Mandrake Cucumber & Mint Gin

Cucumber and mint give Mandrake its fresh, green character, distilled by Nosferatu in Brisbane with a blend of botanicals. At 40.4% ABV, it takes its name from the mandrake root, which, according to folklore, screams when pulled from the ground. Fans of Harry Potter will remember the repotting of the mandrake seedlings in the Chamber of Secrets.

Citrus · Herbal

Despite its dark legend, the gin itself is bright and refreshing. Cucumber brings a cool, watery freshness, close to the scent of cucumber skin, and mint a lively, aromatic lift with a cooling finish. JuniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary keeps the gin dry beneath them, so the green notes read as part of a gin rather than as a flavoured spirit. The result is light rather than sweet, a gin built for warm days and long glasses. Cucumber and mint are a classic pairing in summer drinks, and here they are part of the spirit itself, so the garnish only needs to underline them.

Nosferatu suggests it as a refreshing gin and tonic or in a classic Southside, where lime and mint meet the gin's own herbs. It is the entrée gin of the distillery's four-course Ginner Party, served at the start of the meal. It also suits 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, a Collins with soda, or a simple glass over ice on a hot afternoon. Served very cold, the cucumber is at its freshest.

For a gin and tonic, pour 3 cl over ice, add 9 cl of chilled 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 and stir once. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a small mint sprig. The Mediterranean tonic's herbal notes support the mint, and its bitterness gives the cucumber a drier finish.