Citadelle Original Gin 44% Vol. 0.7 L

Discover the elegance of Citadelle Original Gin 44% Vol. 0.7L, a premium French gin crafted in the Cognac region with an exceptional combination of 19 natural botanicals. Created by Master Distiller Alexandre Gabriel, Citadelle brings together traditional juniper, bright lemon and orange peel, fragrant flowers and warming spices to produce a beautifully balanced dry gin. Its distinctive character reflects the craftsmanship of French copper pot distillation and the producer's patented progressive infusion technique.

First introduced in 1996, Citadelle Original helped establish a new approach to French craft gin by drawing on the distilling expertise traditionally associated with Cognac. The carefully controlled infusion process allows each botanical to contribute its individual aromatic qualities, creating a spirit that is refreshing, complex and remarkably harmonious. Its flavour combines expressive juniper, lively citrus, delicate floral notes and an elegant finish featuring pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. For Drinkero, Citadelle is an excellent choice for Gin & Tonic, Dry Martini, Negroni, French 75, Gimlet, Tom Collins and other classic gin cocktails.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Crystal clear and brilliant, presented in the distinctive Citadelle bottle with its elegant blue-toned glass.

Aroma: Fresh and inviting, with pronounced juniper, fragrant lemon and orange peel, delicate flowers, coriander and subtle herbal complexity.

Palate: Dry, smooth and beautifully structured, combining piney juniper, vibrant citrus, floral impressions and a broad selection of aromatic spices.

Finish: Long, refined and gently warming, with lingering pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, citrus oils and a pleasantly dry botanical character.

The Heritage of Citadelle Gin

Citadelle is one of the pioneering names in French craft gin, with a history closely connected to the Cognac region of southwestern France.

The modern brand was created by Alexandre Gabriel, a French spirits producer whose work has focused on traditional distillation and the development of distinctive spirits.

During the early 1990s, Gabriel began exploring how the copper pot stills and technical expertise associated with Cognac production could also be used to create premium gin.

At that time, gin was more commonly associated with British and Dutch production traditions.

Creating a French gin required both experimentation and a willingness to challenge established expectations about where premium gin could originate.

After several years of research and development, Citadelle Gin was officially introduced in 1996.

The original recipe combined 19 botanicals, balancing classic juniper with citrus, flowers, herbs and spices.

The brand took inspiration from historical French gin-making traditions while developing its own distinctive production philosophy.

Today, Citadelle Original remains the flagship of the range, representing a combination of French distilling heritage, careful botanical selection and modern craftsmanship.

Crafted at Château de Bonbonnet

Citadelle Gin is produced at Château de Bonbonnet, a historic estate in the Cognac region of France.

The château is closely associated with Maison Ferrand, the spirits producer responsible for Citadelle Gin.

Its surroundings provide a distinctive setting for gin production, combining traditional French architecture with gardens, cultivated botanicals and specialist distillation equipment.

The estate has been developed into a dedicated centre for gin production and experimentation.

Its distillery houses traditional copper stills that reflect the region's long expertise in creating distilled spirits.

Unlike industrial production facilities designed primarily for very large output, the château environment emphasises carefully controlled craftsmanship and botanical research.

Citadelle also cultivates juniper on the estate, providing a direct connection between the landscape and one of the gin's essential ingredients.

An orangerie houses different citrus varieties, supporting the brand's continued interest in citrus aromas and botanical development.

For customers interested in regional spirits, Citadelle provides a distinctive French alternative to the more familiar English and Scottish gin traditions.

The 19 Botanicals of Citadelle Original

Citadelle Original Gin is made with a carefully balanced recipe of 19 botanicals, selected to create a complex flavour without sacrificing the essential character of juniper.

The botanicals contribute several complementary aromatic families, including citrus, flowers, herbs, roots and spices.

Juniper berries: Provide the essential piney, resinous and herbal foundation that defines traditional gin.

Lemon peel: Introduces fresh, bright citrus aromas that give the spirit its refreshing character.

Orange peel: Adds a softer, more rounded citrus fragrance that complements the lemon.

Coriander: Contributes aromatic warmth and naturally citrus-like spice.

Cardamom: Provides fragrant, slightly herbal spice with a refreshing aromatic quality.

Angelica root: Adds earthy and woody characteristics that help structure the botanical composition.

Orris root: Introduces subtle earthy and floral qualities that support the other ingredients.

Violet: Contributes delicate floral impressions that soften the juniper and spice.

Fennel and star anise: Add aromatic herbal sweetness and restrained anise-like notes.

