A Midsummer Solstice’s Dream
As the sun crests to its highest point in the sky, culminating in the longest day of the year, we relish those long, hazy days, late sunsets and warm, breezy nights. And of course, those lazy summer days would not be complete without that ultimate thirst-quenching libation in hand. Now that we’re heading into the final few weeks of warm weather and long afternoons, you will be pleased to know that world-famous purveyors of the delightfully peculiar, Hendrick’s Gin, have officially captured the glory of a midsummer day in a bottle with their newest small batch limited edition release, aptly named Midsummer Solstice.
Infusing the already-unique classic formula boasting signature elements of cucumber and rose that Hendrick’s Gin is known for with a flirtatious floral-fruity dimension, Midsummer Solstice marks the first gin released from Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie’s “Cabinet of Curiosities”. The beguiling concoction is celebrated in the signature Hendrick’s apothecary-style bottle but sporting an enchanting deep purple makeover no less.
The Cabinet of Curiosities, in case you are wondering, is an actual cabinet located inside the newly unveiled Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, Scotland – said to be “a place of experimental botanic alchemy”. The locked cabinet is where Gracie carefully stores her precious gin concoctions. “I have always been enamoured by the power of nature’s flavours and aromas at the peak of summer and for this new expression, I’ve hand-selected each floral essence to capture this intensity,” says Gracie who is also responsible for the gin-ius and convention-defying cucumber and rose petal-infused original recipe that essentially kick-started the craft gin boom.
Of the latest, exquisitely crisp and refreshing floral incarnation, which simply cannot help but unlock the potential for a whole new array of efflorescent cocktails, Gracie enthuses, “Midsummer Solstice represents years of experimentation joining an exciting line of innovations from Hendrick’s, and I’m thrilled to not only create new liquid at the Gin Palace, but also share them with curious tasters and gin explorers all over the world.”
The summer solstice-inspired gin presents in a complex arrangement of deep floral influences and flavours, blending with earthy yet zesty juniper notes and undertones of orange blossom – making for a most thirst-quenching expression, bursting with the essence of summer blooms in a whole plethora of mixed drinks and cocktails.
If this has inspired a longing for some exquisite, perfect-for-day-drinking summer recipes for said mixed drinks and cocktails, look no further than Hendrick’s very own Midsummer Solstice offerings for the ultimate summer vibe. We suggest you celebrate your favourite day-cation and those lingering twilights with the bright, blossoming Midsummer SuperBloom Punch.
Superbloom Punch
Ingredients
1 part Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
2/3 part Hibiscus Tea
1/2 part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Lillet Rose (or Cocchi Rosato)
1/4 part Simple Syrup
1/4 part Crème de Cassis
1 part Sparkling Water
Method
Combine ingredients in a punch bowl over a large block of ice and stir.
Garnish with a combination of fresh berries & edible flowers.
Glassware: Punch Bowl & Rocks Glasses
