GIFTED | After all the festive excitement, January always seems to last at least 117 days. And the prospect of a month with neither alcohol nor cheese when it’s cold, dark, and wet outside is very definitely not appealing. So imagine my glee when the opportunity to celebrate GINuary with the help of Yumbles * came my way. As a self-confessed gin lover, I’ll never turn down the chance to try a new variety. It took me a while to choose one, but in the end I decided on a beautiful rose gin from Tinkture in Cornwall. And here’s how I’ve been celebrating GINuary in style this month…
How to celebrate GINuary the right way
Firstly though, a word about GINuary. It’s not, as some might think, an excuse to drink gin every day – honestly! Rather, it’s all about gin appreciation. A chance to sample different types and batches, and try new ways to drink this amazing spirit that’s been around for centuries. The hashtag movement #GINuary really started gaining traction and popularity in 2018, according to the IFE. And with over 6,000 gins on the market to choose from, I don’t think it’s showing signs of falling out of favour any time soon.
What is gin?
Before you can start to celebrate GINuary, you really need to know a little more about gin. According to Wikipedia, gin is a distilled spirit made from grain and flavoured with botanicals, mainly juniper berries. From its earliest origins as a herbal medicine in the Middle Ages, gin has evolved into a very different spirit.
It’s produced in subtly different ways, from a wide range of ingredients, giving rise to a number of distinct styles and brands. While the strength of gin remains between 40 %and 47% alcohol by volume (ABV), the traditional, dry pine flavour has partnered with other fruits, herbs and spices in recent years, yielding a veritable explosion in new tastes and experiences.
Fun fact: in tropical British colonies, gin was used to mask the bitter flavour of quinine, which was the only effective anti-malarial compound. Quinine dissolved in carbonated water formed tonic water, resulting in the ubiquitous cocktail, gin and tonic. So I could – and probably will – die on the hill that drinking gin is good for you 😉
Yumbles
Who are Yumbles? Well, in their own words, Yumbles “are a curated marketplace connecting food lovers with the UK’s best independent small batch producers (“makers”) of food and drink… using carefully sourced local ingredients.” Whoever and whatever you’re looking for, I think you’ll definitely find it on their portal. And they cater for all kinds of foodies too: vegan, gluten free, kid-friendly, raw, paleo, nut-free, the list goes on. I spent several happy hours browsing their selection of chocolates, drinks, cheese and deli, and unusual foodie gifts. I’m very happy with my beautiful rose gin from Tinkture but if you’re keen to celebrate GINuary with a wider range of flavours, or just a gin lover who wants to spoil yourself, then I’d recommend any of the gorgeous gin gift sets from Yumbles – gin heaven.
Tinkture rose gin
So, onto the handcrafted, organic, vegan classic ‘London Dry’ style gin. It arrived exceptionally well padded in recyclable cardboard packing. And a word of admiration for the rather stunning bottle (also recyclable) and – a first for me – refillable too! Tinkture have used fresh roses (David Austin, no less) to get the taste and colour, combined with citrus, juniper and coriander too. And it’s a bit of a chameleon spirit because it starts out as a golden amber and then changes to beautiful pink when mixed with tonic.
How did it taste? Absolutely wonderful. I was a little concerned that it might be too perfumed but no, not at all. If you can imagine fresh old English roses combined with a hint of citrus, pine and delicate herbs, that’s Tinkture rose gin. A feast for the eyes, nose and tongue.
More GINspiration…
If you’re a gin lover like me and you need some more #ginspo, then I’d recommend checking out Sipping and Styling’s Instagram feed for some gorgeous recipe suggestions. And, of course, the #GINuary hashtag too. Or, if this post has got you in the mood to try new flavours for GINuary, why not have a go at making your own fruit gin? As some of you know, every year I make my own damson gin (and rhubarb vodka and blackberry brandy, there might be a pattern emerging…) Technically, a fruit gin isn’t actually a gin though, it’s a liqueur because the ABV is much lower, about half that of normal gin, and there’s a lot more sugar in it. But I’d argue that’s just semantics, I mean I’ve never had any complaints about my home brews 🙂
So, whether you celebrate GINuary, Dry January, or Veganuary, there’s an easy way to #shopsmall and support small British producers. I must confess, I’d not come across Yumbles before, but I think they’re going to be my go-to for yummy foodie treats and gifts from now on. And not just for friends and family either!
Do you celebrate GINuary, Dry January, or Veganuary? Are you a gin lover like me? What’s your tipple of choice? And how do you like to get through the first – and longest – month of the year?
* This post features a gifted item but all opinions are my own.
I LOVE a good gin and lemonade. Pink gin, palma violets gin, ordinary Gordon’s gin.. all right up my street! GINuary is something I can definitely get on board with, haha! x
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com x
Pink gin for the win, definitely, and yes, I am very much here for GINuary! x
I have to admit that me and gin have never become good friends. I just really don’t like the flavor lol. It’s very silly, because I come from a family who loves their gin and tonic, and even managed to find a gin and tonic loving boyfriend.
