Imagination Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin

Rhubarb and raspberry give Imagination's Reikorangi gin its naturally pink colour and its fruit-led opening. The 38% ABV recipe names New Zealand-grown rhubarb and raspberries alongside juniper, orris root, coriander and mānuka. The distillery describes a floral aroma from orris, a piney heart and citrus and spice notes around the fruit.

Citrus · Spicy · Floral · Fruity

Fresh berry and rhubarb notes arrive first, with an aromatic floral lift from orris rootOrris rootIris rhizome dried for years, then ground. Powdery and violet-like, it mainly works as a fixative that binds and lengthens the other aromas.Glossary. JuniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary gives the palate its resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary foundation, and coriander and mānuka add herbal and earthy detail. Orange and lemon impressions brighten the fruit, while cinnamon and liquorice appear as gentle spice notes in the finish. The pink colour comes naturally from the fruit, and the taste remains recognisably gin rather than a fruit cordialCordialA concentrated syrup of fruit (often lime) and sugar, made to be topped up.Glossary.

Imagination makes this gin in the Reikorangi Valley on the Kāpiti Coast. The distillery builds the bottling around the contrast between orchard fruit and the dry structure of gin. Rhubarb gives raspberry a sharper, fresher edge, while orris root adds a floral note and juniper keeps the flavour anchored. Together, they make a pink ginPink ginToday, a gin flavoured and tinted pink (red fruit, rhubarb…). Originally, plain gin with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.Glossary suited to a long drink but still defined enough to enjoy slowly over ice. Its balance also works well with a tonic that brings a little bitterness rather than extra sweetness, allowing the fruit and dry botanicals to stay clear.

Pour 4.5 cl over ice and add 10 cl East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic. Grapefruit reinforces the bright citrus notes and balances the ripe fruit with a light bitterness. Add a fresh rhubarb ribbon and a raspberry to the cocktail, then place the same garnishes beside the glass. Stir gently once. Rhubarb keeps the fruit character lively and the berry ties the garnish to the gin's natural colour.