Green ant lemon myrtle gin

The Emerald Elixir: Exploring the Unique World of Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin

In the ever-expanding universe of craft spirits, certain bottles stand out, not just for their exquisite taste, but for the captivating stories and innovative ingredients they embody. Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin is one such spirit, a vibrant and complex gin that hails from the pristine Australian landscape and offers a truly distinctive sensory experience. More than just a botanical blend, it’s a testament to indigenous ingredients, sustainable practices, and the artistry of modern distillation.

This intriguing gin derives its name and its exceptional character from two key players: Green Ants and Lemon Myrtle. While the concept of consuming ants might raise an eyebrow for some, in Australia, particularly within indigenous cultures, green ants ( Oecophylla smaragdina) have been a traditional food source for millennia, valued for their unique citrusy flavor. Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), on the other hand, is a beloved Australian native herb renowned for its intensely fragrant, lemony aroma and taste. The masterful marriage of these two elements, alongside other carefully selected botanicals, results in a gin that is both familiar and utterly novel.

The Genesis of an Emerald Gem

The story behind Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin is as compelling as its flavor profile. It originates from Alice Springs Distillery, a pioneering craft distillery nestled in the heart of the Northern Territory, Australia. Founded by the adventurous trio of Adam and Stephanie Topp and Matt Jones, Alice Springs Distillery is driven by a passion for showcasing the unique botanicals and flavors of Australia. Their commitment to utilizing native ingredients not only creates exceptional spirits but also fosters a deep connection with the land and its indigenous heritage.

The inspiration for Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin came from a desire to push the boundaries of gin distillation and to highlight the underutilized potential of Australian native ingredients. The idea of incorporating green ants, with their naturally occurring formic acid and vibrant citrus notes, was a bold yet inspired choice. This wasn’t about novelty for novelty’s sake; it was about unlocking a complex flavor dimension that could elevate gin to new heights. Coupled with the universally loved aroma and taste of Lemon Myrtle, the stage was set for something truly special.

A Symphony of Botanicals: The Flavor Profile

The true magic of Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin lies in its intricate and harmonious flavor profile. Upon first encounter, the aroma is an immediate invitation to a sun-drenched Australian bushland. The dominant notes are undeniably bright and zesty, a testament to the abundant Lemon Myrtle. This isn’t just a hint of lemon; it’s an explosion of fresh, clean citrus, reminiscent of lemon zest and lemon balm, but with an underlying herbaceous depth.

Then, the Green Ants make their subtle yet significant entrance. Their contribution is a delightful tangy, almost effervescent citrus note, a whisper of formic acid that provides a unique prickle on the tongue, enhancing the overall brightness without being overpowering or acrid. It’s this unexpected element that sets this gin apart, adding a layer of complexity that is both intriguing and addictive.

Beyond these headline ingredients, Alice Springs Distillery employs a thoughtfully curated selection of other botanicals, which contribute to the gin’s balanced and layered character. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, one can expect the inclusion of traditional gin staples like juniper berries, providing that essential piney backbone. Other native Australian botanicals likely play a role, contributing earthy, floral, or spicy undertones that further enrich the gin’s complexity. These might include ingredients like wattleseed for its nutty depth, eucalyptus for its refreshing menthol notes, or bush tomato for its subtle sweetness.

The resulting taste is a revelation. It’s clean, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. The initial citrus burst from the lemon myrtle is beautifully complemented by the tangy zest of the green ants. The juniper provides a grounding herbal complexity, while any supporting botanicals weave in subtle nuances of earthiness, spice, or sweetness. The finish is long, clean, and remarkably smooth, leaving a lingering impression of citrus and subtle spice.

Sustainability and Cultural Significance

Beyond its exceptional taste, Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin embodies a strong commitment to sustainability and cultural respect. Alice Springs Distillery works closely with indigenous communities to ethically source their green ants and other native botanicals. This approach ensures that the harvesting of these precious resources is done in a way that respects the environment and supports the traditional custodians of the land.

