Gin & Tonic: Sir Edmond’s & Fentimans Valencian Orange

A Forever Favorite G&T with Citrus and Coffee Notes

Welcome to the grand finale of our G&T Week! 🍸 After six days of exploring vibrant, aromatic, and creative gins from around the world, we’re ending on a high note with one of my personal all-time favorites: Sir Edmond’s Gin paired with Fever-Tree Valencian Orange Tonic, garnished with coffee beans and a twist of orange peel. This is a G&T that feels like a celebration in a glass—citrusy, aromatic, and perfectly balanced with just a hint of coffee warmth.

A Personal Story: Falling for Sir Edmond’s

I first encountered Sir Edmond’s Gin at my favorite cocktail bar in Dordrecht, Netherlands—Blauwpoort. Served with premium tonic and a slice of orange, it instantly captured my attention. The flavors were bright, smooth, and impossibly drinkable. I immediately bought a bottle to explore it at home.

Britt and I experimented with a garnish of coffee beans and orange peel, and we were blown away by how the slight bitterness and aroma of the coffee beans complemented the citrus-forward gin. Swapping the Mediterranean Tonic for Valencian Orange Tonic elevated the drink even further—sweet, zesty, and aromatic, it quickly became one of our all-time favorites. Every sip tells a story, and this combination has a forever place in our G&T rotation.

Sir Edmond’s Gin: A Dutch Innovation Infused with Bourbon Vanilla

Sir Edmond’s Gin is a distinctive spirit that reimagines traditional gin by infusing it with the rich, aromatic essence of Bourbon vanilla from Réunion Island. This innovative approach sets it apart as the world’s first Bourbon vanilla-infused gin, offering a unique tasting experience that combines classic gin botanicals with the sweet complexity of vanilla.

🍃 Distilled Excellence at Herman Jansen Distillery

Crafted at the renowned Herman Jansen Distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands, Sir Edmond’s Gin is the result of meticulous distillation and blending processes. The distillery’s expertise ensures that each bottle embodies quality and innovation, reflecting the spirit’s Dutch heritage and commitment to excellence.

🌿 A Blend of Six Botanicals

Sir Edmond’s Gin is meticulously distilled using a blend of six botanicals:

• Juniper: The foundational botanical providing the classic gin base.
• Angelica Root: Adds earthy and slightly bitter notes, enhancing the gin’s complexity.
• Ginger: Introduces a subtle warmth and spice.
• Cardamom: Contributes a fragrant, aromatic quality.
• Cinnamon: Offers a hint of sweetness and depth.
• Bourbon Vanilla: The signature ingredient, infusing the gin with a smooth, velvety sweetness and a golden hue.

🍊 Flavor Profile

The infusion of Bourbon vanilla imparts a smooth, velvety texture to the gin, with cardamom notes moving into subtle cinnamon and juniper flavors, complemented by a gentle touch of ginger. This harmonious blend creates a full-flavored, elegant spirit that is both aromatic and slightly sweet, making it versatile for various cocktail creations.

🏆 Award-Winning Craftsmanship

Recognized for its innovation and quality, Sir Edmond’s Gin has garnered accolades, including multiple awards at prestigious spirits competitions. Its unique flavor profile and craftsmanship continue to earn it a place among discerning gin enthusiasts worldwide.

Sir Edmond’s & the Bourbon Vanilla Legacy

The Boy Who Changed Vanilla Forever

Sir Edmond’s Gin carries more than botanicals — it carries a legend. Its namesake—Edmond Albius—was born into slavery on Réunion Island. At age twelve, with nothing but a blade of grass and unshakeable intuition, he devised the technique for hand-pollinating vanilla orchids. That breakthrough shifted vanilla cultivation from an elusive art to a thriving craft. Sir Edmond’s Gin honors that spirit of ingenuity, resilience, and curiosity.

“Everyone knows vanilla, but only a few know Edmond Albius.” That’s the idea behind the brand: vanilla is universal, but his story is powerful. 

