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Cooking with gin in the kitchen

When we talk about cooking with gin, we don’t just mean having a Gin & Tonic to sip on while you dice vegetables. We actually mean using the spirit in your food – yep, we’re eating it!

Cooking with gin brings an unexpected, but delightful twist to traditional recipes and allows you to create exciting new combinations, infusing dishes with aromatic botanicals and piney juniper notes.

From starters to desserts, gin’s diverse flavours elevate everyday meals into gourmet experiences, making it a versatile must-have ingredient to keep stocked in your pantry.

IS GIN GOOD FOR COOKING?

Gin is made from alcohol, water and juniper as well as other botanicals including coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus fruit. As a result of these ingredients, gin is a spirit that can be appreciated all on its own.

However, the taste of gin lends itself to being combined with other ingredients too. Aside from pairing it with other alcoholic beverages or carbonated mixers, gin is a fantastic addition to food and can be used in cooking in much the same way as wine, whisky, sherry and vodka. There are lots of recipes with gin in them – you just need to decide which one to try first!

WHAT FOOD CAN YOU PUT GIN IN?

Gin cocktails such as the Martini and Negroni are favourites worldwide but gin doesn’t have to be confined to a glass.

Due to the variety in types of gin and their unique flavour profiles, gin can be used in a wide array of dishes, from brunch favourites to elegant evening meals and perfect puddings. The botanicals and aromatics in gin can complement both savoury and sweet flavours, making it an adaptable and creative addition to your culinary repertoire.

Below, we’ve listed some examples of how to cook with gin that you can use for inspiration:

COOKING SEAFOOD WITH GIN

Gin’s botanicals beautifully enhance the flavours of seafood, adding depth and sophistication to each dish. Citrus-forward gins are particularly good for pairing with salmon, for instance, and herbaceous and spicy gins are great for use in Asian-inspired recipes.

GIN AND OYSTERS

Gin pairs exquisitely with oysters, as its herbal and floral notes complement the briny, creamy texture of the oysters. You can use any gin but Beefeater London Dry Gin’s fragrant citrus botanicals will give a really special touch to this dish.

Simply drizzle a bit of the gin over fresh oysters or create a gin-infused mignonette to elevate this classic appetiser.

GIN-CURED TROUT

Gin-cured trout combines the freshness of the fish with the aromatic complexity of gin. The curing process involves marinating the trout in a mixture of gin, salt, sugar and dill, resulting in a delicately flavoured, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for brunch. Serve with crispy potatoes, sauteed spinach and scrambled eggs.

GIN FISH AND CHIPS

Gin adds a sophisticated twist to traditional fish and chips. Incorporate gin into the batter for a light, crispy coating that enhances the delicate flavour of cod or haddock. The botanicals in the gin bring out the natural sweetness of the fish, making for an unforgettable take on this beloved classic.

MAIN COURSES THAT USE GIN

Juniper and botanical notes can really lift main courses, adding additional interest and depth to a huge array of classic and contemporary dishes.

PASTA WITH GIN SAUCE

Remember when pasta alla vodka was all the rage? Well, if you tried it and liked it, we are sure you’ll love its more intriguing cousin – pasta with gin sauce. Gin brings a refreshing complexity to pasta dishes. A gin sauce, often made with tomatoes, cream, herbs and plenty of garlic provides a zesty, aromatic flavour that works wonderfully with seafood or chicken pasta.

GIN AND BEEF STEW

Gin adds depth and warmth to beef stew, its botanicals blending harmoniously with the savoury ingredients. Use gin to deglaze the pan before adding the broth and other stew components, infusing the dish with its distinctive, rich flavour.

PAN-FRIED VENISON WITH BLACKBERRY GIN SAUCE

Venison’s robust flavour is beautifully complemented by a blackberry gin sauce. The tartness of the blackberries and the botanical notes of the gin create a luscious sauce that enhances the gamey taste of the venison, making for a memorable meal. To add an extra fruity hit, try making the sauce with Beefeater Blackberry Gin.

GIN-BASED SAUCES AND SYRUPS

Sometimes gin doesn’t have to be incorporated into the main body of the dish. Instead, it can be added to a sauce, syrup or marinade to add the perfect finishing touch.

Rhubarb and cranberry syrup

This vibrant syrup combines the tartness of rhubarb and cranberries with the aromatic essence of gin. Make it with Beefeater Rhubarb and Cranberry Gin, and it’ll be wonderful drizzled over ice cream and crumbles or adding to cocktails while providing a refreshing, tangy-sweet flavour.

Lemon gin and herb marinade

A lemon gin and herb marinade is ideal for chicken, fish, or vegetables. The citrusy notes of the lemon and the botanicals in Beefeater Zesty Lemon Gin tenderise and infuse the food with a bright, fresh flavour. Perfect for roasting or cooking on a barbecue – just make sure you marinate your meat or veg for at least four hours before cooking to get a gin-infused punch.

Gin and mint sauce

Gin and mint sauce offers a contemporary alternative to traditional mint sauce. The fresh, cooling flavour of mint combined with the botanical richness of gin creates a delightful accompaniment for lamb or roasted vegetables. Have a dollop with your next Sunday dinner and we bet you won’t turn back.

Desserts made with gin

Gin transforms classic sweets into gourmet treats. Its botanical notes pair beautifully with fruits, chocolates and creams, creating indulgent endings to any meal.

Gin and tonic jelly

This modern dessert captures the refreshing essence of a classic gin and tonic in a wobbly, fun jelly. The gin’s botanicals shine through, providing a light and zesty finish to a meal, perfect for summer gatherings. We recommend Beefeater London Dry Gin and standard tonic water (as opposed to slimline) for this pudding to get the most authentic G&T flavour.

Pink strawberry gin cheesecake

A Pink Strawberry Gin cheesecake is a visually stunning and delicious dessert. The strawberries’ soft sweetness and the gin’s juniper and citrus notes create a harmonious balance, making each bite creamy, fruity, and bursting with botanicals. Top with sliced strawberries and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of colour.

Blood orange gin chocolate pudding

Chocolate and orange and well-known for creating sweet treats that leave you wanting a second helping. Blood orange gin chocolate pudding combines rich chocolate with the citrusy brightness of Beefeater Blood Orange Gin. The result is a decadent dessert with a delightful contrast of flavours, that is guaranteed to end any dinner party on a high note.

Gin and lemon drizzle cake

This cake is a moist, zesty treat infused with gin and lemon. The gin enhances the lemon’s tartness, and the drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness and botanical flavour, making for a delightful addition to afternoon tea.

If this article has got you raring to put on your apron and wield your tongs, make sure you post your finished dishes on your socials. Remember to tag us!

And don’t forget to add a gin cocktail to sip alongside your dish. We’ve got plenty of recipes from easy gin cocktails to fun variations of a Martini.