The use of green ants, in particular, is a beautiful example of how traditional knowledge can be integrated into modern innovation. It’s a way of celebrating and preserving indigenous food practices while introducing them to a global audience in a sophisticated and accessible format. This partnership fosters economic opportunities for indigenous communities and promotes a deeper understanding of Australia’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The Perfect Serve: Crafting with Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin

The versatility of Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin makes it a delight to explore in a variety of cocktails. Its vibrant citrus notes and unique tang lend themselves beautifully to both classic and contemporary creations.

The Classic Gin & Tonic, Elevated:

This is perhaps the most straightforward way to appreciate the gin’s distinctive character. The bright citrus and subtle tang cut through the bitterness of tonic water, creating a wonderfully refreshing and complex G&T.

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin
  • 150ml Premium Indian Tonic Water
  • Garnish: A generous sprig of fresh lemon myrtle or a thin slice of lime

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a highball glass or a large balloon gin glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Pour in the Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin.
  3. Gently top with the tonic water.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of lemon myrtle or a slice of lime. The aroma of the lemon myrtle garnish will further enhance the experience.

The "Bushland" Martini:

A twist on the classic Martini, this recipe allows the gin’s complex botanicals to shine with minimal dilution.

• Ingredients:

  • 60ml Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin
  • 15ml Dry Vermouth (or to taste)
  • Garnish: A twist of lemon peel or a single green ant (if available and ethically sourced)

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin and dry vermouth.
  3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink, or a single green ant for a truly authentic touch.

The "Outback Oasis" Spritz:

A light and refreshing aperitif, perfect for a sunny afternoon.

• Ingredients:

  • 40ml Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin
  • 60ml Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
  • 30ml Soda Water
  • Garnish: A slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
  2. Add the Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin.
  3. Pour in the Prosecco and soda water.
  4. Stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.

Cocktail Recipes Featuring Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin:

Here are a few more creative cocktail recipes that highlight the unique qualities of this exceptional gin:

1. Emerald Sunrise Sour

This sour offers a vibrant and slightly tart profile, balancing the gin’s citrus with a touch of sweetness and egg white.

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin
  • 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 20ml Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
  • 15ml Elderflower Liqueur
  • 1 Egg White (or aquafaba for a vegan option)
  • Garnish: A few drops of Angostura bitters and a sprig of mint

• Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients (except garnish) in a cocktail shaker without ice.
  2. Perform a "dry shake" (shake vigorously without ice) for about 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
  4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters and a sprig of mint.

2. Wattle & Gin Cooler

This cooler incorporates the nutty notes of wattle seed for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

• Ingredients:

  • 45ml Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin
  • 20ml Fresh Lime Juice
  • 15ml Wattle Seed Syrup (infuse 1 tablespoon of roasted wattle seeds in 1 cup of simple syrup for 24 hours, then strain)
  • Top with Ginger Ale
  • Garnish: A lime wheel and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add the Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin, fresh lime juice, and wattle seed syrup.
  3. Stir gently.
  4. Top with ginger ale.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

3. Bushland Negroni

A sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni, with the Australian botanicals taking center stage.

• Ingredients:

  • 30ml Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin
  • 30ml Campari
  • 30ml Sweet Vermouth (consider one with native Australian botanicals if available)
  • Garnish: An orange peel

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  5. Garnish with an orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink.

A Taste of the Outback, Crafted with Care

Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin is more than just a spirit; it’s an experience. It’s an invitation to explore the unique flavors of Australia, to appreciate the ingenuity of indigenous ingredients, and to savor the artistry of a craft distillery that is pushing boundaries. Whether enjoyed neat, in a classic G&T, or as the star of a complex cocktail, this emerald elixir offers a journey for the senses, leaving a lasting impression of freshness, complexity, and the wild, untamed spirit of the Australian landscape. For those seeking a gin that is both exquisitely crafted and deeply rooted in its origin, Green Ant Lemon Myrtle Gin is an absolute must-try.