Ok, first things first: we’re not talking about those some of those questionable, sugary-sweet flavoured gins you can get down the supermarket here! For our own take on the fashionable floral flavour that’s swept the gin world, we recommend using a classic London Dry gin together with one very special secret ingredient: Crème de Violette.

What’s Crème de Violette, you say? Well, simply put, it’s macerated violets (the flowers) that have been steeped in a neutral base spirit (or sometimes a brandy-based one) until it transforms into a sweet, fragrant and delicately perfumed liqueur.

Oh, and it’s a gorgeous shade of purple to boot! You can find out more about this must-have cocktail ingredient here.

(If you think it sounds familiar, that may be because Crème de Violette is also the star ingredient in the classic gin cocktail, the Aviation.)

Here, though, we’ve kept it simple and added it to a traditional gin and tonic, with a splash of fresh lime juice to balance the extra sweetness from the liqueur, and garnished with a slice of the same fruit and a sprig of fragrant mint.

The result? A deliciously refreshing, floral twist on your usual gin and tonic that’s simply perfect for spring. Cheers!

Parma Violet G&T

25ml gin
25ml Crème de Violette
25ml lime juice
100ml tonic water
Lime slice and mint sprig, to garnish

Add all your ingredients to a highball with plenty of ice and stir before serving.