From colour-changing G&Ts to classic cocktails with a lilac-toned twist, this true blue spirit is giving versatility.
Aussies love a playful gin. Flavoured, coloured, clever and made with heart, Ink Dry Gin from a tin shed in Northern NSW (specifically, the family-owned Husk Distillers – a distillery you should definitely visit) is our newest obsession, though it’s an OG in the experimental gin arena. After three years of experimenting with native, traditional and exotic botanicals that complimented the hero ingredient, the butterfly pea, a perfect recipe was produced. It had bold citrus flavours and sweet blossom notes – only, it was blue. The flowering butterfly pea gave the gin an inky blue hue that diluted to a pink with tonic water. The year was 2014, and the shelves of big-name gins all contained a colourless liquid. Blue gin was unknown, unexpected, a risk… and one that paid off. Not only did it become a cult favourite, but it spearheaded the flavoured and coloured gin movement.
One of the most exciting things about Ink Dry Gin is the colour is 100% natural, with no artificial stabilisers. Of course, organic colours fade over time, so you want to enjoy your bottle sooner rather than later – this isn’t one to keep on the bar cart for years, even though, yes, it does look pretty. Don’t worry, we have so many ways to drink it, you couldn’t keep it if you tried. Ahead, find four perfect ways to drink Ink Dry Gin, and see all the hues it has to offer.
If you’re someone who appreciates the aesthetics of a cocktail (as well as the taste, of course), using Ink Dry Gin in a classic gin drink, like a Southside, Bramble or French 75, will give you extra delight due to its new lilac colourway. Your bramble will look extra “blackberry” and your French 75 could be renamed an Yves Klein Blue. “Is that a filter?” your followers will ask when you inevitably post your drink. “No babe, it’s a blue gin.”