Liquorice: Provides gentle sweetness and depth without creating a sweet gin liqueur.

Cinnamon and cassia: Introduce warming spice that contributes to the gin's long finish.

Nutmeg: Adds a rounded, aromatic spice note.

Cubeb pepper and grains of paradise: Bring peppery complexity and gentle warmth.

Cumin and savory: Contribute further herbal and spicy depth.

Almond: Adds a subtle rounded, nutty impression.

These ingredients work together to produce an expressive but balanced gin, with juniper and citrus leading into flowers and warming spice.

Why Juniper Is Central to Citadelle

Juniper remains the defining ingredient of Citadelle Original, providing the flavour that distinguishes gin from other distilled spirits.

Its piney, resinous and gently herbal aroma forms the structure around which the additional botanicals are arranged.

Alexandre Gabriel describes the recipe as a balance between three complementary flavour elements: refreshing juniper, bright citrus and warming spice.

In this approach, juniper provides the central freshness, lemon and other citrus ingredients add aromatic brightness, and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon create depth.

Citadelle has developed juniper-growing areas at Château de Bonbonnet, reflecting the producer's commitment to understanding this essential ingredient.

Some of the berries used in production come from the estate's own cultivated juniper plants.

As with any agricultural ingredient, juniper's aromatic qualities are influenced by growing conditions, harvest timing and careful selection.

The producer's emphasis on botanical quality helps maintain the intended flavour of the finished gin.

For cocktail preparation, the result is a recognisable juniper foundation that remains noticeable even when combined with tonic water, vermouth or citrus juice.

The Patented Progressive Infusion Method

One of the most distinctive features of Citadelle Original is its patented progressive infusion production technique.

Different botanicals contain different aromatic compounds, which are extracted at different rates and under different conditions.

For example, fresh citrus peel contains fragrant oils, while roots, seeds and spices contribute other compounds responsible for earthy or warming aromas.

Rather than treating every ingredient in exactly the same way, Citadelle adjusts the infusion process according to the characteristics of the individual botanicals.

The technique varies maceration time and alcohol strength during the extraction process.

This allows the producer to develop a balanced flavour from all 19 ingredients while avoiding excessive extraction of particular bitter or overpowering compounds.

Careful botanical preparation: Each ingredient is selected for the aromatic contribution it should make to the recipe.

Controlled infusion: The duration and alcohol concentration are adjusted to suit the different botanicals.

Traditional distillation: The infused spirit is distilled in copper pot stills to capture and refine the botanical aromas.

Final preparation: The finished gin is brought to its specified 44% alcohol strength.

The result is a spirit in which juniper, citrus, flowers and spices develop together in a harmonious profile.

Traditional French Copper Pot Distillation

Citadelle draws on the long-established copper pot distillation traditions of the Cognac region.

The producer uses traditional Charentais copper stills, equipment closely associated with the production of fine French spirits.

These stills are heated by direct flame, allowing the distiller to control the development of the spirit through carefully managed heat.

During distillation, alcohol vapours carry the aromatic compounds extracted from the selected botanicals.

As the vapours pass through the still and are condensed, the distiller collects the desired portion of the resulting spirit.

The production process is carefully managed to preserve the intended balance between juniper, citrus and aromatic spice.

Traditional copper stills provide an important connection between Citadelle and the distilling expertise of its home region.

The distillery at Château de Bonbonnet uses restored copper equipment adapted to the production of premium gin.

For customers interested in production methods, Citadelle provides an example of how established French distilling techniques can be applied to a botanical spirit originally more closely associated with other European countries.

Why French Wheat Spirit Matters

Citadelle Original uses a neutral alcohol base derived from French wheat.

The base spirit is carefully distilled to provide a clean foundation for the 19 botanical ingredients.

Because gin depends on juniper and other plants for its distinctive character, the underlying alcohol should not overpower those flavours.

A neutral wheat spirit provides an appropriate canvas for the citrus, floral, herbal and spicy aromas.

The base ingredient also reinforces Citadelle's connection to French agricultural and distilling traditions.

Unlike whisky, gin is not defined by the flavour of a fermented grain mash or by extended maturation in wooden barrels.

Its character is developed primarily through the botanical ingredients and their incorporation during distillation.

Citadelle Original therefore remains clear and dry, with its flavour focused on juniper and complementary botanicals rather than oak or added sweetness.

Citrus Freshness and Floral Complexity

Citrus and flowers are particularly important to the aromatic character of Citadelle Original.

Lemon peel introduces bright, refreshing aromas that complement the traditional juniper foundation.

Orange peel adds a softer and more rounded citrus impression.

The combination creates a balance between fresh acidity-like aromas and fragrant citrus oils.

Floral ingredients such as violet introduce delicate complexity that softens the stronger herbal and spicy notes.

These botanical characteristics are particularly noticeable in cocktails containing relatively simple ingredients.

In a Gin & Tonic, the citrus notes complement the bitterness and carbonation of tonic water.

In a Dry Martini, floral aromas can develop alongside the herbal character of dry vermouth.

In a French 75, the bright citrus profile works naturally with lemon juice and chilled sparkling wine.

Citadelle's balance between freshness and elegance makes it a versatile choice for both traditional and modern gin cocktails.

Warming Spices: Pepper, Nutmeg and Cinnamon

Beyond juniper and citrus, Citadelle Original is distinguished by a long and aromatic spicy finish.

Ingredients such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cassia and peppery botanicals contribute depth beneath the brighter flavours.

These spices create warmth without making the gin taste like a sweet spiced liqueur.

Nutmeg introduces a fragrant, rounded character, while cinnamon and cassia contribute gentle woody spice.

Cubeb and grains of paradise add peppery complexity.

The combination becomes particularly noticeable in cocktails with relatively few ingredients.

For example, a Dry Martini showcases the gin's spice alongside dry vermouth, while a Negroni allows the warming notes to interact with the bitterness of Campari.

The producer's official tasting description emphasises juniper, citrus and a long spicy finish featuring pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

These characteristics distinguish Citadelle from gins that focus primarily on floral aromas or intensely fresh citrus.

Citadelle Compared with Other Premium Gins

Citadelle Original offers a different botanical experience from the other premium gins in Drinkero's collection.

Tanqueray London Dry: Emphasises classic juniper through four signature botanicals, creating a direct and traditional flavour.

Beefeater London Dry: Balances juniper with bright lemon and orange, producing a familiar citrus-led London Dry style.

Bombay Sapphire: Uses ten botanicals and vapour infusion to create a lighter and delicately spicy profile.

Hendrick's: Introduces the unusual combination of cucumber and rose.

The Botanist: Combines 31 botanicals, including 22 wild plants from the Scottish island of Islay.

Tanqueray No. Ten: Highlights whole fresh citrus fruits and chamomile, making it especially appealing for citrus-forward Martini cocktails.

Gin Mare: Offers a savoury Mediterranean character based on Arbequina olives, rosemary, basil and thyme.

Roku: Introduces Japanese sakura, yuzu, green tea and sanshō pepper.

Monkey 47: Features 47 botanicals and Black Forest lingonberries, creating an exceptionally complex German gin.

Plymouth Original: Provides a smooth, rounded traditional English profile with seven botanicals.

Citadelle Original: Combines 19 botanicals with French wheat spirit, patented progressive infusion and traditional Charentais copper distillation.

These differences make Citadelle a meaningful addition for customers seeking a classic dry gin with a distinctive French production heritage.

Why Citadelle Is Excellent for Gin & Tonic

Gin & Tonic is one of the producer's recommended ways to enjoy Citadelle Original.

The cocktail combines gin with chilled tonic water, allowing the botanicals to interact with bitterness and carbonation.

Citadelle's juniper provides the classic gin foundation, while lemon and orange peel introduce refreshing citrus aromas.

The delicate floral notes and gentle spice add complexity without overwhelming the tonic.

For one serving, combine 50 ml Citadelle Original with approximately 150 ml premium tonic water.

Serve in a large balloon or highball glass filled with fresh ice.

Finish with a fresh lemon twist to highlight the gin's citrus character.

For a slightly different result, orange peel may be used to reinforce the more rounded citrus aromas.

A classic, relatively neutral tonic is a good starting point because it allows the gin's botanical profile to remain prominent.

The result is an elegant Gin & Tonic that balances refreshing citrus, traditional juniper and delicate spice.

Citadelle in a Dry Martini

The Dry Martini is a particularly useful cocktail for appreciating the complexity of Citadelle Original.

Because a Martini normally contains only gin and dry vermouth, the botanical character of the gin remains central.

Citadelle's juniper and citrus create a fresh foundation, while flowers and spices introduce additional depth.

Dry vermouth contributes herbal and wine-based notes that complement the gin's aromatic ingredients.

For one serving, combine 60 ml Citadelle Original with 15 ml dry vermouth.

Stir thoroughly with ice until properly chilled and diluted.

Strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

A green olive may be used for a more savoury interpretation.

