Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret mixes stone fruits with early 20th century Paris, adding another inspired edition to the brand’s Cabinet of Curiosities collection
Hendrick’s has unveiled the latest addition to its Cabinet of Curiosities collection, Grand Cabaret Gin. The new release is inspired by a historic fruit-based libation that was in vogue in Paris in the early 20th century.
Hendrick’s Master Distiller Lesley Gracie found inspiration for Grand Cabaret while reading about a stone fruit eau de vie that was served with a splash of gin and scented with rose. The concoction gained popularity at fashionable Parisian parties in the early 1900s. Long intrigued by the notion of experimenting with unusual combinations of botanical fruits, this marks the first time she’s chosen stone fruits as the base for a gin.
“I’m always looking for inspiration, and this time I found it leafing through historical recipes for stone fruit spirits, eaux de vies, peach schnapps, cherry liqueurs and the like way back when those indulgent stone fruit flavors were really the ‘in thing’ for those that had the means to celebrate in spectacular style,” says Gracie. “So I played around and found that when you put these different stone fruit flavors together they give you a really nice rich depth of flavor with a great brightness and lightness. I added sweet herbs to round the vibrant fruit out. It’s the first time I’ve experimented with stone fruits in Hendrick’s Gin and I love how it adds a decadent depth of flavor and yet still has the signature refreshing lightness of Hendrick’s too.”
Ally Martin, Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador, adds: “It’s fascinating to dig deep into cocktail history and see what flavor combinations were captivating creative minds in Paris at the turn of the 20th Century. It seems that stone fruit flavors, rose scents and gin were a magical combination in the most opulent of establishments, and who better to deftly combine these flavors today into a ravishingly fruity spirit than Hendrick’s Master Distiller, alchemist and liquid poet, Lesley Gracie.
“This is a bright, bold gin that has a rich depth and layers of flavor and yet is still refreshing and light – it’s ideal in a Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret and Tonic. If you want to be a little more fancy, the Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Royale is an indulgent way to toast tantalizing celebrations and combines Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, cranberry, lime and a touch of sugar syrup which is topped with Champagne or sparkling wine for added decadence.”
On the nose, the gin offers the brand’s classic juniper character, which is enhanced by the natural soft sweetness and bright fruitiness of stone fruit. The palate features waves of light, fruity freshness that is rounded out by sweet aromatic herbs.
For this release, the brand signature apothecary bottle comes in a purple hue that is adorned with a mix of intriguing icons, including a chandelier, which nod to the extravagant gatherings that inspired the liquid’s creation.
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Royale Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 30ml Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret
- 30ml Cranberry juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel
Method:
Combine ingredients in a champagne glass and top with Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel.
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin joins the brand’s Cabinet of Curiosities, which has previously included Flora Adora and Neptunia.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
