We have many leading food and drink producers here in Dorset, and gin is certainly no exception. We’ll raise a glass to that…

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Dorset's first gin distillery: Conker Spirit

Head Conkerer, Rupert Holloway, distils his award-winning Dorset Dry Gin and Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur at Dorset's first gin distillery at Conker HQ in Bournemouth. He and his team forage locally for the botanicals including marsh samphire, elderberries and New Forest gorse, to create the light refreshing notes of Conker Gin.

conkerspirit.co.uk

Inspired by absinthe: Fordington Gin

Created in Dorchester by former chiropractor Ros Nelmes, the botanicals in Fordington Gin are inspired by absinthe flavours including aniseed and lemon balm. Fordington Gin also comes in lemon, violet and strawberry flavours. Ros gives regular tastings and talks on the history and making of gin.

fordingtongin.co.uk

Mediterranean inspired flavours: Lilliput Gin

According to its creator Andy Woodfield, this award-winning gin, distilled with pride at its namesake in Poole, was inspired by the flavours and aromas of the Mediterranean - including Dorset-grown rosemary, basil, thyme and olives - which he feels will transport your taste buds to balmy summer days on the Dorset coast.

lilliput-gin.com

A soft style sipping gin: Pothecary Gin

Soapbox Spirits Ltd in Christchurch is the micro-distillery behind this San Francisco World Spirit Competition double gold winning British-blended gin. Handcrafted in small batches, the wild foraged organic ingredients - including tilia flowers, black mulberries, citrus and lavender, create a soft style sipping

pothecarygin.co.uk

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Flower-infused: Ruby & Witchcraft Gins

From the Dorset Drinks Company comes Gulliver's Spirits which includes Ruby Gin with red hibiscus flowers and Witchcraft Gin with the vivid blue butterfly pea flower. Inspired by the infamous Dorset smuggler, Isaac Gulliver, the gins are handcrafted at their West Dorset distillery.

dorsetdrinkscompany.com

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Recipe: Gin & Blood

Created by The Dark Bear's master mixologists and founders David Smith & Lloyd Brown

35ml Conker Gin

25ml Blood Orange Syrup

25ml Sweet Vermouth

10ml Green Chartreuse

Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice. Strain and serve. Find out more at darkbear.co.uk or pop in to try one of this talented duo's legendary Dorset-inspired cocktails at The Dark Bear, 31 East Street, Bridport (Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm onwards).