Island Inspiration: Réunion as a Muse

Réunion Island is more than a birthplace — it’s the soul of Sir Edmond’s. Known as the Bourbon vanilla capital, this volcanic paradise vibrates with the aromas, climate, and energy that feed into every bottle. The island’s lush forests, sun-drenched shores, and tropical flora become part of the gin’s DNA. 

When you hold a glass of Sir Edmond’s, you’re holding a story: of place, of heritage, of flavor rooted in both nature and legacy.

Bourbon Vanilla at its Core

The standout feature of Sir Edmond’s is its Bourbon vanilla infusion. This isn’t a splash of flavoring at the end — it’s part of the gin’s heart. The brand uses a gentle cold infusion to coax out the smooth warmth, aromatic depth, and natural complexity of the vanilla beans.

What does that mean in your glass?

• It softens botanical edges, making the gin feel smoother and more velvety.
• It adds natural sweetness and richness without turning the drink cloying.
• It layers with spices and citrus, elevating them rather than competing.

The result: a rebellious vanilla gin that still has character, spice, and a compelling edge. 

Purpose Beyond Flavor: Giving Back

Sir Edmond’s isn’t just about making a beautiful spirit — it’s about doing right by the world. With every bottle sold, the brand supports the African Wildlife Foundation, contributing to habitat protection, wildlife restoration, and community projects across Africa. Their motto: “One sip at a time.” 

In every pour, there’s flavor, history, and a bit of impact.

Coffee Beans & Orange Peel: Why This Garnish Works Magic

The garnish of coffee beans + orange peel isn’t just for show — it’s a smart, flavor-enhancing move that ties together the spirit, the tonic, and the sensory experience. Here’s how:

1. Aromatic Bridge

• Coffee beans release volatile oils that lift the vanilla and spice notes in Sir Edmond’s Gin. When you nose the glass, the roasted aroma from the beans mingles with the gin’s bourbon vanilla and warm botanicals, priming your palate for the sip.
• Orange peel brings essential citrus oils and brightness. The fragrant citrus peel complements both the valerian vanilla and the Valencian Orange Tonic’s orange character, reinforcing the citrus dimension of the cocktail rather than conflicting with it.

2. Flavor Counterpoint & Depth

• The coffee bitterness adds a subtle counterpoint to the sweetness of vanilla and orange, balancing the cocktail so it doesn’t become cloying. This interplay of sweet, bitter, and citrus keeps each sip vibrant.
• The orange peel complements the Valencian orange tonic’s citrus notes and syncs with the gin’s warmth, bringing cohesion to the entire drink.

3. Visual & Sensory Drama

• Seeing coffee beans float in your G&T adds visual intrigue and depth.
• The oil released by the orange peel “snaps” into the drink, tracking waves of fragrance across the surface.
• Combined, these garnishes make the drink interactive: as beans sink, peel floats, and aromas shift — your senses stay engaged from the first glance to the last sip.

Valencian Orange Tonic: Bright, Citrus-Forward, and Perfectly Balanced

If Sir Edmond’s Gin is the heart of this cocktail, then the Valencian Orange Tonic is the sunshine that makes it shine. Unlike a classic Indian tonic, which leans toward sharp quinine bitterness, the Valencian orange variation brings a softer, citrus-driven profile that lifts the gin’s vanilla and spice notes beautifully.

🌞 What Makes Valencian Oranges Special?

Valencia oranges are often considered the “queen of oranges” thanks to their naturally sweet, juicy, and aromatic flavor. Known for their perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, they provide the tonic with a zesty freshness that complements gin without overpowering it. This citrus note feels summery, approachable, and slightly indulgent—almost like bottling a Mediterranean sunset.

🥂 Why It Works in a Gin & Tonic

• Balances sweetness & bitterness: Valencian orange tonic softens the sharpness of quinine while still keeping the refreshing bitterness that a G&T needs.
• Enhances vanilla & spice: The orange zestiness highlights Sir Edmond’s Bourbon vanilla while also playing well with its cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger botanicals.
• Adds complexity without heaviness: Instead of masking the gin, the tonic amplifies its layers, creating a smoother, more rounded cocktail.

