Waiheke oyster shells and North Island kelp share the still with juniper in Sea Lovers Gin, made by Lunatic & Lover Distillery in New Zealand. The ten ingredients are named with their origins: a blend of Himalayan and Macedonian juniper, North Island kelp, Waiheke oyster shells, home-grown rosemary and Hawke's Bay lime, alongside coriander, angelica, cassia, orris root and green cardamom. The gin is sold in 70 cl bottles at 42% ABV, and its name plays on that of the distillery, Lunatic & Lover, as well as on the coastal theme of the recipe.

Citrus · Spicy · Herbal

The gin is distilled in a 1,000-litre hand-beaten copper pot still, combining maceration and vapour infusion in a single-shot process. It then rests for three weeks before being brought down to bottling strength gradually, over several days. The distillery describes a gin that subtly marries marine ingredients with more traditional botanicals.

Wild kelp gives an umami depth, while lime and rosemary bring brightness. The palate is crisp and full, and the oyster shells add what the distillery calls a sophisticated minerality, a faint saline edge rather than any taste of seafood. Coriander, cassia and cardamom provide gentle spice, and orris and angelica give the finish structure. The result is clean and dry, with a gentle savoury edge that lingers after the citrus.

Lunatic & Lover suggests a quality light tonic or soda, garnished with lime and rosemary, which repeat two of the botanicals. For something more savoury, the distillery recommends a Dirty Martini, where a little olive brine brings out the kelp and the minerality of the shells. Keep the rosemary sprig whole and stir gently, so its aroma stays fresh; a wedge of lime squeezed lightly over the drink adds freshness without masking the sea notes.