RAISE A GLASS
MUMS like gin. I know this, I’m a mum. As we inch nearer to Mother’s Day, I’ve been doing some gin homework for you. It’s been more interesting than my schooldays, when I was stalled by many a chemistry homework question.
No scientific laws have been applied to reach my selection, just the simplicity of “oooh that tastes nice”. Mrs Cuthbert’s Parma Violet Cupcake (RRP £13.99, for 50cl, Amazon, thedrinkshop.com and independents) is one of a new range of baking-themed gin liqueurs. They were inspired by a Mrs Cuthbert who was a baker in the 40s and 50s and also a big fan of gin.
The liqueur, a lovely violet colour, is distilled with six botanicals including citrus and star anise. The nose is cake-like, sweet and perfumed, with hums of vanilla and violet. Pour with tonic, or serve mum a violet treat topped up with prosecco. I preferred it neat, with a clunk of ice.
A pal and I were chatting the other day about how gooseberries were a distant memory. Gooseberry pie was “a thing” when I was growing up; maybe it still is but passes me by. Then, weirdly, a day after that chat, I read about the new Slingsby Gooseberry Gin (£39.99, spiritofharrogate.co.uk and World Duty Free shops).
The Slingsby creators were inspired by New Zealand sauvignon blanc (many a mum’s favourite) and wanted to “develop a gin that encapsulated the tangy sharpness of the gooseberry”.
Does it? Let me take a sip from this glass next to my elbow. There’s a lightness of gooseberry, nettles, citrus and woodland in the rain. I’ve dipped in again and sensed subtle hint of orange peel (or it might just be me!).
The flavours are crisp with green fruit, citrussy, tangy and fresh.
If you’re looking for the prettiest of bottles to please mum, then the City of London Distillery Rhubarb & Rose Gin (£34.99,
Sainsbury) ticks the box. The embossed glass is shouting out to have one of those fairy light attachments, so it can sparkle and shine on a coffee table when the gin is but a memory.
This gin reflects our love affair with the classic Britishness of rhubarb and roses. They bring subtle aroma notes across the top of a glass, as juniper takes the lead role. Then the floral notes of an English garden rose peep in, with the fruitiness of rhubarb not far behind. It’s pretty. Pretty moreish.
Last but definitely not least, how about this as a choice for mum. Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin (RRP £20, exclusively at Asda) is, I’m told, inspired by the citrus groves of Spain. It is infused with Iberian pink grapefruit and other botanicals include orange, lemon peel, lime flowers, cloves and chamomile.
Whitley Neill gin creations are loved by many, and I can see this one being much the same. It has an enticing sweet citrus nose, and that follows through on to the palate.
I served it with a plain tonic, and it was a fresh, relaxing glass at the end of a long day.
Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is Sunday March 31. I’ll give you another nudge before then.