Choosing the Best Flavoured Gin | Flavours & Styles

Adding vibrancy and creativity to summer parties, the right flavoured gin brings a fresh twist to a timeless classic.

Here, we will explore what makes flavoured gin unique and popular, along with the best drinking practices and the best flavoured gin at Cotswolds Distillery.

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How is Flavoured Gin Crafted?

At its core, all gin starts as a neutral grain alcohol distilled with carefully selected botanicals and juniper-forward. This is what gives gin its characteristic piney taste.

A flavoured gin takes this process a step further. After the initial distillation, additional ingredients such as fruits, spices, or flowers are infused into the spirit to impart their distinct flavours and, often, their colour. This post-distillation flavouring is the key difference, allowing distillers to create a vast and exciting range of profiles.

Inspired by the region's wildflower-rich grasslands, our Wildflower Gin Collection offers a variety of unique flavours. Enjoy the beautiful essence of wildflowers in full bloom, alongside the familiar juniper and other key botanicals.

Shop our entire Wildflower Gin Collection to find the best flavoured gin.

What Are the Best Flavours of Gin?

The "best" flavour of gin really comes down to personal preference, but some have become incredibly popular for their crowd-pleasing tastes. Right now, fruit-flavoured gins dominate the market.

The pink gin category remains a huge trend, typically flavoured with red or pink fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or pink grapefruit for incredibly sweet flavours. For a more traditional fruit flavour, sloe gin is a timeless classic, known for its rich, tart berry character and deep red colour.

Here are some of the most popular gin flavours:

●      Citrus – Orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime

●      Floral – Elderflower, lavender, chamomile and wildflowers

●      Berry – Sloe, blackberry, raspberry and damson

●      Herbal – Rosemary, mint, thyme, bay and Alpine botanicals

●      Spiced – Cardamom, peppercorn, ginger and cinnamon

●      Seasonal– Summer-inspired blends or autumnal hedgerow flavours

Top 5 Best Flavoured Gin Picks at the Cotswolds’ Distillery

 Looking to mix up your flavours? At the Cotswolds Distillery, our gin collection combines regional flavours with creative botanicals and other unique ingredients.

Here are our top picks for the best flavoured gin, perfect for every occasion:

1)      Cotswolds Distillery Wildflower Gin No.1

Inspired by the beautiful Cotswolds meadows, our Wildflower Gin No.1 is a combination of floral botanicals and zesty orange notes – capturing the essence of summer.

●      Flavour Profile: Fresh, fruity and zesty

●      Key Botanicals: Cornflowers, lavender, rhubarb and angelica root

●      Perfect for: Summer cocktails and floral gin spritz

2)      Wildflower Gin No.2

Building on the floral foundation of the wildflower collection, the Cotswolds Wildflower Gin No.2 introduces a vibrant, fruity dimension with a London Dry base.

Wonderfully floral with lemony flavours, enjoy blends of delicate locally sourced wildflowers with the sweet and tangy character of ripe berries. It's a gin that feels both familiar and excitingly new with a masterful use of botanicals.

●      Flavour Profile: Floral and Citrus

●      Key Botanicals: Gentian, elderflower, chamomile and lemon balm

●      Perfect for: A simple spritz for garden parties

3)      No.3 Wildflower Gin

Adding a new variation to our Wildflower Gin Collection, the complex No.3 features notes of piney juniper, candied lime, and a hint of aniseed with mint, yarrow and other wildflower botanicals.

The key flavour to our No.3 Wildflower Gin is the hand-picked Génépi plant –  traditionally used in Alpine herbal liqueurs. Macerated from the high-altitude Artemisia flowers seeped in alcohol, expect strong herbal and floral notes, with bitter, intense and complex flavours.

●      Flavour Profile: Zesty, aniseed and complex

●      Key Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, angelica root, mint, and hand-picked Génépi (Artemisia)

●      Perfect for: Refreshing gin spritzes

4)      Cotswolds Hedgerow Gin

Truly taste the botanical flavours of the British countryside with the Cotswolds Hedgerow Gin. Foraged from the region’s hedgerows, expect tart and fruity flavours, both unique to the region and far different from alternative flavoured gins.

Combining our flagship Dry Gin with locally sourced botanicals, our Hedgerow Gin is beautifully fragrant and delivers autumnal notes of wild berries and fruits.

●      Flavour Profile: Florals and berries

●      Key Botanicals: Sloes, bullace, damsons, and blackberries

●      Perfect for: Warming up the winter blues or mixed with champagne

5)      Cotswolds Summer Cup

Capture the essence of a perfect summer day with the Cotswolds Summer Cup. Blending our award-winning Dry Gin with handcrafted Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, this gin is perfect for summer drinking, offering a refreshing and fruity taste.

Expect rich and fruity flavours with a complex bittersweet finish – perfect when blended with lemonade or ginger ale and fresh summer fruits.

●      Flavour Profile: Crisp, refreshing and fruity

●      Key Botanicals: Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries with herbals and spices

●      Perfect for: Summer spritzes and cocktails

How to Enjoy Flavoured Gin – Top Tips

To get the most out of your flavoured gin, serving it correctly makes all the difference. While many are excellent for making cocktails, a simple gin and tonic is often the best way to let the spirit’s unique botanicals shine. Always start by choosing a high-quality tonic water that won’t overpower the gin's flavour.

Consider the following the next time you open a flavoured gin bottle:

●      Use Plenty of Ice: A full glass of ice keeps your drink colder for longer and slows dilution.

●      Choose the Right Glass: A large goblet or copa glass helps concentrate the gin's aromas.

●      The Perfect Garnish: Use fresh fruit, herbs, or spices that match the gin’s botanicals.

●      A Good Ratio of Tonic: A good ratio is one part gin to two or three parts tonic water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Flavoured and Gin Liqueur?

Flavoured gin is still a gin at heart: distilled with juniper and additional botanicals. On the other hand, gin liqueurs are typically sweeter, lower in alcohol and contain added sugar or fruit juice.

Is Flavoured Gin Sweeter Than Regular Gin?

Not always. While some fruit-led gins have a naturally sweeter profile, many flavoured gins remain dry and balanced. Sweetness depends on the botanicals used and whether sugar has been added.

Are Flavoured Gins Good for Making Cocktails?

Yes, flavoured gins are a great option for making cocktails, providing a fantastic flavour base, and adding an extra layer of complexity to your drink. Try mixing the Cotswolds Hedgerow Gin with champagne and fresh summer fruits for a fizzy gin spritz cocktail.

Shop our pre-mixed flavoured gins for the perfect cocktail.

What Occasions Are Best Suited for Flavoured Gins?

Light, citrusy, and floral gins are perfect for daytime events and summer parties. Consider richer, spicier, or berry-flavoured gins for evenings or festive events.

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