Last Updated on April 23, 2019
Gin Cocktails with Palmers Strawberry and Rose:
Sometimes it seems that London is going back to the days of the Gin Craze with artisan gin producers appearing everywhere. It’s refreshing then to find a family business with a genuine heritage in alcohol production. Palmers was founded in 1805 in Old Street, London, originally varnish makers founded by William Henry Palmer. They expanded into alcohol production under the direction of William’s son Walter. It wasn’t until the 1920s though, that the company started developing artisan gins, under the direction of William’s great-granddaughter, Angela, and her husband.
The Langley distillery where Palmers Strawberry and Rose Celebration Edition Gin is made, has a traditional pot room with seven copper pot stills, including Still Number 2, Angela, which was made in 1903 by John Dore and Company and is thought to be the oldest working copper pot still in the Country. Renamed after Angela Palmer, like all the stills, it’s a tribute to the family’s heritage and still used for Palmers London Dry Gin. The production of Palmers London Gin is a celebration of six generations and 200 years of alcohol production. The gins are made using traditional methods but, although the original recipe used for Palmer’s London Dry is 300 years old, the botanicals have been carefully adapted for the contemporary palate for example with the addition of grapefruit peel.
Palmers Strawberry and Rose Celebration Edition Gin is traditionally distilled with English wheat spirit, British rose petals and strawberries. Inspired by last year’s Royal Wedding it is perfect for celebrations over the summer months. A blend of 15 botanicals that have infused overnight produces a gin with fresh and floral crispness with a subtle and smooth lingering finish. It has a light sweetness, with a hint of spice from the rose and other botanicals that still let the strawberry come through while no one element is overpowering. The rose petal infusion adds a subtle level of flavour and aroma which complements the anticipated strawberry notes to give the gin great balance.
It’s lovely with a good quality tonic water or made into a pink gin spritz with sparkling wine. But I was keen to experiment and see how I could build on the flavour profile of this celebratory artisan gin. Building on the perfect balance of strawberry and rose, I have created a cocktail that explores both of these flavours, and yet is visually intriguing.
- 50 ml Palmers British Strawberry & Rose Gin
- 150 ml Blood Orange Juice
- Handful of Raspberries
- 5 ml Grenadine Syrup optional
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Muddle or crush a handful of raspberries in a mixer until all the juice has come out.
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Add the Gin and Blood Orange, stir well (or shake if you are using a shaker to mix in)
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Strain into a wide cocktail glass or coupe glass.
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Garnish with a whole raspberry.
Muddling in raspberries makes for a richer texture cocktail, while the blood orange juice complements the bright taste of the raspberry, ensuring that the cocktail lets you identify and enjoy the pink gin base. The overall flavour showcases the gin and rose whilst the raspberries balance the flavour of strawberry. It’s a cocktail to talk about.
If you are using raspberries out of season or prefer a sweeter drink, add a dash of Grenadine Syrup to sweeten.
For those who prefer a lighter bodied cocktail, or don’t have a strainer (shame on you!) simply garnish with a whole raspberry or two. This still gives the visual prompt of raspberry to tantalizes the taste buds and is so easy to make.
The perfect way to enjoy the summer don’t you think? And, I’d like to think that My Fair Lady is a fitting tribute to Angela.
For more about Palmers Gin and to order a bottle for yourself, check their website
Disclosure: We were given a bottle of Palmers Strawberry and Rose Celebration Gin for the purpose of making this cocktail.
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I think I will tryout this one.
Sounds delicious, perfect for a summer bbq
This looks absolutely delicious, perfectly summery! I will be trying this one for sure!
Perfect summer sunshine drink
It looks, and sounds really good to me.
This looks so lush! I love gin ha!!
what a beautiful looking drink!
This looks unbelievable! Perfect for summer thank you!
This looks so delicious and summery. Now all we need is the right weather!
I could down this NOW! just need to go shopping!