I’ve been making homemade gin for some time now, and decided to try making a Hendrick’s style gin; Hendrick’s is an incredible “small-batch gin, hand crafted in Scotland, with an infusion of cucumber and rose petals.” While we can never fully recreate the exact flavor of Hendrick’s, we can certainly make a delicious variation for a fraction of the cost.

1 (750ml) bottle of inexpensive vodka
2 Tbsp juniper berries
1 green cardamom pods
2 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf, torn into pieces
1 (2-inch) sprig fresh rosemary
1 (2-inch-long) fresh lemon
1 (1-inch) sprig fresh lavender
1 teaspoon rose water or dried fragrant roses
¼ English Cucumber

Infuse juniper in the vodka for about eight hours. Add remaining spices, herbs, and rose water, and let infuse for about eight hours, then strain the botanicals.

Thinly slice the English cucumber, place in a large mouthed jar and add gin. Place the jar in a cool, dark place and allow to infuse for 1 or 2 days—checking after the first day to monitor the flavor. Once you’ve reached the desired flavor, strain the gin and pour into a clean bottle.