Looks amazing though ❤️
Love, Tea
https://teaspangsberg.com
Ah, that’s a real shame. But there are lots of different varieties out there now, many of which don’t have that strong piney overtone so if you could perhaps find a more citrussy gin that might convert you!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried gin but this does look really nice. Maybe I’ll have to try it to help me get through this long month.
Ooooh, yes, it’s definitely an any-time-of-day drink, heartily recommended!
I’ve never heard of Yumbles but I love Gin and had no idea that Ginurary was even a thing but I think I may treat myself to some this week! Definitely checking out Yumbles now.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Yumbles, although it make take you a while to choose something, there are so many gorgeous gins (and other products) on offer 🙂
YAY! Happy GINuary! I love that play on words 🙂 I’ve never heard of Yumbles but you better believe I’ll check them out now. I love that cute little bottle.
It’s great, isn’t it? Cue all sorts of gin-related punning, haha. Happy browsing on Yumbles!
Oft we love Ginuary! Gin is my favorite although I don’t like tonic so I always go for lemonade, my favorite gin is Elderflower and Rose Petal gin, Ive only ever found it in a pub in the lake district!
I love the sound of Elderflower and Rose Petal, although the Lakes is a little too far from us so I might have to forego that pleasure!
I recently learned of using gin in bloody Mary’s and have to say it is a new favorite of mine!! So many great options with gin, it seems to go with most anything!
Oooh, that’s something I haven’t tried, I would have thought the tomato and other spices would mask the gin – might have to try this!
Oh this sounds lovely!
I actually think I’ve drink more gin in January than any other month so I’m glad to know I was taking part in Ginuary, without even knowing!
Hahaha, this made me laugh, that’s brilliant!
I don’t think I have ever had gin! These combinations sounds so good. I’m definitely keeping these in mind to try one day. 🙂
Melissa | Rosy Melissa
Oh, you’re missing out! Definitely, yes, I hope you do try some one day 🙂
Haha I agree with your about January! Oooh, I love the play on words with GINuary! Shoot, if I wasn’t doing Dry January, I’d be down with some gin. You can’t go wrong with some alcohol ;). Love that there are different delicious variations! Thanks for sharing the mix!
Nancy ♥
That’s very true – and now you know, maybe next year will be the year for GINuary instead of Dry January!
I’ve never heard of ginuary, but I guess now I know how to celebrate it when I decide to get one. Thank you for sharing!
Yes indeed, I hope you do at some point 🙂
I love Gin can’t believe this is a thing I wasn’t even aware about of 😂
I’m so glad to be raising awareness of such an important thing 😂
I’m not a big drinker and don’t really like gin, but for the Rose Gin bottle, I’d make an exception! I love a good bottle. I never heard of quinine, what a fascinating bit of history! Thank you for sharing this lovely post xxx
Ah, that’s so good to hear – and thank you so much, that’s very kind! If you do make the exception I think you’ll love this gin BTW 🙂 xxx
Ooo Yumbles sounds like such a fun brand! I’m normally a vodka drinker but this post inspired me to try some gin!
Thank you – my work as Gin Ambassador is done! 🙂
To be perfectly honest, I’ve never cared for Gin but my experience with the spirit has been limited. Perhaps with the right gin or the right cocktail, my opinion could be swayed. This post has certainly given me some “ginspiration”.
I’m sooo pleased to read that, I hope you have been swayed and if you follow #GINuary you’ll find plenty more ginspo!
GINuary every month please 🙋🏻♀️ Tinkture rose gin sounds delicious! x
Ha, I know, I wish for that too – and it’s gorgeous 🙂 x
I think what I love best here is what you say on gin appreciation! So many people will take any excuse they can get to drink but appreciating something leads to true beauty.
Ah, thank you, that’s very kind. And yes, discovering new gins and learning what I like is a journey I’m loving – GINuary or the rest of the year!
I had no idea Gin-uary was a thing! Although I’m not a huge lover of it myself, my mum loves gin, so I’ll definitely let her know about Yumbles. Thanks for the inspiration Lisa. 💞
Oh yes, very much so, it’s big in the spirit world, lucky us! I hope your mum finds something on Yumbles, I’m sure she will, thank you, Kim! x
I only got into gin in the last few years but now it’s my drink of choice. I started out on the pink ones but now I definitely prefer a ‘gin’ gin if that makes sense 😂 I treated myself to a gin club subscription in January and I have absolutely zero regrets! Great post 😊
A gin club subscription is on my list for this year too, I mean there are just sooooo many fabulous gins out there, a little help navigating them and trying them out is a kind of must, really! 🙂
This sounds great. I have tried pink gin and lemonade and it was nice. But I am usually a cocktail girl. There are so many gins on the market. Thank you for sharing Lisa.
Lauren
It’s true, there are lots of gins around – I love floral or citrus ones best 🙂