If there’s anything we know to be true about the royal family, it’s that they all seem partial to a good G&T, even getting involved in gin distilling here and there. And the latest member to try her hand at the craft? Well, the Queen herself, of course.
Just in time for Christmas, Sandringham estate, the Norfolk country house where the Queen resides and the royal family usually gather for the holidays, has announced the release of its very own gin.
The small-batch ‘celebration’ gin is described as “a full-bodied gin with rich juniper tones and a lingering citrus finish”, according to the bottle, and at $91 AUD for 500mL, it will set you back a pretty penny.
And following in the footsteps of her son and heir, Prince Charles, the gin is made from ingredients picked straight from (and inspired by) her actual garden.
According to the website, the spirit includes “Sharon fruit—a woody tree related to ebony, also known as the Chinese Persimmon, and foliage from myrtle plants.”
They also divulge some of the familial history behind the ingredients.
“The Sharon Fruit is grown in the Walled Garden on a sheltered wall at the end of what was a range of glass houses, built on the winnings of the famous racehorse, Persimmon, owned by King Edward VII. The foliage from myrtle plants also grown on the Estate, originated from a cutting taken from Princess Alexandra’s wedding bouquet on her marriage to Prince Albert Edward, who later became King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra,” the description notes.
Though the release comes as news, it’s not such a surprise considering the monarch’s favourite cocktail is gin and Dubonnet with a slice of lemon—a mix she reportedly indulges in four times a day.
But unfortunately for royal gin enthusiasts, the gin isn’t available to order in Australia just yet. However, there are some other gins from the royal family that are, including Prince Charles’ Highgrove Gardens organic varieties.
