Citadelle Gin, the trailblazing spirit hailing from France's first craft gin distillery and the brainchild of Maison Ferrand - the folks behind Cognac Ferrand, Planteray Rum (formerly Plantation Rum) and Barbados’ West Indies Rum Distillery – has just dropped a new addition to its core range here in Singapore: Citadelle Rouge.

Now, before you start picturing a crimson-hued concoction, let's clear something up. This gin is as clear as a mountain spring and has neither colour nor sugar added. It is vapour-distilled with a medley of red fruits and fresh berries – rhubarb, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant – that infuse the spirit with their vibrant essence.

Citadelle Rouge builds on the crisp, dry profile of the original gin with a burst of bright, tangy berries and a touch of rhubarb zest. The brand describes this gin to be “Fruit forward, but all-natural, this red fruit essence glows on the palate but remains crystal clear in the glass.”

If you're keen to give it a go at home, the brand has a few cocktail suggestions. For a refreshing twist on a classic, try a Rouge & Tonic with 45 ml of Citadelle Rouge into a highball glass with ice, and top up with Yuzu Tonic Water before garnishing with 1 fresh raspberry. If you're feeling a bit fancier, whip up a Rouge Collinswith 50 ml of Citadelle Rouge, 15 ml of sugar syrup and 25 ml of fresh lemon juice shaken together, before being poured over ice in a highball glass topped with soda water, and garnished with a lemon peel. Or, for a simple but decadent treat, go for the Spritz 'n' Berry with 40 ml of Citadelle Rouge and 20 ml of Raspberry Liqueur to a wine glass, topped with sparkling wine and fresh mint for garnish.

The gin comes in at 41.7% ABV and is available for purchase at S$89 at The Providore Singapore, SO France and from EC Proof's online store.

Citadelle Rouge is already making waves in the Singapore bar scene, with mixologists at CU Bar, Mandala Club, SO France, Alleybar, Set of Six, and Potato Head Singapore decking out cocktails with it. Whether it's shaken into a Clover Club or stirred into something a bit more experimental, this gin is sure to inspire some seriously tasty creations. So, raise a glass to Citadelle Rouge!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team