By Folasade Seun Irinoye
October 1, 2024
Prep time: | Mix time: | Serves: | Level: |
7 Minutes | 2 Minutes | 3 Servings | Beginner |
Our cocktail of the week is the perfect Orijin Herbal Gin cocktail that's sure to become your new favourite. As we dive into this vibrant Orijin Herbal Gin cocktail recipe, get ready to experience a unique blend of local flavours and artisanal gin infusions that will be a hit in your next gathering.
The Magic of Orijin Herbal Gin
Orijin Herbal Gin, a proud Nigerian product, stands out in the world of spirits with its unique blend of botanicals. This indigenous herb-infused spirit combines traditional African herbs with gin’s strong pine-like taste, resulting in a complex, aromatic base perfect for crafting unique cocktails that celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
This week, our cocktail of the week features Orijin Herbal Gin as our alcohol base!
Introducing: The Origin Sunset Splash, My Orijin Herbal Gin Cocktail Recipe
Our cocktail of the week is a refreshing gin cocktail that I have dubbed the Orijin Sunset Splash. This refreshing Orijin Herbal Gin cocktail is perfect for game nights, dinner parties, and pool parties. Let me show you how you can create this homemade Nigerian cocktail to impress your guests.
It's so tropical. Like I'm at the beach somewhere in the Maldives. - John Kevwe
Ingredients
6 oz (180 ml) Orijin Herbal Gin
3 oz (90 ml) fresh orange juice
1.5 oz (45 ml) hibiscus syrup (thick zobo)
1.5 oz (45 ml) lime juice
3-4 oz ( 90-120 ml) Soda water or Sprite
3 orange slices and 3 hibiscus flowers for garnish
ice
How to Prepare your Orijin Herbal Gin Cocktail Recipe
Step 1
Prepare your Glass.
Start by filling a highball glass with ice. This will ensure your drink stays cool in our Nigerian heat.
Step 2
Mix the Base:
In a shaker, combine the Orijin Herbal Gin, fresh orange juice, and lime juice.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This ensures all ingredients are well combined while the drink remains chilled.
Step 3
Pour and Top
Pour the mixture into your prepared glass.
Top it off with a splash of soda water, and then your hibiscus (zobo) syrup for a refreshing finish.
Step 4
Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Orijin Sunset Splash with a slice of orange and hibiscus flower for that extra tropical touch.
I never imagined that zobo could be a cocktail mixer. - John Edamwen
Nigerian Foods You Can Pair With Sunset Splash
The herbal and citrus notes of Orijin Herbal Gin complement a variety of dishes, especially those that feature bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Here are some excellent food pairing suggestions:
Nigerian Appetisers and Finger Foods
Suya: Spicy skewered grilled meat seasoned with a dry spice mix. The heat and spices of suya balance the refreshing citrus and herbal flavours of the cocktail.
Spicy Puff-Puff: Savory, deep-fried dough garnished with pepper, onions, and nutmeg. The richness of the puff pastry contrasts nicely with the lightness of Sunset Splash.
Seafood Dishes
Grilled Shrimp or Fish: Lightly seasoned and grilled seafood dishes enhance the citrus notes of the Orijin Sunset Splash without overpowering the flavours.
Jollof Rice with Seafood: A tomato-based rice dish with added shrimp or fish pairs well, as the acidity and spices in the rice harmonise with the cocktail.
Salads and Light Dishes
Herbed Salad: A fresh salad with herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro can enhance the herbal notes of the Orijin Herbal Gin.
Citrus-Infused Salads: Salads featuring oranges, grapefruits, or limes tie in beautifully with the cocktail’s citrus components.
Avocado and Mango Salad: The creamy texture of avocado and the sweetness of mango provide a pleasing balance to the drink’s tartness.
Presentation
To my fellow perfectionists, serve the Sunset Splash in a white wine glass; however, a tall, highball glass will suffice if that’s unavailable. Add crushed ice to introduce a layer of complexity, and don’t forget to finish off with a straw so that zobo doesn't stain your pretty lips.
Conclusion
Ready to try your hand at crafting the perfect Orijin Herbal Gin cocktail? Share your Orijin Sunset Splash photos on social media with the hashtag #OrijinSunsetSplash #OPcocktailoftheweek and tag us. The best submissions might be featured in our next issue!
For more unique cocktails and top Nigerian cocktails, stay tuned to our weekly feature. Each week, we'll bring you a new Nigerian cocktail recipe!
FAQs
What alcohol percentage is Orijin gin?
Orijin gin has an alcohol percentage of 40%. This provides a balanced strength suitable for both mixing and sipping.
What is the main herb in gin?
The main herb in gin is juniper berries. They are essential for giving gin its distinctive flavour.
What are the three key ingredients in gin?
The three key ingredients in gin are juniper berries, botanicals, and a neutral spirit. These elements create gin’s unique and aromatic profile.
What makes a gin a good gin?
A good gin is characterized by a balanced and complex flavour, high-quality botanicals, and a smooth, clean finish. The quality of the base spirit also plays an important role.
Thanks for bringing this home Folasade!