For customers exploring Martini variations, Citadelle offers a balanced style that is neither excessively juniper-heavy nor dominated by unusual fruit flavours.

Citadelle in a Negroni

The Negroni combines gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth to create a traditional Italian cocktail with a distinctive bittersweet flavour.

Citadelle Original brings together juniper, citrus and warming spices that complement the other ingredients.

The gin's lemon and orange botanicals connect naturally with the bitter citrus characteristics of Campari.

Its pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon notes create additional depth alongside the aromatic sweetness of red vermouth.

For a classic Negroni, combine equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.

Stir the ingredients thoroughly with ice and strain into a rocks glass containing fresh ice.

Garnish with a fresh orange twist.

The result is a well-balanced, aromatic cocktail in which Citadelle provides both a traditional juniper foundation and a distinctive spicy finish.

Why Citadelle Works in French 75

The French 75 is a classic sparkling cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and Champagne or another suitable dry sparkling wine.

Citadelle is especially appropriate because of its French origin and refreshing citrus profile.

Its juniper contributes structure, while lemon peel adds natural citrus aromas that complement the fresh lemon juice.

Delicate floral notes and warming spices provide complexity beneath the sparkling wine.

For one serving, combine 30 ml Citadelle Original with 15 ml lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup.

Shake briefly with ice and strain into a suitable chilled glass.

Top with approximately 60 ml dry sparkling wine.

Finish with a lemon twist if desired.

The result is an elegant, refreshing cocktail that showcases Citadelle's French identity and botanical balance.

How Citadelle Complements Cocktail Ingredients

Citadelle's combination of citrus, juniper, floral notes and spice makes it particularly versatile in classic cocktail recipes.

Premium tonic water: Adds bitterness and carbonation that highlight the gin's refreshing citrus and juniper character.

Fresh lemon: Complements the existing lemon botanicals in French 75, Tom Collins and Bee's Knees.

Fresh lime: Provides sharper acidity in Gimlet and Gin Rickey cocktails.

Dry vermouth: Creates a botanical and aromatic pairing for classic Martini recipes.

Sweet red vermouth: Introduces wine-based sweetness and complexity for a Negroni.

Campari: Adds bitterness and citrus that contrast with the gin's delicate flowers and spices.

Honey syrup: Provides a rounded floral sweetness for Bee's Knees.

Dry sparkling wine: Creates an elegant and refreshing pairing for French 75.

Orange or lemon peel: Adds fragrant citrus oils that reinforce the gin's aromatic characteristics.

Because Citadelle already contains a complex botanical combination, traditional cocktails with a limited number of well-balanced ingredients often show its flavour particularly clearly.

Citadelle Gin and French Gastronomy

Citadelle's French origin and refreshing botanical character make it a natural choice for relaxed aperitif occasions.

The producer specifically recommends serving Citadelle Gin & Tonic with oysters, a pairing that highlights the spirit's refreshing citrus and dry character.

Its juniper and lemon aromas can complement the fresh, briny qualities of shellfish.

Other light seafood dishes, mild cheeses and simple savoury appetisers can provide an attractive accompaniment to a chilled gin cocktail.

Fresh oysters: Their briny flavour contrasts with the citrus and botanical freshness of a Citadelle Gin & Tonic.

Light seafood dishes: Delicate flavours can complement the gin without competing with its complex botanicals.

Mild cheeses: Provide a soft, savoury contrast to the spirit's crisp citrus character.

Herb-seasoned appetisers: Can reflect the gin's herbal and spicy notes.

The best food pairings depend on the preparation of the cocktail, particularly its sweetness, acidity and choice of mixer.

What Makes Citadelle Original Special?

Citadelle Original stands out through its combination of French distilling heritage, 19 carefully selected botanicals and patented progressive infusion.

Its recipe was developed by Alexandre Gabriel and introduced in 1996, helping establish a distinctive place for French craft gin in the international market.

Production at Château de Bonbonnet connects the spirit with the Cognac region and traditional Charentais copper stills.

The botanical combination balances classic juniper with fresh citrus, delicate flowers and warming spice.

Its long finish, featuring pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon, provides a recognisable difference from more straightforward London Dry expressions.

At 44% alcohol by volume, the gin offers a suitable strength for both spirit-forward cocktails and refreshing long drinks.

Its premium bottle design and French heritage provide a distinctive presentation within a curated spirits collection.

For Drinkero, Citadelle Original is an excellent addition because it introduces a premium French gin that is versatile enough for classic recipes while offering a genuinely different production story and botanical balance.

