Celebrate World Gin Day with These Incredible Citadelle Cocktails

Citadelle gin lifestyle image — Image courtesy of Citadelle

It’s official, folks. The most aromatic, intriguing and quaffable time of year is upon us once more.

I’m talking, of course, about World Gin Day — like Christmas for mixologists, cocktail enthusiasts and spirit connoisseurs alike. This year, the much-loved French artisanal gin distiller, Citadelle, has risen to the occasion with a floral and fragrant new product, the Jardin d’Été gin.

And what better way to mark this delicious day and tantalising new release than with a suite of smashable cocktails. Keep reading for a closer look at this amazing French gin producer and cocktail recipes that celebrate the new floral masterpiece by Citadelle.

Citadelle is French Artisanship at its Finest

Citadelle isn’t your average producer of fine gin. Led by the renowned Cognac producer, Maison Ferrand and its founder Alexandre Gabriel, Citadelle focuses on traditional, craft-based production methods to create gins that speak to the terroir of its home in the Cognac region.

On top of being a product of place, Citadelle is also a product of history. Inspired in name and make by the centuries-old Royal Distillery of Dunkirk, Citadelle stands in the legacy of gin’s predecessor spirit, genièvre.

Today, Citadelle maintains the complexity and refinement of the Royal Distillery’s forgotten genièvre, with its small pot still distillation. This artisanal method ensures that every batch is infused with a delicate balance of botanicals — warm and zesty cardamom, lemon and fragrant violet on the nose, while a refreshing wash of juniper, fennel and cinnamon floods the palate.

Serve with a splash of tonic or soda, garnish with lemon peel and you’ve got yourself an invigorating summer quaff.

Newly Released Jardin d’Été Gin

As the newest addition to the Citadelle portfolio, the Jardin d’Été gin follows in the tradition of delicate balance and refinement at the core of Citdelle’s production.

In addition to the suite of botanicals that form this delicious balance, the Jardin d’Été also introduces a range of spring and summer fruits in homage to the thriving gardens of Citadelle’s home, Château de Bonbonnet.

Flavours of Charentais melon, yuzu and sweet orange sit front and centre in this delightful summer gin, while whole lemons — flesh, juice, skin and all — provide a robust and vibrant flavour foundation.

The result is an unquestionably fresh and fragrant spirit, with a delightfully long finish and complex undertones that dance upon the palate. Much like Citadelle’s flagship gin, Jardin d’Été is a formidable spirit, perfect for mixing into simple and creative cocktails alike.

Delicious Cocktail Recipes to Use Your Bottle of Jardin d’Été

With such deep roots in the history of gin, such commitment to the terroir of its home in Cognac and a great homage to the artisanal production methods of yore, Citadelle is the perfect gin to celebrate World Gin Day.

Here are some simple recipes to help you enjoy the special occasion and bring your garden party game to the next level.

Summertime Flower Sour

This delicious, pastel-coloured coloured delight is like sunshine in a glass. With perfectly balanced floral and botanical notes, sweetness and texture, all sitting on a rip of zesty lemon, this floral take on the much-loved classic is sure to impress and delight your guests.

Ingredients

60 mL Citadelle Jardin d’Été gin
30 mL fresh lemon juice
10 mL simple syrup
10 mL triple sec
1 egg white (pasteurised)
Edible flowers for garnish
Cubed ice

Method

Combine all wet ingredients in a cocktail shaker and 1 cube of ice.
‘Dry shake’ the cocktail shaker until the single cube of ice no longer rattles inside
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake for a further 15 seconds
Fine strain into a coupe glass and garnish with edible flowers

Floral Fizz

On a warm day filled with sunshine, nothing beats the classic gin high-ball. Simple, delicious and utterly smashable, this zesty beverage is certain to satisfy a thirst of any size.

Ingredients

50 mL Citadelle Jardin d’Été gin
10 mL St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Cubed ice
Soda (option to replace with light tonic)
1 mint sprig
Lemon peel to garnish

Method

Place mint sprig into a high-ball glass and fill halfway with ice
Pour gin and elderflower liqueur into glass
Top up with soda or light tonic of your choice
Garnish with a spiral-twisted lemon peel

So, whether you’re hosting over World Gin Day or enjoying a quaff on your own to mark the occasion, check out Citadelle’s newest and most delicious gin yet. Available for purchase from First Choice Liquor

Looking for a premium sound system to help you host like a pro? Check out the world’s loudest portable Bluetooth speaker.