Adnams Smidgin Dry Gin

Laura Willoughby MBE is the founder of the world’s largest mindful drinking organisation, Club Soda, and the UK’s foremost expert in low and non-alcoholic drinks.

This is an aromatic, juniper-forward gin. It has fruity and floral characteristics. The citrus notes in juniper are bolstered by zesty peels and balanced by the sweet, flowery notes of cardamom and the light spice of coriander seeds. Underlying hints of hibiscus lift the flavour and give a refreshingly soft floral finish.

At 0.6% ABV per serving, Smidgin is a great choice for when you are drinking more mindfully, for example, if you have a big day following a night out or a working lunch; or alternatively at the start of an evening so you can take time to decide if the occasion is one for drinking.

This is a great cocktail hack for gin lovers and those looking to drink more mindfully, without missing out on flavour - it’s an easy switch that will help you to keep the ritual you enjoy, whilst reducing the strength of your drink.

It couldn’t be simpler to serve up Smidgin. Just mix the provided spoonful (2.5ml or half a teaspoon) of Smidgin with tonic water (200ml) over ice and add a twist of orange zest to get the finished effect in just a smidgin of time.

I have had a love-hate relationship with ice. I used to think it over-diluted my drink. Now I realise that a good solid rock of ice or a few big cubes in the glass, chill the liquid (essential when you are drinking reduced alcohol cocktails), as well as offering a slower rate of dilution. I hate the tiny slushy ice that goes into bad alcohol-free cocktails and would rather get my gin and tonic as cold as possible and go without!

You could go for the traditional Copa de Balon glasses which are said to open up the botanical aromas of gin, but personally, I find that a nice heavy Highball glass, a simple garnish and good quality tonic works for me.

As an aperitif style drink, Smidgin pairs well with snacks such as roasted almonds, herb-based cheeses and crudités with cheese dip or classic canapés like salmon blinis. If you are sipping it alongside a main course, seafood and ceviche are enhanced by the citrus notes from Smidgin. But let’s be clear - you can end your meal with Smidgin too. It goes well with berry-focused desserts such as pavlova, cheesecake or a fruit sorbet.