5th Planet from the Sun

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes for 5th Planet from the Sun

Sheringham Distillery creates this cocktail with layers of floral, citrus, and maple sweetness that dance on your palate. The 5th Planet from the Sun delivers a unique taste experience through its dandelion falernum, bringing earthy and honeyed notes that perfectly complement the oceanic botanicals of Sheringham’s flagship Seaside Gin. This cocktail offers adventurous drinkers a journey through unexpected flavors.

How the Complex Flavors Work Together

The first sip introduces bright lemon acidity, quickly followed by the warming sweetness of maple syrup and orgeat’s subtle almond notes. The dandelion falernum adds depth with its honey base and sumac’s gentle tartness, while the gin’s juniper and kelp botanicals provide a clean, coastal backbone. The fresh nutmeg garnish releases aromatic oils that enhance each sip. For those preferring less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly, or add extra lemon juice for more brightness.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

This versatile gin cocktail adapts well to different preferences and seasons. You can substitute the dandelion falernum with regular falernum for a more traditional approach, though you’ll lose the unique earthy notes. For a lighter version, top with soda water to create a refreshing spritz.

Creative Modifications to Try

• Replace maple syrup with honey syrup for floral sweetness
• Add egg white for a silky, foamy texture
• Use Beacon Gin with its cherry blossom notes for extra florals
• Garnish with edible flowers like pansies or violets
• Create a frozen version by blending with ice
• Batch for parties by multiplying ingredients (except ice)

Equipment, Preparation and Make-Ahead Tips for 5th Planet from the Sun

Creating this cocktail requires basic bar tools: a shaker tin, jigger, strainer, and muddler for crushing ice. The most time-consuming element is preparing the dandelion falernum, which needs 24 hours of infusion time. Plan to make this special ingredient at least two days before serving to allow flavors to meld properly.

Essential Preparation Steps

• Prepare dandelion falernum 2-3 days ahead and store refrigerated
• Crush ice in advance using a lewis bag or blender
• Pre-measure syrups and juices into squeeze bottles for faster service
• Zest limes for falernum when they’re fresh, not dried out
• Keep fresh flowers in water until garnishing
• Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to properly chill and dilute

Perfect Occasions and Food Pairings for 5th Planet from the Sun

This sophisticated gin cocktail shines at spring and summer garden parties, especially during golden hour when its floral notes complement blooming surroundings. The drink works beautifully as an aperitif before dinner or alongside light appetizers. Its complex flavor profile makes it ideal for culinary-focused gatherings where guests appreciate unique ingredients.

Recommended Food Pairings

• Goat cheese crostini with honey and herbs
• Smoked salmon with dill and capers
• Spring pea and mint salad
• Lemon tart or lavender shortbread
• Fresh oysters with mignonette
• Grilled asparagus with hollandaise

Cocktail History and Similar Drinks

The 5th Planet from the Sun represents modern craft cocktail innovation, combining classic sour structure with unexpected botanicals. This drink belongs to the enhanced whiskey sour family, though it uses gin as its base. The use of falernum connects it to tiki cocktail traditions, while the maple syrup nods to forest-inspired craft cocktails.

Related Cocktail Styles

• Bee’s Knees – similar honey and lemon profile
• Ramos Gin Fizz – floral gin with creamy texture
• Aviation – floral gin sour with unique liqueur
• Sheringham’s own Bee’s Knees variation
• Clover Club – gin sour with botanical complexity

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations for 5th Planet from the Sun

This cocktail contains approximately 180-220 calories per serving, with most calories coming from the honey in the falernum and the maple syrup. The drink contains about 15-20 grams of sugar from natural sources. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this suitable for celiac guests. The orgeat contains almonds, so those with nut allergies should request a substitution.

For a lighter version with 30% fewer calories, reduce both syrups by half and add a splash of soda water. The cocktail is vegan-friendly when using maple syrup, as all ingredients come from plant sources. The alcohol content sits around 20-22% ABV per serving. Consider using Fresh Lemon Liqueur for a lower-alcohol variation that maintains citrus brightness. Sheringham Distillery offers an extensive cocktail collection with options for every dietary preference and occasion.