Gooseberry and Gin: A Tangy Tale of Tradition and Innovation

Entry Date:

March 3, 2024

Entry by:

Expedition:

Remarks:

Gooseberries, with their unique tartness and complex flavourWith their unique tartness and complex flavour profile, Gooseberries profile, have long been a cherished fruit in British culinary traditions. Recently, they have found a new lease on life in gin, particularly in Scotland, where gin-making is both a heritage and a craft.

Gooseberries, with their unique tartness and complex flavourWith their unique tartness and complex flavour profile, Gooseberries profile, have long been a cherished fruit in British culinary traditions. Recently, they have found a new lease on life in gin, particularly in Scotland, where gin-making is both a heritage and a craft. This blog explores the history of gooseberries in gin, their uses, tasting notes, and their unique connection to Scotland.

The History of Gooseberries in Gin

Gooseberries have been a part of British gardens and hedgerows for centuries. Historically, they were used in a variety of culinary applications, from desserts to savoury dishes. However, their incorporation into gin is a relatively modern innovation driven by the resurgence of craft gin distilling and a desire to explore new and unique flavours. The process of infusing gin with gooseberries is similar to that of making sloe gin. The berries are often frozen to break their skins, allowing their juices to infuse more readily into the spirit. This method captures the tartness of the gooseberries and their subtle sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing gin.

Gooseberries in Scottish Gin

Scotland, with its rich history of distilling, has enthusiastically embraced the use of gooseberries in gin. Several Scottish distilleries have created unique expressions that highlight the fruit's distinctive characteristics.

Edinburgh Gin Gooseberry & Elderflower

Edinburgh Gin's Gooseberry & Elderflower expression is a prime example of how gooseberries can be harmoniously blended with other botanicals. This gin combines the tangy notes of gooseberries with the sweet, floral essence of elderflower, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic spirit. The gin is distilled using classic botanicals before infusing gooseberries and elderflowers, creating a light, floral profile with a honeyed finish.

Ben Lomond Blackberry & Gooseberry Gin

Ben Lomond's Blackberry & Gooseberry Gin pairs the tartness of gooseberries with the sweetness of blackberries. This combination offers a sweet yet zesty flavour, with the sharp notes of gooseberries balanced by blackberries’ rich, dark fruit aromas. The gin is best enjoyed with tonic water, a garnish of summer berries, or a simple gin sour cocktail.

Tasting Notes

Gooseberry-infused gins are celebrated for their complex flavour profiles, which can vary depending on the additional botanicals and the distillation process. Here are some standard tasting notes:

  • Nose: Expect a refreshing and aromatic bouquet, often with hints of tart gooseberries, floral elderflower, and sometimes other fruits like green apple or peach.
  • Palate: The taste is light and floral, balancing tart and sweet flavours. Gooseberries provide a tangy sharpness that is often tempered by sweeter botanicals or fruits.
  • Finish: The finish is usually smooth and honeyed, with lingering notes of elderflower or other complementary botanicals.

Uses in Cocktails

Gooseberry gin is incredibly versatile and can be used in various cocktails. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Classic G&T: For a refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic, serve gooseberry gin with premium tonic water and a slice of lemon or green apple.
  • Gooseberry Gin Fizz: Add a splash of gooseberry gin to a glass of sparkling wine for a delightful gin twist on your bubbles.
  • Gooseberry Gin Sour: Mix gooseberry gin with freshly squeezed citrus juice and sugar syrup, then shake over ice for a simple yet sophisticated cocktail.

Gooseberries have found a new home in the world of gin, bringing their unique tartness and complexity to a variety of expressions. With their rich heritage and innovative spirit, Scottish distilleries have embraced this trend, creating traditional and modern gins. Whether enjoyed neat, with a tonic, or in a cocktail, gooseberry gin offers a refreshing and aromatic experience that is sure to delight gin enthusiasts. For those looking to explore the world of gooseberry gin, Scotland's offerings are a great place to start, from the balanced flavours of Edinburgh Gin's Gooseberry & Elderflower to the rich, berry-led profile of Ben Lomond's Blackberry & Gooseberry Gin, a every palate.

End of log entry.

Read more from the Logbook.

Entry #02 – Real Bottles, Real Feedback, Real People

Expedition:
Entry Date:
June 22, 2025

Behind-the-scenes at Wildfire Gin: Merch debates, feedback from the team on Merchant’s Flame, thoughts on SEO, and a new Explorer’s Bundle. Plus, we ask where you think we should show up next — and what causes you want us to support.

Read more

Entry #01 – We Weren’t Supposed to Do It Like This

Expedition:
Entry Date:
June 15, 2025

The story behind Wildfire Gin — a scrappy, adventurous spirits brand breaking the rules, embracing the chaos, and building something real from the ground up.

Read more

Igniting the Flame: Behind the Merchant’s Flame Release

Expedition:
Merchant's Flame
Entry Date:
April 10, 2025

Read more

Cocktail Alchemy: The Merchant’s Sting

Expedition:
Merchant's Flame
Entry Date:
April 9, 2025

Read more

The Wild World of Botanicals – Beyond Juniper

Expedition:
Merchant's Flame
Entry Date:
February 16, 2025

Read more

Our limited-edition gins sell out fast. Don’t miss your chance to join the adventure and get the next release before it disappears.

Charting our course

No two batches are the same. Each gin is a fleeting adventure, capturing unique botanicals and stories in every sip.

Outfitting the expedition

Whether it’s a fireside G&T, a standout gift, or a shared moment, Wildfire turns every occasion into something unforgettable.

Embark on the journey

Signup to our newsletter for exclusive invites, early releases and unique stories. Explore with us. Embrace the Wildfire Spirit.

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, latest news, community events and more.

By clicking the Sign Me Up button, I consent to Wildfire Spirits processing my email address and sending me emails for marketing purposes in alignment with Wildfire Spirits Privacy Policy.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. Wildfire Gin is a trading name of Wildfire Spirit Ltd. and Dhu Brew.
All wholesale or retail purchases of gin or other alcoholic products are made through Dhu Brew Ltd., subject to availability and applicable licensing arrangements.

You’ve Reached the Wildfire Trailhead

To journey on from here, you’ll need to be 18 or older. This is a place for those of legal age to enjoy a spirit of exploration — responsibly.
Are you 18 or older?