Blackwater Wexford Strawberry Gin

The strawberries in Blackwater Wexford Strawberry Gin grow just outside Enniscorthy in County Wexford. They are the largest component of a recipe with thirteen botanicals. Blackwater adds no sugar or sweetener to this Irish gin, bottled at 40% ABV.

Citrus · Spicy · Fruity

A separate distillation of strawberries is blended back into the gin, and more strawberries steep in it after distillation to provide colour. Strawberry aromas lead the nose, with juniper perceptible behind them.

On the palate, citrus brings a sharper freshness to the fruit, while spice adds a contrasting warmth around the juniper. With no sugar added, the strawberry stays fresh rather than sweet, and the gin keeps its botanical character.

Blackwater Distillery, based at Ballyduff Upper in County Waterford, was founded by Peter Mulryan, Caroline Senior and Kieran Curtin. Wexford Strawberry received an IWSC silver medal in 2022, and the producer lists a 700 ml bottle in its gift set. Another way to enjoy it is the Eton Mess cocktail, which combines the gin with cream, strawberry and meringue.

For the suggested gin and tonic, fill a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary generously with ice. Pour in 5 cl gin and 15 cl Double Dutch Indian Tonic WaterIndian tonicThe classic tonic: sparkling water, bitter quinine and sugar. The name recalls colonial India, where quinine warded off malaria.Glossary, add fresh strawberries and 3 to 4 basil leaves, and finish with a little cracked black pepper. The tonic lengthens the drink and gives the fruit room to show, and the fresh strawberries repeat the gin's main flavour in the glass. Basil introduces a green fragrance, while the black pepper adds a small spicy accent at the finish of each sip.