Mmm…Gin!

 

As someone who has never had the greatest of relationships with gin, it was with an open mind that I went along to the launch of the Hendrick’s Purl at the aptly named Purl, on Blandford Street, W1U.

I took along a friend who is more of a gin connoisseur than myself, with the hope that her enthusiasm for the stuff would counteract my suspicion! But my suspicion was misplaced as we entered the dimly lit, cosy bar Purl and were greeted with a warming winter drink, known as the Hendrick’s Purl. The closest thing I can describe it as is mulled wine, but obviously with a more ginny taste! Excellent stuff though, and should you wish to make it yourself this winter, here is the age old recipe:

Hendrick’s Purl

150ml Hendrick’s Gin

1 litre of good quality hoppy ale

200ml cloudy apple juice

5 slices of satsuma

1 cinnamon stick

90g sugar

5g hops

2 cloves

1 dessert spoon honey

2 large splashes of Angostura Bitters

1 whole star anise

Heat ingredients in a pan.  Simmer for 20 minutes then strain the hops out and serve with satsuma slices and a stick of cinnamon to garnish.  For 6 people.

I count myself as a gin convert!