🔎 Alternatives to Try

While we used Fentimans Valencian Orange Tonic (easy to find, consistent, and premium quality), there are other great options to explore:

• Schweppes Premium Mixer – Orange Blossom & Lavender: A floral-citrus blend, more budget-friendly and widely available.
• Thomas Henry Botanical Tonic: While not exclusively orange, it has bright citrus notes that can mimic a similar effect.
• Fever-Tree Clementine Tonic Water: A drier, more subtle tonic that lets you add your own orange twist with zest or peel.
• 1724 Tonic Water: A South American tonic with a refined, citrus-driven flavor profile, excellent with orange garnishes.

No matter which tonic you choose, the key is that citrus edge—it turns this G&T from “just another cocktail” into something elegant, modern, and deeply memorable.

Why Sir Edmond’s Gin & Valencian Orange Tonic Are a Perfect Match

When it comes to creating a truly memorable G&T, it’s all about balance — and this pairing nails it. Sir Edmond’s Gin, with its unique infusion of Bourbon vanilla and warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, needs a tonic that can both support and elevate its flavor journey. Enter Valencian Orange Tonic: bright, juicy, and citrus-forward, it brings out the best in every sip.

✨ The Flavor Synergy

• Vanilla + Orange = Harmony: The smooth vanilla notes of Sir Edmond’s wrap themselves around the tonic’s sweet orange zest, creating a velvety, almost dessert-like undertone — but without being heavy.
• Spice + Citrus = Spark: Cardamom and cinnamon meet the tonic’s lively citrus fizz, lighting up the palate with warmth and freshness at once.
• Bitterness + Sweetness = Balance: The quinine’s subtle bite prevents the cocktail from tipping into sweetness, keeping it crisp and refreshing.

🥃 Why It’s Our Forever Favorite

This isn’t just a G&T; it’s a flavor story. The coffee beans and orange peel garnish add another layer of depth — the coffee beans intensify the vanilla and spice, while the orange peel ties back beautifully to the tonic’s citrus base. The result? A cocktail that feels indulgent yet refreshing, complex yet easy to sip.

It’s the kind of drink that doesn’t just satisfy — it lingers in memory. One that makes you think: yes, this is the G&T I’ll always come back to.

Food Pairings: What to Eat with Sir Edmond’s Gin & Valencian Orange Tonic

One of the most exciting things about Sir Edmond’s Gin is that its vanilla and spice-forward profile makes it incredibly food-friendly. Paired with Valencian Orange Tonic, it takes on a dessert-like quality while still staying fresh and balanced, which means it can dance across savory, spicy, and sweet dishes. Here’s how to make the most of it:

🍊 Citrus & Spice Harmony

• Duck à l’Orange – The classic French dish with its sweet orange glaze mirrors the tonic’s citrus notes while the gin’s vanilla and cinnamon add depth.
• Grilled Chicken with Orange & Ginger Marinade – The zesty-sweet citrus and spice flavors tie directly into the cocktail’s warm, refreshing balance.

🌶️ Playing with Heat

• Indonesian Beef Rendang – Rich, spiced, and coconutty, the gin’s vanilla softens the heat while the tonic cuts through the richness.
• Spicy Chorizo Tapas – The drink’s citrus brightness lifts the smoky spice of the sausage, making every bite-and-sip combo addictive.

🧀 Indulgent Pairings

• Aged Gouda or Comté – Nutty, slightly caramelized cheeses that echo the gin’s vanilla warmth.
• Blue Cheese Crostini with Orange Marmalade – Sweet-salty contrast that makes the gin-and-tonic sing.

🍰 Sweet Endings

• Crème Brûlée – Vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar crust is almost tailor-made for this pairing.
• Orange & Coffee Tiramisu – Brings out the garnish elements in the cocktail for a perfect match.

Signature Serve vs. Variation Serves for Sir Edmond’s Gin

One of Sir Edmond’s strengths is its versatility — it can shine in the classic serve or adapt to creative twists. Using their official cocktail page, here are some variations and the rationale behind them.

✅ Signature Serve: Valencian Orange Tonic + Coffee Beans + Orange Peel

• This is your showstopper: bold citrus from the tonic, aromatic lift from the garnish, and vanilla-spice depth from the gin — a harmonious, memorable G&T.
• The coffee beans + orange peel combo elevates it from “just another gin & tonic” to a layered, sensory experience.