Perfect for Cocktails

Citadelle Original is particularly suitable for cocktails that highlight traditional juniper, refreshing citrus, floral complexity and warming spice.

Gin & Tonic: Combine Citadelle with premium tonic water and fresh lemon peel. Its expressive juniper and citrus create an elegant, refreshing highball.

Dry Martini: Stir Citadelle with dry vermouth and garnish with lemon peel or a green olive. Its balanced floral and spicy notes produce a sophisticated spirit-forward cocktail.

Negroni: Combine Citadelle with Campari and sweet red vermouth. Its citrus and warming spices complement the classic bittersweet flavour.

French 75: Mix Citadelle with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with chilled dry sparkling wine. Its French heritage and bright citrus make it a natural choice.

Gimlet: Shake Citadelle with fresh lime juice and sugar syrup. Its juniper and spice add depth to this refreshing citrus cocktail.

Tom Collins: Combine Citadelle with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with soda water for an elegant sparkling highball.

Bee's Knees: Shake Citadelle with lemon juice and honey syrup. The honey complements the gin's delicate floral character.

White Lady: Combine Citadelle with orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Its citrus and spice create a complex variation of this classic cocktail.

Gin Sour: Shake Citadelle with lemon juice, sugar syrup and optional cocktail foamer to produce a balanced sour with a refined botanical finish.

Serving Suggestions

Citadelle Original is particularly enjoyable in classic gin cocktails that allow its juniper, citrus, floral and spicy characteristics to remain prominent.

For a Gin & Tonic, combine 50 ml Citadelle with 150 ml chilled premium tonic water. Serve over approximately 150–200 g of fresh ice in a large glass and garnish with lemon peel.

For a Dry Martini, combine 60 ml Citadelle with 15 ml dry vermouth. Stir thoroughly with ice, strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a fresh lemon twist.

For a Negroni, combine 30 ml Citadelle, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth. Stir with ice, strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with orange peel.

For a French 75, combine 30 ml Citadelle with 15 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a suitable chilled glass and top with approximately 60 ml dry sparkling wine.

For a Gimlet, combine 60 ml Citadelle with 22.5 ml fresh lime juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake thoroughly with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a Tom Collins, combine 50 ml Citadelle with 25 ml lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a tall glass containing fresh ice and top with approximately 100 ml soda water.

For a Bee's Knees, combine 50 ml Citadelle with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 20 ml honey syrup. Shake thoroughly with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

For a White Lady, combine 40 ml Citadelle with 30 ml orange liqueur and 20 ml fresh lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a Gin Sour, combine 50 ml Citadelle with 25 ml fresh lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup and optional cocktail foamer according to its instructions. Shake appropriately and strain into a chilled glass.

Use fresh citrus, chilled mixers and accurate ingredient measurements to preserve the gin's elegant balance of juniper, flowers and warming spice.

Product Details

• Brand: Citadelle
• Product: Citadelle Original Gin
• Country of origin: France
• Region: Cognac, Charente
• Distillery: Château de Bonbonnet
• Producer: Maison Ferrand
• Creator and Master Distiller: Alexandre Gabriel
• Introduced: 1996
• Spirit type: Gin
• Style: French Dry Gin
• Base spirit: French wheat distillate
• Number of botanicals: 19
• Signature botanicals: Juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, coriander, cardamom, violet, angelica, orris root, nutmeg, cinnamon and aromatic spices
• Production method: Patented progressive infusion followed by traditional copper pot distillation
• Distillation equipment: Charentais copper pot stills
• Colour: Crystal clear
• Aroma: Juniper, fresh citrus, delicate flowers and aromatic spice
• Flavour profile: Juniper, lemon, orange, coriander, floral notes, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon
• Finish: Long, dry, elegant and gently spicy
• Alcohol content: 44% Vol.
• Bottle size: 0.7L (700 ml)
• EAN: 3460410507877
• Recommended use: Gin & Tonic, Dry Martini, Negroni, French 75, Gimlet, Tom Collins, Bee's Knees and White Lady
• Recommended garnish: Lemon peel or orange peel, depending on the cocktail

Storage: Store upright with the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Serve chilled or prepare with fresh ice according to the cocktail recipe.

Discover more with Drinkero: Explore Gin & Tonic, Dry Martini, Negroni, French 75, Gimlet and Tom Collins recipes, compare French craft gin with classic London Dry and contemporary botanical styles, and use the Drinkero cocktail calculator to prepare accurately measured ingredients for your favourite cocktails at home.