To make it to the finals is a huge achievement and all these gin businesses which highlight the quality and diversity of the Scottish gin industry. LYCHE AND ROSE MARTINI Our delicate twist on a lychee martini infused with a delicate character of this aromatic tropical fruit and aroma of rose. Optional: Melt the white chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of boiling water (or in the microwave on a very low heat/short time - ten seconds might be all you need!). Once the chocolate has melted, paint the top of the cooled meringue and leave the chocolate to set.) THE LAST WORD A little sour, a little sweet, a little pungent. Monkey 47 Gin and Maraschino shaken with fresh lime juice and green Chartreuse. 16 GOTHIC MANHATTAN A dark-hearted mix of Maker’s Mark Whiskey stirred with Antica Formula Vermouth and Jerry Thomas bitters.

It is an all- island final as four Hebridean distilleries are in contention for the top award of the night, Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, sponsored by Contract Bottlers Glasgow Ltd. WESTERN INFLUENCE Villa Ascenti Rosa Gin stirred down with Velvet Falernum, red wine reduction, lime juice and Creole Tincture. Served with biscuit crumbles. 14.5 The Violet Gin Liqueur (18% ABV) takes its inspiration from that famous sweet factory, up the road in New Mills. Best served over lots of ice with whatever mixer you like, it really is a beauty! [buy here] To make the meringue, add the egg whites to a free-stand mixer and whisk until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, making sure it is well combined after each addition, and whisk briefly until the meringue looks glossy. Whisk in the corn flour, vanilla extract and vinegar.SAINTS GENEROSITY Hennessey VS with Liquor 43, clementine juice, chestnut and lime for a fruity nutty delight. Garnished with a slice of clementine. 14 CHRISTMAS MARTINI Taking the classic Espresso Martini with added festive cheer. Belvedere Vodka shaken with a double espresso and Kahlua. Finished with notes of vanilla and caramel. 14 Four new taste categories have been created in the programme with new awards presented for Best Pink Gin, Best Festive Gin and the Flavoured Gin category has been split with new categories for Citrus and Berry Flavoured. The most popular taste category is still London Dry Gin of the Year with 47 gins in the finals.

ISLAY SLEIGHS Ardbeg single malt 10 year old, Kahlua and oat milk shaken over ice. Finished with a gentle hint of honey and vanilla. 14 SWEET REVENGE An OXO legacy, Ketle One Vodka, shaken with grapefruit juice, raspberry ripple, pineapple juice and garnished with dried rose petals 14.5 Only 60 per cent of entered product makes it through to the finals and only the top three products in each category presented with medals, making the Scottish Gin Awards the most highly sought after of all drink’s competitions.MON CHÉRI Courvoisier VSOP Cognac stirred down with chocolate liqueur and Amarena cherry extra heavy syrup. Balanced with chocolate bitters and served straight-up. 15 No Name Distillery is the baby sister of Manchester's Faith & Sons Gin; aboutique one-man-band, one copper still, micro-distillery which was set up in 2015 by former Lisbon bartender Filipe Sousa, who came to Manchester to work in the city's bars (Australasia, Dusk Til Pawn, and Panacea). More retro sweet flavours are delivered with the Fruit Salad Gin Liqueur (18% ABV), best served with lots of ice, grapefruit zest and your choice of mixer. [buy here]

Raspberry Ripple Gin Liqueur (18% ABV) takes the classic ice cream and turns it into a delightfully pink gin liqueuer and can even be served over ice cream if you're feeling naughty. [buy here] PINK MARGARITA Mijenta Blanco Tequila, pink grapefruit liqueur, fresh ruby grapefruit and pressed lime juice. Shaken and served with or without salt. 15.5 The Scottish Gin Awards 2021 finalists have been announced, with 67 producers and 223 gins progressing to the final stage of the anticipated awards night, which this year will be a hybrid virtual and in-person event.AT THE DRIVE-INN Butter washed (DAIRY) Makers Mark 46 stirred down with maple syrup, chocolate bitters and popcorn essence. Served old fashioned style. 15 The new collection of Liquorists' small batch liqueurs are designed to add unique twists to your homemade tipples. Offering three gin liqueurs — which have been popular for some time now — the supermarket is also launching a less common rum liqueur, with the spirit rising in popularity this summer. It's the perfect ingredient for tropical punches.