The gin game is levelling up with new flavours and botanicals being introduced to the market from all around the world. Let’s take a look at our own backyards to see how botanicals from New Zealand and Australia can go from traditional medicinal healing to transforming your next batch of gin.
Australia offers a unique range of native botanicals that are on offer to use, whether you want earthy notes right down to a sweet and spicy vibe, there's something for you!
Lemon Myrtle: A citrus smack to the senses, once brewed as tea for colds and skin conditions. Now, vapour is infused to preserve its vibrant oils.
Tasmanian Pepperberry: Sweet, spicy, and antiseptic. Traditionally used on wounds, it now adds warmth and depth to gin.
Wattleseed: Nutty and roasted, with hints of coffee and chocolate. Perfect for earthy, winter-style gins.
Strawberry Gum & Finger Lime: Fruity, zesty, and a little on the tropical side of things. These botanicals together bring a modern twist to your classic gin.
River Mint & Anise Myrtle: Cooling and aromatic, they balance out spice-heavy profiles.
New Zealanders/Maori are known for using what the land has to offer. In the hands of experienced distillers, these botanicals can create beautiful gins that stay true to the land's unique character.
Kawakawa: Peppery and herbal, with a citrus lift. It’s a staple kiwi botanical that adds warmth and complexity.
Horopito: Spicy and hot, used sparingly to add fire and a little bit of a kick!
Manuka: Earthy and smoky, with a hint of sweetness. It brings depth and layers to your gin.
Native Mint: Gentle and herbal, perfect for balancing bold flavours.
How were these botanicals used for medicinal purposes?
|
Botanical |
Traditional use in Aboriginal Culture |
|
Lemon Myrtle |
Used as a medicinal tea for treating colds, digestive issues and skin conditions |
|
Finger Lime |
Consumed fresh, it is high in Vitamin C and used to prevent scurvy. |
|
Tasmanian Pepperberry |
Used as a spice and for antiseptic purposes. |
|
Cinnamon Myrtle |
Used as a tea for digestive and respiratory conditions. |
|
Anise Myrtle |
Used for it’s calming properties and as an overall treatment for coughs and colds. |
|
Strawberry Gum |
Chewed for its sweet flavour and used to season food. |
|
Wattleseed |
Super nutritious, typically ground into a flour for breads. |
|
River Mint |
Used to make tea and to treat minor injuries, along with headaches. |
|
Botanical |
Traditional use for Māori Culture |
|
Kawakawa |
Typically used for digestive issues, cuts, and steam baths. |
|
Horopito |
Used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent; applied to skin infections and internal ailments. |
|
Manuka |
Leaves brewed into tea for fever; ashes rubbed on scalp for dandruff; bark used for wound care |
|
Native Mint |
Used in teas and topicals for it’s calming and cooling effects. |
Whether you're distilling at home or simply exploring flavour, these native botanicals offer more than just aroma, they carry traditions and history. Don’t be afraid to play around with your next batch of gin and, if you think you’ve created something special, reach out to us @myodrinksnz. We would love to hear from you and see where we can pull some inspiration from.