When Adam Hannett, master distiller for The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, talks about the gin he makes and the place it's from, he often uses the word “love.” “The Botanist is a representation of the place we are from. It is a way of communicating our place in the world and our love for it.” The place is Islay — the southernmost island in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, home to Bruichladdich Distillery. In addition to four single malt Scotches, the distillery also produces The Botanist, and everything about this dry, complex gin speaks to the distillers' love for their island home. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it’s a good time to think about what your celebration will entail. Why not elevate your evening with a Botanist cocktail?
A Toast to Love
To understand why The Botanist is a great choice for elevated cocktails, we need to examine the commitment involved with each bottle. One need not stretch a metaphor too thin to recognize that love is commitment, and commitment to a place is similar in many respects to commitment to a person or relationship. The Botanist is designed to be a “picture” of Islay, not just another gin on a shelf. The process begins with a team of foragers who scour the island for the 22 botanicals that form The Botanist’s flavor profile. All the botanicals are hand-foraged and dried before infusion into the gin base. Islay, known as the Queen of the Hebrides, is geologically and botanically diverse, with an abundance of moors, peat bogs, wetlands, and vast swaths of green space.
The Ingredients
To provide the best cross-section of Islay’s botanicals, the distillers choose a wide range of flavor notes from citrus to spice and floral to fruity. Juniper and coriander, while present, are blended with familiar herbs like mint, chamomile, and thyme, as well as more obscure botanicals like gorse, sweetgale, and sweet cicely. The balance is extraordinary, given the complex recipe, and the mouthfeel is satin -smooth with enough viscosity for each region of your tongue to puzzle out all the different botanical notes. The long finish is herbal, woodsy, and clean, encouraging you to slow down, sip, and savor. The complexity means that the cocktails must be carefully crafted so all the ingredients can meld into a harmonious whole. To help with putting together a well-balanced cocktail for the big date night, we have four recipes to help get you started.
The Botanist French 75
Elevate the special moments with a classic Botanist French 75.
This cocktail is best made individually but can be made for two with a larger specialty mixing glass. To make two, simply double the ingredients and evenly split them into the cocktail glasses.
2 oz. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
¾ oz. Fresh lemon juice
½ oz. Simple syrup
2 oz. Champagne (chilled)
Lemon twist (garnish)
Add all ingredients but the champagne to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top off with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
The Botanist Perfect Martini
Looking for a classic with a twist to make the evening even more memorable? This Perfect Martini is the ticket to a flawless date night.
This cocktail is best made individually but can be made for two with a larger specialty mixing glass. To make two, simply double the ingredients and evenly split them into the cocktail glasses.
2 oz. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
½ oz. Dry vermouth
Lemon twist (garnish)
Add The Botanist and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a twist of lemon, and enjoy!
The Botanist Fig Martinez
The Martinez is making a comeback in the best way. You can show your Valentine that you are ahead of the trends by making this delightful twist on this classic cocktail.
Like the Martini, this cocktail is best made individually but can be made for two with a larger specialty mixing glass. To make two, simply double the ingredients and evenly split them into the cocktail glasses.
2 oz. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
1 oz. Sweet vermouth
¼ oz Fig reduction*
2 dashes Orange bitters
Fig or orange peel (garnish)
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to dilute and chill completely. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a fig or orange peel. *To make fig reduction: Combine 1 cup of fig preserves with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a simmer over low to medium heat and cook until mixture is reduced by half. Remove from heat and strain out any seeds if present. Place fig reduction in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The Botanist Chamomile Sour
The Botanist Chamomile Sour is the perfect combination of relaxing and sweet — it’s a swoon-worthy treat for your Valentine.
Similar to the Martini, this cocktail is best made individually but can be made for two with a larger specialty mixing glass. To make two, simply double the ingredients and evenly split them into the cocktail glasses.
2 oz. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
1 oz. Chamomile simple syrup
1 oz. Lemon juice
½ oz. Elderflower liqueur
1 Egg white
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds, then add ice and shake to chill for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and serve. *To create the chamomile simple syrup: Combine 1 part brewed chamomile tea and 1 part sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved and let cool.
In Closing
Ready to mix up flawless cocktails for your significant other? Discover the Botanist Gin and start mixing. ©2023 Bruichladdich Distillery Co. Limited., The Botanist® Gin, 46% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
