IN WHAT Scottish gin giant Hendrick’s has described as ‘the most significant release yet’ from its Cabinet of Curiosities, the brand’s new Grand Cabaret bottling was launched today, March 1st.
Inspired by a historic fruit-based libation which was in vogue in Paris in the early 20th Century, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret is imbued a ‘rich ensemble of bright flavours’, designed to appeal to free-spirited souls.
Hendrick’s master distiller, Lesley Gracie, explained that she was inspired after reading about a stone fruit ‘eau de vie’ that was served with a dash of gin and scented with rose, which gained popularity at fashionable Parisian parties in the early 1900s.
Lesley said she had long been interested by the notion of experimenting with unusual combinations of botanical fruits, yet this is the first time she has selected stone fruits to anchor flavours in a gin.
“I’m always looking for inspiration, and this time I found it leafing through historical recipes for stone fruit spirits, eau de vies, peach schnapps, cherry liqueurs when those indulgent stone fruit flavours were the ‘in thing’ for those that had the means to celebrate in spectacular style.
“I played around and found that when you put these different stone fruit flavours together, they give you a rich depth of flavour with great brightness and lightness,” said Lesley. “I added sweet herbs to round out the vibrant fruit. It’s the first time I’ve experimented with stone fruits in Hendrick’s Gin, and I love how it adds a decadent depth of flavour and yet still has the signature refreshing lightness of Hendrick’s.”
Hendrick’s global brand ambassador, Ally Martin, added: “It’s fascinating to dig deep into cocktail history and see what flavour combinations captivated creative minds in Paris at the turn of the 20th Century.
“It seems that the flavour of stone fruits, rose scents, and gin was a magical combination in the most opulent of establishments, and who better to deftly combine these flavours today into a ravishingly fruity spirit than Hendrick’s Master Distiller, alchemist, and liquid poet Lesley Gracie?
“This is a bright, bold gin that has a rich depth and layers of flavour and yet is still refreshing and light – it’s ideal in a Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret and Tonic. If you want to be a little more fancy, the Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Royale is an indulgent way to toast tantalising celebrations.”
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Royale recipe:
Ingredients:
- 30ml Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret
- 30ml Cranberry juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel
Method:
Combine ingredients in a champagne glass and top with Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel.
