Gin liqueur has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy a Scottish distillery's fruit and botanicals, but a lot of people are not sure what it actually is or how to drink it. Is it just sweet gin? Do you sip it or mix it? Here is a plain guide from a distillery that makes its own.
What is gin liqueur?
A gin liqueur is a gin that has been infused with fruit or botanicals and then lightly sweetened. It starts life as a proper gin, led by juniper, and then takes on a strong flavour, think bramble, raspberry, rhubarb or citrus, along with a little sweetness to round it off. That makes it softer, fruitier and more sippable than a standard gin.
Because of the added sugar and flavour, a gin liqueur is usually bottled at a lower strength than gin, often around 20 percent, so it drinks more gently and works beautifully long over ice or topped with fizz.
Gin liqueur, gin and sloe gin: what is the difference?
| Gin | Gin liqueur | Sloe gin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Juniper led spirit | Gin, infused with fruit | Gin steeped with sloe berries |
| Sweetness | Dry | Lightly sweet | Sweet, rich |
| Strength | Around 40 percent | Around 20 percent | Around 25 to 29 percent |
| Best for | Gin and tonic, cocktails | Over ice, with fizz or tonic | Sipping neat or with fizz |
In short, a gin liqueur sits between a dry gin and a sweet liqueur. It keeps the character of gin but is easier drinking, which makes it a lovely introduction for anyone who finds a straight gin and tonic too sharp. For the full picture, see our guide to the types of gin.
How to drink gin liqueur
Gin liqueur is wonderfully easy. A few of the best ways to serve it:
- Over ice: the simplest serve. Pour over plenty of ice and let it soften as it chills.
- With prosecco: a splash of gin liqueur topped with chilled fizz makes an instant, fruity aperitif.
- With tonic or soda: long over ice for a lighter, refreshing drink.
- In a spritz: gin liqueur, soda and a little prosecco over ice, garnished with fresh fruit.
- Over dessert: a fruit gin liqueur drizzled over ice cream or into a trifle is a quiet treat.
A good rule is to match the garnish to the flavour: berries with a bramble or raspberry liqueur, a wedge of orange or a sprig of mint with something citrus or herbal.
Our gin liqueurs
Our gin liqueurs are part of the Folklore Collection, inspired by the stories and legends of central Scotland, and each starts from our own hand made gin.
- Green Lady: bramble and mint, dark, fruity and refreshing, named after the ghost said to walk Stirling Castle.
- Red Cap: raspberry, bright and summery, lovely with prosecco.
- Tropical Triumph: mango, soft and exotic, a sunshine serve over ice.
Try any of them over ice, topped with prosecco, or long with soda. Browse all our Scottish gin liqueurs, or explore the wider Stirling gin range.
Gin liqueur, answered
What is gin liqueur?
A gin liqueur is a gin infused with fruit or botanicals and lightly sweetened. It keeps the juniper character of gin but is softer, fruitier and usually lower in strength, which makes it easy to sip and mix.
How strong is gin liqueur?
Most gin liqueurs are around 20 percent, lower than a standard gin at about 40 percent, because of the added flavour and sweetness. Always check the label, as strengths vary.
How do you drink gin liqueur?
Over ice, topped with prosecco, or long with tonic or soda. Match the garnish to the flavour. It also works drizzled over desserts.
What is the difference between gin liqueur and sloe gin?
Both are sweetened, but sloe gin is made specifically by steeping sloe berries in gin with sugar and is usually richer and slightly stronger. A gin liqueur can take its flavour from many fruits or botanicals and is often a touch lighter.
Can you drink gin liqueur neat?
Yes. Over ice it makes a lovely, gentle sipping drink. Many people enjoy it neat as a fruity nightcap.
Gin liqueur is the easy, fruity side of gin, made to be enjoyed without any fuss. When you are ready, explore our gin liqueurs, or read our guide to pink gin for another soft, fruity way in.