We’ve chosen an herb of the month for January, and it’s angelica! We chose angelica because of its positive effect on digestion, but it also has another interesting use: it’s one of the key flavours in gin!

Calista (a member of our store team) likes to craft her own gin at home and has shared a couple of her favourite recipes with us so that you, too, can whip some up.

Savoury Herbal Gin Recipe

Ingredients

• 750ml vodka
• 2 Tbsp juniper berries
• 3/4 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp angelica
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp fennel seed
• 3 cardamom pods
• 3 black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 tsp granulated lemon peel*
• 1 tsp lavender buds

*The best part of making gin is playing with the ingredients so if you want more lemon, add it!

Combine all ingredients in a jar and store in a dark cupboard. Agitate now and then. Allow to steep for a minimum of 48 hours, until you’re happy with the flavour.

Once you’re happy with the flavour, strain gin and store herbs in the freezer to use once more.

Pink Gin

Ingredients

• 750 mL vodka
• 2 Tbsp juniper berries
• 1/2 tsp angelica
• 1 tbsp pink peppercorns
• One pink grapefruit

Combine vodka and herbs in jar. Wash grapefruit, and zest with a vegetable peeler. Cut grapefruit in half and juice both halves. Strain out seeds. Add juice and zest to jar.

Calista says: This pink gin IS AMAZING and so easy! (*chef’s kiss*)

You can also substitute cucumber slices and mint leaves for the peppercorns and grapefruit for a refreshing alternative!

Again, store in a dark cupboard and agitate now and then. Allow to steep for a minimum of 48 hours, until you’re happy with the flavour.

Cocktail Time!

Any of these versions taste great in a simple Gin and Tonic with your favourite tonic water (we love Fever-Tree Tonic Waters).