Gin’s unique flavour comes from one essential ingredient: juniper. But what exactly is juniper, and what other botanicals can be used to craft this beloved spirit? From the classics to Australia’s bold native ingredients, let’s explore the wonderful world of gin botanicals and what makes each bottle so distinct.
What is Juniper, and Why Does Gin Depend on It?
To be classified as gin, a spirit must include juniper in its distillation process. Juniper is part of the Cupressaceae family, which includes towering redwoods and sequoias. While the plant is found worldwide, it thrives primarily in the Northern Hemisphere and boasts between 50 to 67 species (depending on classification).
Not all juniper is gin-friendly, though. Most species are inedible or even poisonous. Only Juniperus communis, prized for its distinct flavour, is suitable for food and alcohol.
Interestingly, gin doesn’t draw its flavour from the juniper berry itself. The magic lies in the oils from the seeds inside the berries, which release the signature piney, peppery, and bittersweet notes that define gin’s character.
Building on Juniper: The Core Gin Botanicals
Once you’ve got juniper in your still, you technically have gin—but let’s face it, it would be a pretty one-dimensional drink. The beauty of gin lies in its infinite potential to layer flavours using other botanicals.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules, certain botanicals have earned their place as staples in gin-making due to their balanced and versatile flavour profiles. Behind juniper, the next most popular botanicals include:
| Coriander Seeds | Angelica root and seeds |
| Citrus peels (lemon and orange) | Orris root |
| Cardmom | Licorice root |
| Cinnamon | Cassia bark (Chinese cinnamon) |
| Lavender |
These ingredients form the foundation of most gins, adding layers of citrus brightness, floral aromas, earthy undertones, and warming spice.
Thinking Outside the Still: Lesser-Known Botanicals
Beyond these classics, distillers are constantly innovating with new flavours, incorporating a stunning variety of edible ingredients. From fruits and herbs to spices, nuts, flowers, vegetables, and even grains, if it’s got a flavour, someone has probably tried distilling it into gin.
This experimental approach creates the endless variety we see in the gin world today. Distillers often guard their botanical blends as closely kept secrets, adding an air of mystery to every sip.
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The Australian Gin Revolution: Native Botanicals
Australia has taken the gin scene by storm in recent years, thanks to the country’s unique native botanicals. Distillers here are stepping away from the European traditions to embrace the rich diversity of local flora. The result? Gins that capture the essence of Australia in every glass.
From the peppery heat of Tasmanian pepperberry to the zesty punch of finger limes, Australian gins boast bold, distinctive flavours that have won global acclaim. Other unique native ingredients include:
| Bush tomatoes | Lemon myrtle |
| Murraya (orange blossom) | Eucalyptus |
| Green ants (yes, really!) | Macadamia nuts |
These botanicals create flavour profiles that are as adventurous as the landscapes they’re inspired by, putting Australian gin firmly on the global map.
What’s the Difference Between Botanical and Flavoured Gins?
A common point of confusion in the gin world is the difference between types of gin, and more specifically between botanical gins and flavoured gins.
Botanical gins: These derive their flavours during the distillation process, with juniper and other botanicals infused into the spirit as it’s made.
Flavoured gins: These get their flavours after distillation, typically by mixing the base gin with a liqueur or infusion.
Flavoured gins often have a sweeter, fruitier profile and are designed to be accessible for newcomers to gin. Popular flavours range from berry blends to confectionery-inspired profiles (yes, even “unicorn” gin is a thing!).
While flavoured gins are great for creative cocktails, botanical gins remain the go-to choice for purists who appreciate the complexity of a well-crafted spirit.
Love flavoured gin? Explore our favourite pink gin cocktail recipes and add a pop of colour to your glass.
The Endless Possibilities of Gin
Gin’s beauty lies in its diversity. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional balance of juniper and citrus or crave the innovative edge of native Australian botanicals, there’s a gin out there to match your palate.
With distillers around the world constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries, the world of gin is only growing more exciting. From classic London Dry to vibrant, flavoured varieties, the possibilities are endless—making every sip a new adventure.
