It seems flavoured gins in array of colours are gaining popularity, with influencers by the dozen posting their favourite cocktails in what seems like every colour of the rainbow, making for a truly exciting and interactive social media experience. Whitley Neill South Africa who produces seven incredible flavoured gins did some digging, and this is what they discovered.
It all starts with the diversity of tastes.
Traditional gin has a distinctive juniper flavour, which may not appeal to everyone. Flavoured gins offer a wide range of tastes, from fruity and floral to herbal and spiced. This diversity attracts a wider audience and provides more options for gin lovers to find a flavour they enjoy. Whitley Neill’s Protea and Hibiscus is purple in colour and fuses protea and hibiscus flowers into a smooth, floral gin that is produced and sold exclusively in South Africa.
Cocktail Culture
The resurgence of cocktail culture has contributed to the popularity of flavoured gins. Mixologists and home bartenders are constantly experimenting with new flavours and ingredients, and flavoured gins add a unique twist to classic cocktails like martinis, gin and tonics, and negronis.
Millennial and Gen Z Appeal
It seems that the younger generations want unique experiences in their food and drinks. Flavoured gins tap into this desire for new and exciting flavours, making them more appealing to millennials and Gen Z consumers.
Versatility
Flavoured gins offer versatility in their usage. They can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. This adaptability makes them suitable for various drinking preferences and occasions.
Craft and Artisanal Movement
The craft and artisanal spirits movement has also contributed to the popularity of flavoured gins. Smaller, independent distilleries have embraced experimentation with flavours, leading to unique and locally inspired products.
Low-Calorie and Health-Conscious Choices
Some flavoured gins are perceived as lighter and more refreshing options compared to other spirits. This appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for low-calorie alcoholic beverages.
While many factors contribute to the complexity and uniqueness of each of Whitley Neill’s gin variants and so many others on the market, one element stands out as the backbone of its distinct character – botanicals.
Try this recipe using their Protea and Hibiscus variant sold exclusively in South Africa.
Whitley Neill Protea & Hibiscus cocktail
- 50ml Whitley Neill Protea & Hibiscus gin
- 200ml purple tonic
- 2 lemon slices
- Edible flowers (optional)
Add the gin to a glass with ice, top up with tonic and garnish with lemon slices and edible flowers.
DRINK RESONSIBLY. NOT TO BE SOLD TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
Whitley Neill Gin is available at most leading liquor retailers and online at Takealot and Liquor Drop (www.liquordrop.co.za).
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