Southward Grapefruit Gin

Herby juniper shot through with pink grapefruit defines the finish of Southward Grapefruit Gin. Southward Distilling, a small-batchSmall batchProduction in small quantities per distillation run, often in a small still. The term has no legal definition.Glossary distillery on the ocean side of Lyall Bay in Wellington, New Zealand, bottles it at a full 50% ABV in a 700 ml bottle. The distillery evokes it through towering palm trees, pastel colours and a retro desert mood.

Citrus · Herbal

Pink grapefruit brings a bright, slightly bitter citrus, juicier and less sharp than lemon. JuniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary answers with a green, herbal edge rather than a heavy pine note, and the pairing stays simple and direct. At 50%, the strength carries both notes into a long, dry finish, with grapefruit peel lasting longest and juniper leaving a resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary trace. A few drops of water, or a generous mixer, open the citrus and soften the alcohol. Southward describes its approach as built on distilling techniques and flavour experiments, and its range moves from this citrus gin to smoked, coffee and maple styles.

The dry citrus character suits a classic gin and tonic, a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary with soda, or a Paloma-style long drink with grapefruit soda and a pinch of salt. The strength also makes it a firm base for a MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary or a GimletGimletGin with lime cordial or sweetened lime juice, served well chilled without ice. It is said to come from the Royal Navy, as a guard against scurvy.Glossary, where a measured pour keeps the balance. Sweet mixers would blur the drier edge. Served very cold, the grapefruit stays sharp.

For a gin and tonic, pour 4 cl over ice, add 10 cl of chilled Q Drinks Q Indian Tonic Water and stir gently. Garnish with a pink grapefruit wedge and a small sprig of juniper. The clean tonic supports the grapefruit, and the juniper sprig underlines the herbal side.