Coastal Angel

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes for Coastal Angel

Sheringham Distillery creates an ethereal drinking experience with the Coastal Angel, combining their award-winning Seaside Gin with angelwater tea and rose water for a delicate, aromatic cocktail that tastes like a seaside garden in bloom. This sophisticated drink delivers layers of floral complexity balanced by bright citrus notes from lemon oleo saccharum, while the gin’s signature kelp botanicals add subtle oceanic undertones that make each sip uniquely refreshing.

How Seaside Gin Enhances the Floral Notes

The cocktail opens with gentle rose aromatics that mingle with the herbal tea notes, followed by a bright citrus middle from the lemon bitters and oleo saccharum. Sheringham’s Seaside Gin provides the perfect botanical backbone, with its juniper and lavender notes complementing the rose water beautifully. The finish reveals subtle hints of ocean spray from the gin’s winged kelp, creating a harmonious balance between garden and sea. For those preferring less sweetness, reduce the oleo saccharum to 0.25 oz and add extra lemon bitters for brightness.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

The Coastal Angel adapts beautifully to personal preferences and seasonal ingredients. Try these variations to make this elegant cocktail your own:

• Replace rose water with orange blossom water for a Mediterranean twist
• Substitute Beacon Gin for a more delicate cherry blossom profile
• Add muddled cucumber for extra refreshment in summer
• Create a lower-ABV version by reducing gin to 1 oz and increasing tea
• Serve in a coupe glass for more formal occasions
• Make it sparkling with prosecco instead of soda water

Equipment, Preparation and Make-Ahead Tips for Coastal Angel

Creating the perfect Coastal Angel requires minimal equipment but benefits from advance preparation. You’ll need a shaker tin, jigger, strainer, and ideally a large ice cube tray for serving. The key to this cocktail’s success lies in preparing the lemon oleo saccharum at least 24 hours ahead – this traditional technique extracts essential oils from lemon peels using sugar, creating a rich syrup that adds depth without harsh acidity.

Essential Gin Cocktail Techniques

• Prepare oleo saccharum 1-2 days ahead for best flavor extraction
• Steep angelwater tea double-strength and chill before use
• Stir rather than shake to preserve delicate floral aromatics
• Use filtered water for clearest ice cubes
• Pre-chill glassware for optimal temperature retention
• Batch tea and oleo saccharum for parties up to one week ahead
• Store rose water in dark bottles to preserve potency

Perfect Occasions and Food Pairings for Coastal Angel

This sophisticated cocktail shines at garden parties, bridal showers, and elegant evening gatherings where its delicate profile can be appreciated. The Coastal Angel makes an exceptional summer aperitif, best served in late afternoon when its floral notes can transition guests from day to evening. The cocktail’s light, refreshing character also makes it ideal for beachside celebrations or intimate dinners on the patio.

Complementary Food Pairings with Gin Cocktails

The Coastal Angel’s delicate flavors pair beautifully with light, fresh cuisine:

• Oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce
• Cucumber tea sandwiches with herbed cream cheese
• Goat cheese crostini with honey and lavender
• Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc
• Rose water macarons or lemon shortbread cookies
• Fresh fruit tarts with vanilla pastry cream

Cocktail History and Similar Drinks

The Coastal Angel belongs to the modern craft cocktail movement’s exploration of floral gin drinks, drawing inspiration from classic tea cocktails and Middle Eastern rose water traditions. This style emerged as bartenders began incorporating culinary techniques like oleo saccharum, a 17th-century method for extracting citrus oils that adds complexity without harsh acidity. Similar botanical-forward cocktails in Sheringham’s portfolio showcase the versatility of craft gin in delicate, aromatic drinks.

Related Seaside Gin Cocktails

• Florals for Sure offers another rose-scented gin experience
• Classic Ramos Gin Fizz shares the creamy, floral character
• Aviation cocktails provide similar violet-hued elegance
• French 75 delivers comparable effervescence with citrus
• Elderflower Collins offers parallel botanical complexity

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations for Coastal Angel

The Coastal Angel contains approximately 165-185 calories per serving, with most calories coming from the gin (96 calories) and lemon oleo saccharum (40-60 calories depending on preparation). The cocktail contains 10-12 grams of sugar from the oleo saccharum, though this can be reduced by using less syrup or substituting with a sugar-free sweetener. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making this cocktail suitable for most dietary restrictions.

For health-conscious modifications, consider using stevia-based simple syrup instead of traditional oleo saccharum, which reduces calories to approximately 110 per serving. The cocktail’s 1.5 oz of gin results in about 0.6 oz of pure alcohol per serving. Those avoiding alcohol can create a mocktail version using Sheringham’s other non-alcoholic botanical waters as a base. Always verify individual ingredient labels for specific allergen concerns, particularly with specialty teas that may contain additional botanicals.