Pink gins for Valentine's Day

Turn on the romance with a pre-dinner cocktail concocted from one of these rosy spirits

- JULIE SHEPPARD

Originally, the term Pink Gin referred to a simple cocktail of Plymouth Gin and Angostura bitters. Today, it's used to describe gins infused with a range of botanicals - from rose and rhubarb to strawberries and redcurrants - that give a distinct flavour and a rosy hue.

1 Amalthea Pink Gin

£35/50cl Fortnum & Mason Amalthea is the name of the copper still at the in-house distillery on the third floor of Fortnum & Mason on London's Piccadilly. This distinctive gin is made from a base of apple spirit; botanicals include grapefruit peel, hibiscus flowers and Fortnum's Earl Grey Classic tea. I love the aromas: pretty rhubarb and rose tones, with a sprinkle of white pepper. On the palate, exotic cardamom spice notes balance Turkish delight sweetness. A classic London Dry style with a spicy finish that packs a punch! Alcohol 43%

2 Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo