I feel like gin is having a real moment right now, at least to those in their early 20s who just started (legally) ordering more than a Bud Light or a vodka cranberry. Sure, gin has been around since the 17th century, but I’ll bet our ancestors didn’t see gin-filled Easter eggs, gin and tonic jam, or now, color-changing gin coming. Yes, you read that last one right—gin that changes colors now exists and it’s magical.
According to Good Housekeeping UK, Marks & Spencer, a home and apparel company worked with an English distillery to create two new floral-flavored gins, rose and lavender, and their pigments change when mixed with tonic. It seems magical, like straight up unicorn or mermaid sh*t, however, its color changing properties actually break down to basic science.
The color changes in part thanks to its flavoring, which comes from infusing florals and other botanicals. Once tonic is added to the infused gin, the pH changes and so does the color. It makes sense. I mean, changing the pH is how I got the water in my college house’s hot tub to change from green to clear post-winter break. Yes, we had a hot tub in college and it was a dumb idea, but I digress—this color changing gin is an awesome idea.
The British Rose Dry Gin changes from a pale gold to a brighter pink, and the British Lavender Dry Gin changes from purple to pink. Lavender is supposed to be calming and is often used in spas to help relax, but I feel the complete opposite about it right now. I am hyped!
Although, there is one downside. These gins are only available in the UK right now. So if you live across the pond, order up! But if you hail from the states, you’re gonna have to take a trip, have a friend abroad send you some, or try infusing your own gin to see if you can make a copycat version. I say the first option sounds best, but don’t rule out the last option if you’re ballin’ on a budget. Color changing gin is downright cool no matter where it comes from.