FIRST JOURNEYS - EUROPEAN EXPEDITION- PIN 18 OF 40
NGINIOUS SWISS BLENDED GIN - Basel, Switzerland
A ROAD TRIP WHERE EVERY STOP HAS A STORY
At the beginning of this European expedition, I mentioned that one of the things I was most looking forward to was seeing how different landscapes shape the botanicals found in gin.
Switzerland is a perfect example.
For centuries, Alpine communities relied on wild plants for food, medicine and flavouring, and many of those native botanicals continue to influence Swiss distilling today.
nginious! was launched in 2014 after two friends, Oliver Ullrich and Ralph Villiger, met while studying for their WSET Diploma in London. They wanted to create a gin that genuinely reflected Switzerland, but rather than simply following the traditional route, they developed a production method that became the very identity of the brand.
Working alongside Hans Erismann at Brennerei Erismann, they divided their 18 botanicals into four families—citrus, herbs, spices and roots. Each group is distilled separately before the individual distillates are carefully blended, allowing greater control over extraction and balance. Every botanical family has the opportunity to express itself before becoming part of the finished spirit, and it is this philosophy that gave the gin its name: Swiss Blended Gin.
Sadly, Ralph lost his life in a mountaineering accident in 2015, but Oliver and his wife Iris continued the journey. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, production moved in 2017 to their own Liquid Spirit Distillery in Basel—the same distillery that now also produces Nakal Gin.
Occupying the top floor of a former flour mill, it overlooks the point where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, making it a fitting home for a brand built on bringing different elements together.
The bottles are as distinctive as the gin itself, inspired by the shape of a vintage hip flask discovered in a London market. Every expression has its own character, with colours and materials chosen to reflect the spirit inside.
Swiss Blended Gin combines familiar botanicals with some unmistakably Alpine flavours. Alongside juniper you'll find barberries, hay flowers, red clover blossoms and blackcurrant leaves, creating a gin that is fruity yet herbaceous, gently spicy and finishes with an almost cooling, menthol freshness.
To highlight those fruity notes, I've opted for a Blackcurrant Bramble, using crème de cassis to complement the blackcurrant leaves. Fresh blackcurrants were nowhere to be found, so frozen blackberries stepped in instead, along with a sprig of fresh mint.
To end this stop, a little local folklore as that is how we roll here!
Basel has its own mythical guardian too. Keep an eye out as you wander the old town and you'll spot basilisks everywhere—perched on fountains, peering from buildings and hiding in plain sight.
According to local legend, the creature's story began in 1474 when a rooster supposedly laid an egg, causing panic that a basilisk would hatch. The poor bird never got the chance, but the legendary beast has remained one of Basel's best-loved symbols ever since.
Inspired by the Alps.
Crafted through innovation.
Unmistakably Swiss.
To highlight those fruity notes, I've opted for a Blackcurrant Bramble, using crème de cassis to complement the blackcurrant leaves. Fresh blackcurrants were nowhere to be found, so frozen blackberries stepped in instead, along with a sprig of fresh mint.
Blackcurrant Bramble
50ml nginious! Swiss Blended Gin
25ml crème de cassis
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
Shake with ice and pour over crushed ice. Garnish with blackberries and fresh mint.
Sometimes the best way to showcase a gin isn't to hide its character—but simply to find flavours that let it sing.
"Show me a bottle and I’ll tell you a story."