The London to Lima Gin Distillery in Peru has launched London to Lima Mulberry & Coca Gin Liqueur in the UK, the second expression to come from London to Lima Gin.
The original gin is made with Peruvian Quebranta grapes that have been used for centuries to make the national spirit, Pisco. The gin is macerated with mulberries which are hand-picked in Peru close to the distillery. Amazonian Coca leaves, from the same supplier as the world’s largest cola brand, are also added, along with wild honey to make a rich and delicious gin liqueur.
The use of a grape-based spirit to make London to Lima Gin was inspired by the oldest known recipe for gin in Europe from 1495, which also used grapes as its base. The gin is distilled three times and blended with water from glaciers in the Andes. With over 50% of gin being water, founder Alex was inspired to source the purest Andean glacial spring water from the summits of the Cordillera Blanca, after completing the trek himself, making it a true spirit of adventure.
The two expressions have a different Peruvian animal on the label. The Mulberry & Coca bottle features a Spectacled Caiman, whilst the original gin features the Spectacled Bear. The name “Spectacled Caiman” comes from a bony ridge between the eyes of the Caiman, which looks like a pair of spectacles. A member of the Alligator family and native to South America, the Spectacled Caiman’s tears also provide butterflies and bees with minerals.
Alexander and Karena James, Founders of London to Lima Gin say: “Our spirits represent the wonderful history of the Peruvian and British connection. We are hugely excited to have recently received an IWSC Gold Medal for our London to Lima Mulberry & Coca Gin Liqueur, which we are looking forward to launching in the UK this month. We can’t wait to bring new adventures to your drinks cabinet.”
Tasting note from IWSC: “A decadent nose of black berry fruit with herbal undertones and lots of spice including cinnamon and cocoa. It has a luxurious texture and a complex, gently sweet flavour reminiscent of sloe berries steeped in PX sherry”.
London to Lima Mulberry & Coca Gin Liqueur is best enjoyed neat or in a London to Lima Inka Bramble:
50ml London to Lima Gin
30ml London to Lima Mulberry & Coca Gin Liqueur
25ml Lime Juice
15ml Sugar Syrup
Can be topped with a dash of sparkling water
Garnish: Mulberries and a leaf
Shake the original London to Lima gin with ice, lime juice and sugar syrup and pour in to a glass filled with crushed ice. Drizzle the London to Lima Mulberry & Coca Gin Liqueur on top with a dash of sparkling water and garnish with some fresh berries and a leaf.