Copper Pot brings together strawberries and raspberries in Summer Fling, the pink gin it makes at St Leonards-on-Sea, near Hastings on the Sussex coast. The berry-covered label reads 700 ml, 40% ABV, and the same gin is also sold in 50 cl and 20 cl bottles; the smallest size is a convenient way to try it before buying a full bottle. Through the clear glass, its pale pink colour makes the summer theme obvious before the bottle is opened, and the berry drawings on the label give the recipe away.

Floral · Fruity

The distillery, which signs its labels Copperpot Distilleries, says that every one of its products is made with spirit, fresh botanicals and fresh fruit, with nothing artificial added. Summer Fling is the light, fruit-led side of a range that also includes the 57% Copper Pot Navy Strength. Here juniper provides the gin base, while the two berries take the lead and give the drink its colour and character.

Strawberry brings a soft, ripe note, close to fresh fruit rather than jam, and raspberry adds a sharper, slightly tart edge that keeps the gin from feeling heavy. Juniper sits underneath, more noticeable on the finish than on the nose. Taste a little neat and cool first: the raspberry is easier to pick out before any mixer is added, and the balance between fruit and juniper becomes clearer. Chilling also tightens the fruit, which then reads fresher and less sweet.

A cold gin and tonic is the simplest way to drink it, with large ice, 4 cl of gin and 10 cl of Indian tonic. A thin slice of strawberry and two raspberries are enough as a garnish and repeat the fruit named on the label. For a softer long drink, swap the tonic for lemonade or soda water, or top a small measure with dry sparkling wine on a warm afternoon.