Ever wanted to make your own gin but not known where to start? I always thought you needed large copper pots and a dedicated distillery… How wrong I was. I was amazed to find that you can actually make gin at home using none other than a bottle of vodka!

The basic idea of compound gin is that you start with a neutral base spirit (e.g. vodka) and infuse it with botanicals to turn it into gin. Here’s a beginner’s guide to making your own compound gin at home:

You’ll Need:

• 500ml base spirit (e.g. vodka)
• Botanicals (see details below)
• Glass container to infuse your spirit
• Funnel with filter
• Bottle for your finished gin

 

Method:

1. Weigh out your botanicals.

The three main botanicals you’ll need are:

• Juniper Berry (15-18g)
• Coriander Seed (5-8g)
• Angelica Root (1.5-2g)

You can then select the additional botanicals that will flavour your gin, for example: Orris Root, Cardamom, Liquorice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Citrus Peel, Lemongrass, Lavender…

We chose Cinnamon, Cardamom and Orange Peel.

2. Sterilise your glass container with boiling water, then empty.

3. Pour the vodka and add the botanicals (minus very strong flavours or fresh citrus).

4. Leave to infuse for 24 hours. Taste, then add any strong flavours or fresh citrus that were left out earlier.

5. Leave to infuse for a further 12-24 hours.

6. Taste again, and once you are happy, use the filter to sieve out the botanicals from the gin.

7. Pour the finished gin into a bottle. Save a shot to add with tonic and enjoy your very own homemade gin!

It really is as easy as that! You’ll notice that your gin won’t be perfectly clear (as it doesn’t go through the re-distillation process) and the colour will depend on the botanicals used. Our concoction was both sweet and spicy with a citrusy kick. We’ll definitely be making another batch soon…

 

A special thank you to Jack’s sister and her husband for this lovely and thoughtful gift!