⚡ Variation Serves (from Sir Edmond’s official list)

Here are some fun twists from their recipes: 

• Orange & Cinnamon: Swap in a cinnamon stick with the orange for warm spice emphasis.
• Strawberry & Mint: For a rosier, fresher profile.
• Raspberry & Lemon: A brighter, fruit-forward version.
• Ginger & Lemon: Adds a spicy citrus kick.
• Coffee beans & Orange: The signature one you’ve already adopted.
• Lavender: For floral enhancement.
• Thyme: For herbal layering.
• Grapefruit peel: A twist that plays with the citrus spectrum.

🌿 Mediterranean Tonic Option

• If you prefer a lighter, more herbal twist, a Mediterranean tonic + orange peel is a solid alternative. It softens the citrus front and lets the vanilla-spice profile of Sir Edmond’s play a little more softly.
• This option gives you a “classic gin & tonic variant” when you don’t want the full citrus punch — a more subtle, botanical-adjacent expression of Sir Edmond’s.

🍊 Sir Edmond’s Gin & Valencian Orange Tonic 🍊

Ingredients

• 50 ml Sir Edmond’s Gin
• 150 ml Fentimans Valencian Orange Tonic

Garnish with coffee beans and an orange peel twist

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 50 ml Sir Edmond’s Gin.
3. Top with 150 ml Fentimans Valencian Orange Tonic.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with the coffee beans and an orange peel.
6. Enjoy.

💡 Pro tip: Snap the orange peel over the glass to release its oils before dropping it in — this instantly elevates the drink’s fragrance.

Remember: Drink Responsibly, Don’t Spill Any!😉

📸 Don’t forget to capture the magic of your Gin & Tonic creation and share it with us using #WorthingtonsBar. We can’t wait to see the artistry and creativity you bring to this fantastic cocktail! Cheers to the perfect balance of flavors and the timeless pleasure of a well-crafted cocktail! 🌟✨

Final Thoughts: A G&T with Soul

Sir Edmond’s Gin & Valencian Orange Tonic is more than just a drink — it’s an experience. The vanilla-led gin, paired with the bright citrus profile of Valencian orange tonic, creates a G&T that’s both elegant and bold. Add the aromatic duo of coffee beans and orange peel, and suddenly you have a cocktail that feels refined, indulgent, and just a little playful.

For me, this is the forever favorite — the one I keep coming back to, whether I’m mixing for friends or unwinding after a long week. It’s a reminder that gin can surprise, excite, and feel completely unique while still being incredibly drinkable.

And if you’re ever looking for a G&T that sparks conversation, makes people pause after the first sip, and lingers long in memory? This is it.

👉 A gin that tastes like home and discovery at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sir Edmond’s Gin

Q: What makes Sir Edmond’s Gin different from other gins?
A: The key difference is Madagascar bourbon vanilla as a hero botanical, which gives it a unique, smooth, and slightly sweet profile not found in traditional London Dry gins.

Q: Can I use a different tonic if I don’t have Valencian Orange Tonic?
A: Absolutely. Mediterranean tonic with an orange peel is a great alternative, while elderflower tonic offers a floral twist. If you prefer something more classic, Indian tonic also works, though it will push the vanilla notes forward in a different way.

Q: Why garnish with coffee beans?
A: Coffee beans complement the gin’s vanilla depth with roasted, nutty aromas while balancing the sweetness of the orange tonic. It’s a garnish that works on both flavor and aromatic levels.

Q: Is Sir Edmond’s Gin good for cocktails beyond G&Ts?
A: Definitely! It works beautifully in an espresso martini variation, vanilla-forward spritzes, or even a Negroni twist where the vanilla softens the bitterness of Campari.

Q: Where can I buy Sir Edmond’s Gin?
A: Sir Edmond’s Gin is available online via their official shop and at select retailers across Europe and beyond. Many premium liquor stores also carry it, both in-store and online.

If you want to see the video tutorial on this drink, check it out on our Instagram page and TikTok! We would love to connect with you and hear about what recipe we should make next. 😁