Hot Cross Bun Gin – A Deliciously Spiced Gin from Australia

Celebrate Easter with Our Hot Cross Bun Gin – Made in Australia

Hillmartin Hot Cross Bun Gin is a limited release gin that is bursting with all the flavour of a traditional Hot Cross Bun that you’ve come to know and love. Loaded with sultanas, raisins and well-defined spices this gin tastes like Easter in your mouth.
We first released this gin to overwhelming demand with the first release selling out inside two weeks. Be sure to get in quick for the 2023 release as it’s sure to sell out again. You don’t want to miss out on this hot cross bun gin Australia loves.

Hot Cross Bun Gin – Serving Suggestions

Delicious when paired with dry ginger ale, a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick. Try it served neat – our head distiller Gav simply enjoys sipping this Easter Gin on the rocks.

The Perfect Addition to Your Gin Collection – Hot Cross Bun Gin

Crafting this Hot Cross Bun flavoured gin has been so much fun for us, and it is fair to say a lot of Hot Cross Buns were consumed in the development of this recipe. We were determined to make a gin that had all the flavours of a traditional Hot Cross Bun, a healthy dose of juniper and the smooth finish that our HM Gins are renowned for. And we nailed it! So said those that were lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle of the 2022 release.

For the base, we use the highest purity grain-based alcohol. To this base we add sultanas, raisins and dates and allow these to soak in the base spirit for an extended period. This allows us to extract maximum flavour from these fruits.
After a period of time we transfer the base ingredients to the still and further add juniper, cinnamon, cassia, nutmeg, all spice, coconut sugar and fresh navel orange. Portions of sultanas, raisins and navel orange are also added to the botanical basket to complete the set up.
We know the magic is happening when the distillery is filled with all the smells of a traditional Hot Cross Bun.

Post distillation the gin is stored in stainless steel tanks and medium toasted French oak spirals are used to further enhance the flavour profile. The gin is cut back to 43% ABV, bottled and packed ready for you to enjoy.

Hillmartin Hot Cross Bun Gin is a limited release Hot Cross Bun flavoured gin with less than 250 bottles available in 2023.

Order today to secure your bottle of hot cross bun gin Australia-wide. If you have a gin-lover in your family, this is the perfect gin Easter gift. Delivery is expected to commence first week of March.

How To Serve Hot Cross Bun Gin

Hot Cross Bun Punch Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 cocktails, alter measurements per quantity to be served. 

• 180ml HM Hot Cross Bun Gin 
• 300ml Dry ginger ale
• 45ml Sugar syrup (or honey syrup)
• 1/3 of an orange sliced 
• 1/4 of an apple thinly sliced
• Lots of ice

Cocktail Preparation

1. To a cocktail jug add sugar or honey syrup and 3/4 of your orange slices and lightly muddle together.
2. Depending on the size of the jug fill it about 1/3 of the way with ice.
3. Add HM Hot Cross Bun Gin, ginger ale and stir.
4. Garnish with remaining orange slices plus the thinly sliced apple.
5. Enjoy!

HM Hot Cross Bun Gin – FAQs

1.  Are hot cross buns an Australian thing?

Hot cross buns are not unique to Australia, as they are traditionally eaten in many countries around the world, particularly in Christian communities during the Easter period.

While hot cross buns are not unique to Australia, they have been popular in Australia for many years, and are a well-known and beloved Easter treat. In Australia, hot cross buns are typically available in bakeries and supermarkets from around February until Easter (though they seem to be appearing earlier and earlier!), and are enjoyed as a breakfast or snack food during the Easter season.

2. What do you drink gin with?

Gin can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif, or it can be mixed with tonic water, soda water, or lemonade for a refreshing cocktail. It can also be used as a flavouring agent in various desserts and pastries. Try adding a dash of 

3. Can you make cocktails with gin?

Yes, you can use gin to make cocktails. It can add a unique flavour to classic gin cocktails such as a Gin and Tonic, Negroni, Martini, or a Gimlet. It can also be used to create new cocktails, such as the Hot Cross Bun Gin punch we’ve given you the recipe for above! 

One classic cocktail that can be made with Hot Cross Bun Gin is the Gin Fizz, which is made by combining gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. Another popular cocktail that can be made with Hot Cross Bun Gin is the Bramble, which is made with gin, lemon juice, and a blackberry sugar syrup.

4. What is the difference between London Dry Gin and a Flavoured Gin?

The main difference between London Dry Gin and Flavoured Gin is the process in which the gin is made. 

A London Dry Gin is typically made by distilling a neutral grain spirit with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel. It has a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% and all flavour comes from the distillation process.

On the other hand, Flavoured Gin may get its flavour through distillation and also from other processes that occur post distillation. Common ways flavour is incorporated post distillation is through maceration, barrel ageing or simply adding additional flavour. Take our Hot Cross Bun Gin, for instance, which is rich with the flavour or sultanas and raisins. We macerate the fruits pre-distillation and immerse the distillate gin with oak spirals post distillation to create its smooth finish.
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