It’s no secret that a bitter edge to a cocktail can be just as delicious as a sweet base. And if you have ever tried a good Negroni you will know that when slightly sweet and very bitter combine the effect is simply delectable.

Truly, when done right, that mix and balance of sweet and bitter on the palette is the height of sophistication. Something that this easy cocktail recipe from the distillers behind our April 2020 Gin of the Month, Perfume Trees Gin, has in plenty!

What sets the Bitter Perfume apart, however, is the invitingly floral, tangy gin canvas on which the bitter Campari, orange bitters and grapefruit juice meet the simple syrup and mint leaves.

So that while this cocktail definitely leads with those bitter elements the balance is still there. The gin at its centre makes those rich flavours flower scented, as though sieved through a spring meadow. The effect is remarkable!

Bitter Perfume

45ml Perfume Trees Gin (any other floral gin can work with this cocktail)
15ml Campari
10 mint leaves
20ml lime juice
30ml pink grapefruit juice
1 dash orange bitters (available on Amazon)
10ml simple syrup
Grapefruit peel or mint, to garnish

Before you start you will need to make a quick simple syrup: Combine 200ml water and 200g sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature, keep refrigerated and use within two weeks.

Muddle your mint in a cocktail shaker and add ice, gin, Campari, lime juice, grapefruit juice, orange bitters and simple syrup. Shake and then strain into a rocks glass with ice, garnish and serve.

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For those who enjoy a certain bitterness to their gin drinks, this Bitter Orange G&T is also a must-try!