Spirit of the month: McQueen chocolate orange gin

One of a collection of 11 deliciously different gins, this tipple gives the grown-up favourite of chocolate and orange the alcoholic treatment

Try mixing McQueens Spiced Chocolate Orange Gin into one (or all) of our cocktail recipes

When smooth chocolate met zesty orange in a bottle of gin, no two other flavours could have hit it off better. The McQueen chocolate orange gin is part of the 11 new flavours launched by That Boutique-y Gin Company, who have made it their mission to release unused recipes from some of the best gin producers from the East London Liquor Company to Ableforth's, as limited-edition, individually numbered batches

Each has been lovingly tweaked slightly from the distillery's original recipe to make it the best it can be, which Ben Ellefsen of That Boutique-y Gin Company describes as saving and perfecting the recipes for gin enthusiasts. He said: “We kept hearing the same story from many of our favourite distillers about partly or even fully developed liquids they hadn’t been able to release.”

Scottish based McQueen distillery uses a mix of classic gin botanicals with roast cacao nibs and bitter orange peels during its distillation.

The piquant yet rich flavour makes it versatile enough to serve neat, over ice, in a classic G&T or with a combination of your favourite flavours in a personalised cocktail. The fresh scent of finely peeled citrus and rich chocolate is enough to pull you in. The drying juniper adds a delicately core, surrounded by cacao and lush orange. Like enjoying an afternoon dessert, the fruitiness and kiss of cacao continue to linger seconds after you put down the glass.

All 11 gins have bespoke labels in a graphic novel style and this one has a classic chocolate box with a twist and they're their signature wax seal.

The Twisted Century

20ml McQueen Chocolate Orange Gin
​20ml Lillet Blanc 
​20ml white cacao
​20ml fresh lemon juice
​10ml Campari

Method

If you like aromatic and vibrant cocktails this is the one for you. Simply add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, add cubed ice and shake hard. Take a chilled martini glass and strain in the cocktail. Garnish with an orange zest and enjoy. This tastes heavenly, looks divine and is also a real show stopper!

Queen’s Fizz

50ml McQueen Chocolate Orange Gin
25ml fresh lemon juice
​20ml sugar syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
1 egg white 
Soda water

Method

No other cocktail looks and tastes quite like a Queen’s Fizz. Perfect for any occasion and has a refreshing, zesty kick. All you have to do is add all ingredients except the soda water to a cocktail shaker, add cubed ice and shake hard. Then strain the cocktail into another shaker and shake again (without the ice), this method aerates the cocktail creating the distinctive foamy head. Pour the cocktail into a highball glass over fresh cubed ice then top with the soda water. Stir gently with the straw and garnish with a big sprig of fresh mint. Delicious!

The Sixth Borough

50ml McQueen Chocolate Orange Gin
​10ml sweet vermouth
10ml dry vermouth
​30ml fresh orange juice

Method

With only four ingredients, this is a simple yet delicious cocktail with depth. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, add cubed ice and shake hard. Take a chilled coupe glass and strain in the cocktail. Garnish with a lemon zest and savour for a lovely summery cocktail that will leave your palate zinging.

The McQueen Cobbler

25ml McQueen Chocolate Orange Gin
​50ml oloroso sherry
​15ml fresh orange juice
5ml Luxardo maraschino liqueur
5ml sugar syrup
1 dash of orange bitters

Method

With summer fast approaching The McQueen Cobbler will really get you in the mood. It is easy to make too, all you have to do is add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with cubed ice and shake hard. Take your glass tankard and fill it with the crushed ice, then strain the cocktail into the glass. Add a straw and garnish with a slice of orange and any fresh berries with a little piece or two of dark chocolate on the side. Great for summer BBQ days in the garden with friends.

McQueen chocolate orange gin is available from That Boutique-y Gin Company, £33.95 for 50ml