The St. Clement’s Gin is a bright, refreshing classic that combines London Dry Gin with the freshness of orange and lemon. The cane sugar syrup balances the acidity, while soda water adds a light, sparkling-tart note. Perfect for warm days or as an aperitif – shaken briefly, served quickly, but with depth from the gin base. A drink that shows how versatile gin can be without elaborate ingredients.
And here’s what you need for the St. Clement’s Gin
4 cl London Dry Gin
2 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
2 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cl cane sugar syrup
6 cl soda water
Garnish: 1 orange slice
Key points
The trick lies in timing: the gin should only be shaken briefly with the citrus juices to prevent the juniper and herbal notes from being overpowered by the acid. Shaking too long makes the drink flat. The temperature is also important – the shaker must be ice-cold before the ingredients go in, otherwise the ice will dilute the drink too much. For extra precision, measure the cane sugar syrup with a pipette to hit the sweetness exactly. Add the soda water only at the end to preserve its fizz.
Variations
- St. Clement’s Nojito — Replace the gin with 4 cl white rum and add 6 fresh mint leaves and 2 cl lime juice. Lightly press the mint before shaking to release the oils. Top up with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig.
- Herbaceous Clement’s — Add 2 fresh basil leaves to the shaker and shake briefly with the other ingredients. Remove the leaves before straining to avoid bitterness. Pairs well with a gin that has pronounced herbal notes.
- Winter Clement’s — Replace the orange juice with 2 cl blood orange juice and add 1 cl cinnamon syrup. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Ideal for cooler days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I substitute the cane sugar syrup with regular sugar syrup?
Yes, but cane sugar syrup has a slightly malty note that adds depth to the drink. Regular sugar syrup makes it sweeter but less complex. If you don’t have cane sugar syrup, you can also dissolve 1 tsp raw cane sugar directly in the shaker.
Why does my St. Clement’s Gin taste watery?
This usually happens if the ice melts too slowly or if the soda water is added too early. Use large, clear ice cubes that melt more slowly and add the soda water only in the glass – not in the shaker.
Can I make the drink without soda water?
Yes, it will then be more intense and less sparkling. Replace the soda water with 3 cl cold water to maintain balance. The drink will then resemble a Gin Sour with an orange note.
Which gin works best?
A classic London Dry Gin with distinct juniper and citrus notes works best. Too floral or sweet gins will overpower the freshness of the ingredients. Try different varieties to experience the difference.
