Gin has been rediscovered, and offers so much more than just a standard G&T. Get creative with these divine gin recipes – grown up treats with plenty of flair!

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The floral flavour of gin combines fantastically with herb infusions, spices and fruits from citrus and berries to rhubarb and cucumber. It also sweetens nicely, and makes a great option for boozy baking!

Check out our gin recipes below for some sweet treats and cocktails that are the perfect choice for your next girls’ night.

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Gin Recipes: Baking with Gin

Who knew gin was so versatile? The likes of Baileys, Kahlua, rum and whiskey are well-known for adding to baking and desserts, but gin offers a fun alternative!

Elderflower and Gin Cupcakes

Makes 12

Ingredients:

• 100ml gin
• 140g caster sugar
• 100g butter, softened
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1-2 tbsp elderflower cordial
• 150g self-raising flour

For the buttercream:

• 125g butter, softened
• 230g icing sugar, sifted
• 1-2 tbsp elderflower cordial
• 1 tsp lemon or lime zest (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/350F and prepare your cupcake cases in the tin.
2. Make a gin syrup by combining the gin and 2 tablespoons (30g) of the caster sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and leave to simmer over a medium heat until it has reduced by about half, to a syrupy consistency.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and remaining sugar until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Add in the beaten eggs and elderflower cordial, mix until combined and then sift in the flour.
5. Mix until just combined, then spoon into your cupcake cases and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Leave the cupcakes in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, you can decorate them. Beat together the butter, icing sugar and 1 tbsp of the elderflower cordial until smooth. Gradually add up to another tablespoon of cordial for your preferred consistency.
8. Decorate the cupcakes with the buttercream, adding a sprinkling of lemon or lime zest if you like.

Gin and Tonic Tart

Serves 12

For the base:

• 220g flour, plus extra for dusting
• 90g icing sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 150g butter, chilled
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp tonic

For the filling:

• 3 eggs, plus 1 yolk
• 170g caster sugar
• Juice of 3 lemons
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 50ml gin
• 150ml double cream

Method:

1. To make the pastry, mix together the flour, icing sugar and salt in a large bowl. Use your fingers to rub in the chilled butter until you have a fine, sandy consistency. Stir in the lemon zest.
2. Add the egg yolk and 2 tbsp of tonic, and use a knife to combine (add another splash of tonic, if needed). Knead the dough briefly with your hands until you have a smooth ball, then shape into a disc, wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30-45 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan and grease a 20cm tart pan or dish
4. Once chilled, roll the pastry out on a floured surface and line the tin. Gently press the pastry into the edges and carefully cut off any excess. Use a fork to prick the base of the tart several times, then line with a piece of baking paper and fill with baking beans (or uncooked rice). Chill the tart case for 10 minutes, then bake for 16- 18 minutes.
5. Remove the baking paper and beans, then bake for a further 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.
6. To make the filling, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and gin. Add in the double cream, and whisk until all combined.
7. Pour the filling into the cooled pastry case, then bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling has set.

Lemon Sponge Cake with a Gin Glaze

Serve 8-10

Ingredients:

• 125g butter, softened
• 125g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 125g self-raising flour
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the glaze:

• 200g icing sugar, sifted
• 2-4 tbsp gin
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan. Grease a 20cm cake tin or bundt tin.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Sift in the flour and add the lemon zest, milk and vanilla. Mix until everything is just combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean, then remove the cake to a wire rack to cool.
5. To make the glaze, combine the sugar with 2 tbsp of gin and 2 tbsp of lemon juice. Add more gin/juice if required to achieve a smooth icing consistency.
6. Drizzle the glaze over the cake and decorate with lemon zest, red berries or slices of lime.

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Gin Recipes: Cocktail Time

A gin and tonic is a classic, but if you’re looking to try something new, we have some fun gin recipes for you to try:

Blue Gin Delight

• 1 part Blue Curacao
• 1 part gin
• 1 part lime juice
• 7Up

Combine together the blue Curacao, gin and lime juice and shake with ice. Pour into your chosen cocktail glass, and top with 7Up. Typically garnished with an orange segment or slice of lime.

Negroni

• 1 part gin
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part vermouth
• Zest and juice of 1 orange

Mix together the gin, Campari, vermouth and a splash of orange juice with plenty of ice in a short glass. Add a twist of orange zest to finish.

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Do you have any gin recipes we need to try? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!