Twelve botanicals go into Dannato Gin, a London dry made in Sicily and bottled at 40% ABV. The prickly pear flower is its most recognisable local ingredient, both on the label and in the published recipe. It is accompanied by Sicilian citron peel, pink grapefruit, mint, cardamom, jasmine, ginger, coriander and juniper, with two botanicals kept undisclosed by the maker. The 700 ml bottle does not rely on an invented island legend: its Sicilian character is present in named materials, especially the prickly pear flower and citron. That gives a more useful introduction to the gin than a broad claim about Mediterranean sunshine.

Juniper leads the dry structure. Citron and pink grapefruit brighten the aroma, while the flower of the prickly pear and jasmine bring a lighter floral note. Mint adds coolness; cardamom, ginger and coriander provide a measured spicy counterweight. The producer also names raw salt from Trapani, an unusual component that can sharpen the impression of freshness without making the drink literally salty. On the palate, the balance moves from bright citrus toward herbs and spice, with the juniper still visible beneath them. The finish remains dry, aromatic and more complex than a straightforward grapefruit-flavoured gin.

The distillery describes Dannato as a London dry, not as a sweetened fruit gin. Its 2026 bronze medal at the World Gin Awards was awarded to this specific bottle in the London Dry Gin category. That distinction agrees with the way the recipe is presented: multiple botanicals distilled into a coherent dry profile, rather than a single added flavour overwhelming the spirit. The two undisclosed plants need not be guessed at. Enough is known to follow the contrast between citrus, flowers, mint and warm spice, and the 40% strength keeps the progression accessible without losing the gin's definition.

In a gin and tonic, use a restrained amount of a crisp Indian tonic so the grapefruit and floral details remain legible. Pour 4 cl of Dannato over generous ice, add about 10 cl of well-chilled tonic, and place a thin pink grapefruit slice and a small mint sprig in the glass. A matching garnish on a side plate makes the ingredients clear without crowding the drink. The grapefruit picks up a real botanical in the recipe; mint should be a fresh accent rather than a dominant aroma. Dannato also has enough dry juniper character for a simple Martini, without any need for extra sweet fruit syrup.