Portuguese gin may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Iberian nation – a country more traditionally associated with its namesake fortified wine, Port. Yet, in recent years, Portugal has firmly established itself on the map of gin producers, with an array of craft distilleries emerging to offer a distinct take on this versatile spirit.
Alongside traditional gin botanicals such as juniper with Mediterranean herbs, spices, and citrus, Portuguese gin makers often experiment with local ingredients, including olives, almonds, and a range of aromatic herbs, giving these gins a distinctive, refreshing character.
A gin that reflects the innovative and playful side of the Portuguese gin scene is Sharish, from the Alentejo region. Its bright blue colour, derived from the Clitoria ternatea flower, changes to pink when mixed with tonic water.