Unlock the Art of Gin-Making: 8 Unique Gin Recipes
Kristi van der RietGin-making is a personal journey, and with these recipes, you can experiment with various botanicals to craft a gin that’s truly your own. Below, you'll find a selection of recipes, each measured in grams and milliliters for precision. Whether you prefer a classic, citrusy, or spice-forward gin, there's something here to inspire your next creation.

Recipe 1: Classic Citrus Spice Gin
Ingredients:
- 30g Juniper berries
 - 15g Green cardamom pods
 - 9g Coriander seeds
 - 8g Dried lemongrass
 - 3 strips Orange peel (avoid white pith)
 - 1 Cinnamon stick (approx. 7g)
 - 15g Liquorice root
 
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Seal and shake the bottle gently.
 - Let the mixture steep for 24-48 hours, tasting periodically.
 - Once satisfied with the flavor, strain out the botanicals.
 - Enjoy your citrus-spiced gin neat or in your favorite cocktail.
 
Recipe 2: Earthy and Aromatic Gin
Ingredients:
- 25g Juniper berries
 - 10g Coriander seeds
 - 3g Angelica root
 - 2g Liquorice powder
 - 2g Orris root
 - 2g Dried orange peel
 - 2g Dried lemon peel
 
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Seal and let the mixture infuse for 48-72 hours.
 - Strain out the botanicals using a fine mesh.
 - Store your gin in a cool, dark place and enjoy at your leisure.
 
Recipe 3: Warm Spice Gin
Ingredients:
- 20g Dried juniper berries
 - 8g Whole coriander, crushed
 - 2g Dried orange peel
 - 2g Dried lemon peel
 - 3g Whole cinnamon stick
 - 1 Whole cardamom pod, crushed
 
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Allow the mixture to steep for 48-72 hours, shaking occasionally.
 - Strain the gin through a fine mesh or coffee filter.
 - Bottle and label your warm spice gin.
 
Recipe 4: Herbal Gin
Ingredients:
- 20g Juniper berries
 - 2g Fennel seeds
 - 2g Whole allspice
 - 5g Coriander seeds
 - 4 Cardamom pods
 - 2 Black peppercorns
 - 1 Bay leaf
 - 1g Dried lavender
 - 1 Sprig of rosemary
 - 1g Dried grapefruit peel (no pith)
 - 1g Dried lemon peel (no pith)
 
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Infuse for 24-48 hours, shaking the bottle occasionally.
 - Strain the gin and re-bottle.
 - Enjoy your herbal gin in a refreshing gin and tonic.
 
Recipe 5: Citrus & Spice Gin
Ingredients:
- 20g Juniper berries
 - 5g Coriander seeds
 - Peels of 2 grapefruits
 - Peel of 1 lemon
 - Peel of 1 orange
 - 4 Cloves
 - 2.5g Angelica root
 - 1.25g Cassia bark
 - 1.25g Fennel seeds
 
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Allow the gin to infuse for 48-72 hours, shaking periodically.
 - Strain out the botanicals, then re-bottle your gin.
 - Store your gin in a cool, dark place, and enjoy!
 
Recipe 6: Floral & Herbaceous Gin
Ingredients:
- 20g Juniper berries
 - 3g Coriander seeds
 - 3g Rosemary
 - 3g Dried lavender flowers
 - 2 Rose hips
 - 2 Allspice berries
 - 1g Fennel seeds
 - 1g Dried lemon peel (pulverized)
 - 2 Tellicherry black peppercorns
 - 1 Bay leaf
 - 3 Green cardamom pods
 
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Let the mixture steep for 24-48 hours, shaking occasionally.
 - Strain out the botanicals and re-bottle your gin.
 - Enjoy your floral and herbaceous gin neat or in a cocktail.
 
Recipe 7: Spiced Citrus Gin
Ingredients:
- 35g Juniper berries
 - 15g Coriander seeds
 - 5g Cassia
 - 6g Liquorice root
 - 4g Orris root powder
 - 4g Angelica root
 - 10g Mixed citrus peel (fresh & grated)
 - 4g Frankincense
 - 2g Myrrh
 - 4g Cardamom pods
 
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka.
 - Infuse for 48-72 hours, tasting occasionally to achieve the desired flavor.
 - Strain the gin through a fine mesh or coffee filter, and bottle it.
 - Enjoy your spiced citrus gin as a holiday treat or a unique gift.
 
Recipe 8: Aromatic Citrus Gin
Ingredients:
- 44g Juniper berries
 - 6g Coriander seeds
 - 1g Bitter orange peel
 - 1g Dried liquorice root
 - 1g Star anise
 - 1g Cinnamon stick
 - 0.5g Zest of sweet orange
 - 1g Zest of lemon
 - 2g Zest of lime
 - 1g Clove
 - 1g Rosemary leaves
 
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients with 1 liter of neutral spirit (40% ABV).
 - Seal and let the mixture steep for 48-72 hours, tasting periodically.
 - Strain out the botanicals, then bottle your gin.
 - Store in a cool, dark place, and enjoy at your leisure.
 
Conclusion
These recipes offer a range of flavors and styles, from the classic juniper-forward gin to more experimental and spiced variations. Whether you're new to gin-making or a seasoned distiller, these recipes provide a great starting point for crafting a gin that's uniquely yours. Cheers to your next distillation adventure!