In celebration of the summer season, luxury Edinburgh gin distillery, The Old Curiosity, has launched a Pink Elderflower & Jasmine gin.

The bottling is the sixth addition to the popular Secret Garden Range, and has an all-natural distinctive pink colour, which turns more vibrant when tonic is added.

Unlike many other elderflower flavoured products, the gin is produced using only fresh, hand-harvested elderflower rather than dried elderflower. With a very short season of only four weeks when the flower is in bloom, the team at Old Curiosity are working hard to produce enough distillate to meet demand for the full year.

The elderflower is freshly picked from the Secret Herb Garden, the nation’s first and only pure working gin botanical garden, where the distillery is based. The special elderflower flavour is produced using a fresh flower water distillate, which is then added to the gin.  A small amount of jasmine - also separately distilled – is included to add freshness, while rose petals and violets are infused naturally to give the spirit its distinctive colour. The gin is best served with a light tonic to truly enjoy the delicate flavours and aromas.

The Old Curiosity was founded by renowned Scottish herbologist, Hamish Martin. He explains: “We are working hard to harvest because we have a short window of time when the fresh elderflower is blooming and ready. Once the season is over, we are only able to access dried elderflower, which tastes entirely different. Old Curiosity is committed to only producing the most delicious tasting gin, so we insist upon only using freshly picked elderflower.

“The Elder tree is one of the most sacred things that grows on the British Isles and Jasmine is renowned in Eastern history, thanks to its unmatchable fragrance – creating a sensual and intriguing drink. We’re incredibly proud of this gin –it’s just perfect for summer days that stretch into lazy summer evenings.”

All of the herbs and botanicals grown at The Secret Herb Garden are hand-picked, dried and infused by the team. They are all 100% natural; free of chemicals, sugars and flavour compounds.

The Pink Elderflower & Jasmine gin is available to buy from specialist off-licences, retailers and outlets in Scotland and from Harvey Nichols nationwide. It will be available to buy from Old Curiosity’s website www.theoldcuriosity.co.uk