Himalayan Balsam Gin

By making this unusual infused gin, you’ll actually be doing your bit for conservation! The Himalayan balsam is an invasive species of plant that was introduced here by the Victorians and is now rampant in the British countryside. At the right time of year, you’ll see the pretty pink flowers in abundance, often along streams and drainage ditches. When steeped overnight in gin, the flowers give a complex, floral and slightly bitter flavour, somewhat like angostura. And with an added surprise: when tonic is mixed with the golden gin, it turns pink.