Hoos Pink Grapefruit Gin Liqueur 200ml. Gin liqueur in a small bottle – grapefruit, gin botanicals, and delicate bitterness, 30.5% ABV.
Hoos Pink Grapefruit Gin Liqueur 200ml is the grapefruit liqueur from Heiko Hoos in Karlsruhe, presented in a small 200ml bottle. It is based on his London Gin, supplemented with grapefruit peel and fresh grapefruit juice. 30.5% ABV, tart rather than sweet.
Pink Grapefruit Gin Liqueur 200ml by Hoos looks like summer and tastes more sophisticated than its color suggests. Many liqueurs with "grapefruit" in the name rely on sweetness. This one relies on bitterness and herbs. The secret lies in the maceration. Maceration means that plant parts are steeped in alcohol for a certain time to release their aromas. At Hoos, this involves grapefruit peel, and the alcohol is his own London Gin. The essential oils and bitter substances come from the peel. Afterward, Hoos mixes in fresh grapefruit juice, which contributes the fruitiness. This creates a gin liqueur that showcases both: peel and juice.
Taste
On the palate, the grapefruit appears first, juicy and slightly bitter. The bitterness comes from the peel and remains noticeable until the end. The producer compares it to Mediterranean bitter liqueurs. According to Hoos, these bitter aromas ensure that it does not become too sweet.
Behind the fruit are the characteristic Hoos herbs. Juniper and pine shoots add depth, while chamomile and lavender provide a floral aspect. Cardamom and coriander bring a touch of warmth. Lemon balm, along with orange and lemon peel, connects the herbs with the grapefruit. The manufacturer also lists caramel among the botanicals.
According to Hoos, its character lies somewhere between a classic London Gin and a gin liqueur. Summery and fruity, but clearly recognizable as gin. Those looking for a sweet dessert liqueur will find this one too tart.
Usage
According to the producer, this liqueur is an aperitif, and that is how you should serve it: well-chilled and neat over a few ice cubes, with a thin slice of grapefruit. The 200ml bottle is enough for a few glasses, perfect for an evening for two.
With tonic water, it becomes a tart long drink. Use a large glass, plenty of ice, and about twice as much tonic as liqueur. With soda water, the drink remains lighter, allowing the grapefruit to stand out more. For a spritz variation, fill it with dry sparkling wine and a splash of soda water, adding ice and a grapefruit wedge. A sprig of rosemary in the glass highlights the gin's herbs. Serve with savory snacks, olives, or a piece of sharp cheese.
Regarding labeling: Sale only to persons aged 18 and over. The manufacturer does not publish allergen information; the bottle label is authoritative.
Our tip: Combine the small bottle with the London Gin in the same size. This way, you have both sides of the house on the table for a tasting session.
Origin
The liqueur comes from Karlsruhe and belongs to a small family. In 2020, Hoos mentioned four gin varieties from his "one-man distillery," plus an in-house vermouth. All gin variants are based on the same London Gin, which is distilled according to the traditional London Gin method with 15 herbs—slowly and in batches of 120 bottles.
Pink Grapefruit is the fruity variation of this family. Hoos is primarily committed to local herbs, though he brings in a southern fruit with the grapefruit. The herbal notes remain distinct. Hoos summarizes his motto as follows: "Small batch gin in the truest sense."
For whom?
The small bottle is for anyone who wants to try a tart aperitif before committing to the large one. It is suitable as a gift for a summer evening, for a gift basket, or for a gin tasting with friends. If you like it, the Pink Grapefruit Gin Liqueur is also available in 500 ml. As a classic counterpart, the London Gin in 200 ml is a perfect match. You can find everything from Heiko Hoos on our Hoos page. This liqueur is not suitable for cocktails that require a strong, dry gin.
Grapefruit peel in gin, with fresh juice added – the tart gin liqueur from Karlsruhe in a small format for the perfect aperitif.
