Savour Autumn Moments with Caorunn Classic Gin – As the evenings draw in and the leaves begin to turn, my thoughts often turn to those little pleasures that make autumn enjoyable: good food, a get-together with friends and a drink that feels a little more special than the everyday.
Gin has long been a favourite for home entertaining, and while the classic gin and tonic remains a familiar choice, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it beyond the usual combination of spirit, tonic and a slice of citrus. Cocktails can be surprisingly easy to make at home, and experimenting with different flavours is part of the fun.
One gin that brings a little Scottish heritage to the glass is Caorunn Classic Gin, handcrafted in small batches at Balmenach Distillery in Speyside, in the Scottish Highlands.
A gin with a Scottish story
Caorunn (pronounced ‘ka-roon’) takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for rowan berry, one of five Celtic botanicals at the heart of its recipe. The brand was established in 2009, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the traditional craft of Scottish spirit-making.
What makes Caorunn particularly interesting is its approach to distillation. Alongside the five locally foraged Celtic botanicals, the gin incorporates six traditional gin botanicals, bringing together ingredients that contribute different aromas and flavours.
The Celtic botanicals are rowan berry, dandelion, heather, Coul Blush apple and bog myrtle. Each brings its own character to the blend, from the fruitiness of rowan berry and apple to the aromatic, gently spicy notes associated with bog myrtle.
The botanicals are infused using what Caorunn describes as the world’s only working Copper Berry Chamber. Originally developed in the 1920s to extract essential oils used in perfume-making, this unusual piece of equipment allows alcohol vapour to pass slowly through trays of botanicals, picking up their flavours and aromas. It is a distinctive process that helps give the gin its individual character.
The finished spirit is slightly spicy, full-bodied and invigorating, with a clean, crisp finish. It is a style that works well in a straightforward gin and tonic but also provides an interesting base for cocktails featuring fruit, citrus and a little sweetness.
Three cocktails to try this autumn
For some seasonal inspiration, lead mixologist Walter Pintus has created three recipes using Caorunn Classic Gin. Whether you are planning a relaxed evening with friends, serving drinks before dinner or marking a special occasion, these offer a few ideas to try at home.
Fireside Sling
The name suggests a cosy evening indoors, although this cocktail has plenty of brightness from the citrus and orange wine. Honey syrup adds sweetness, while seasonal berries provide a colourful finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 50ml Caorunn Classic Gin
- 30ml orange wine
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- 15ml honey syrup
- 2 orange blossom
Method
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well to combine.
- Serve and garnish with seasonal berries.
This is a lovely option when you want to offer guests something a little different from the usual gin and tonic. The combination of citrus and honey gives it an appealing balance of fresh and sweet flavours.
Autumn Twist
Rhubarb brings a distinctive fruity sharpness to this cocktail, balanced by the citrus of lemon juice and the bittersweet character of Aperol. Soda water adds a lighter finish, making this a refreshing choice for an autumn gathering.
Ingredients
- 10ml Caorunn Classic Gin
- 30ml rhubarb
- 10ml Aperol
- 10ml lemon juice
- Soda water
Method
- Add the gin, rhubarb, Aperol and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well.
- Double strain into a large wine glass filled with cubed ice.
- Top with soda water.
Served in a generous wine glass, this cocktail also makes an attractive addition to a drinks table. Its fruity character offers a different take on seasonal flavours, without being too heavy.
Golden Leaves Royale
For a celebration or an evening when you fancy a little sparkle, the Golden Leaves Royale combines gin and apple juice with syrup and Champagne.
Apple is a natural fit for autumn, and here it brings a seasonal note to a cocktail that feels suitably celebratory. It would work well as an aperitif before dinner or as a special serve when friends come over.
Ingredients
- 20ml Caorunn Classic Gin
- 25ml apple juice
- 15ml syrup
- 50ml Champagne
Method
- Add the gin, apple juice and syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled flute glass.
- Top with Champagne and garnish with a slice of apple.
Alternatively, add the gin, apple juice and syrup to a glass filled with ice and stir gently before topping with Champagne.
The apple garnish provides a simple finishing touch, while the Champagne adds the celebratory bubbles. If you enjoy a glass of fizz, this is an appealing way to give it a seasonal twist.
Making the most of a good gin
One of the pleasures of a versatile spirit is being able to enjoy it in different ways, depending on the occasion. A simple serve can be just as satisfying as a more elaborate cocktail, and there is no need to stock a full bar’s worth of ingredients to create something interesting at home.
For a straightforward Caorunn serve, pour over ice, add chilled tonic water and garnish with a slice of red apple. The fruit complements the gin’s botanical character and gives the drink a distinctive finish.
Caorunn’s heritage, its unusual distillation process and its blend of Scottish botanicals make it an interesting option for anyone who enjoys exploring different gins. And with three cocktail recipes to choose from, there is plenty of inspiration for bringing a little variety to autumn entertaining.
Caorunn Classic Gin is available through the Caorunn website, with a recommended retail price of £30.
Please enjoy alcohol responsibly.
For more information, visit www.caorunngin.com.
Poppy Watt