus a firmer, drier feel. The final impression stays closer to fresh peel and herbs than to juice, making this a useful choice when a mixed drink calls for a clear citrus aroma with a dry ginDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins character.

Try it 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, garnished with lemon and orange peels. The tonic's herbal notes suit the juniper, and the two peels reproduce the contrast already present in the gin without adding fruit juice. Cut them broad and fresh to release their oils, keeping the white pith to a minimum. 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 filled with clear ice helps the drink stay cold while leaving space for the citrus fragrance to develop. Fold the gin and tonic together with a gentle stir; the garnish supplies the final lift as its oils meet the bubbles.