Black Forest Gateau inspires festive Edinburgh liqueur
Ian Macleod Distillers-owned Edinburgh Gin has launched a Black Forest Gateau Liqueur, which blends gin with dark cherries and dessert-inspired flavours.
The brand has reimagined the classic Black Forest dessert flavour as a festive gin-based liqueur.
The liqueur is said to offer a sweet and tangy profile, aligning with consumer trends for lower-alcohol options, ‘seasonal indulgence, and nostalgic sweet flavours’, as highlighted in the Simpsons Drink Trends 2025 report.
Ella Christie-McCord, brand manager at Edinburgh Gin, explained: “Christmas is a key sales period for liqueurs, and our new Black Forest flavour hits all the right notes in flavour and ABV. Combining nostalgic flavour with a contemporary edge, it offers a taste profile that feels both familiar and fresh, making it the perfect pick for celebrations or as a thoughtful Christmas gift.”
The launch is based on consumer research indicating that liqueurs are most commonly enjoyed at events, as self-treats, and for gifting (TRKR Liqueurs Research). According to TRKR, 73% of people purchase liqueurs throughout the year, with sales increasing by 78% in the weeks leading up to Christmas, as reported by Master of Malt data from 2022.
Additionally, NIQ data from November 2024 revealed that 52% of consumers are moderating their alcohol intake.
With an ABV of 20%, Black Forest Gateau Liqueur is said to cater to the demand for moderation-friendly drinks while remaining versatile – enjoyed over ice, in cocktails, or as a festive spritz.
Edinburgh Gin Black Forest Gateau Liqueur is now available in 500ml bottles at Tesco stores nationwide in the UK, with an RRP of £16.50 (US$22).
In addition to the new liqueur, the distillery is offering an upgraded version of the limited-edition Christmas Edinburgh Dry Gin. The festive gin combines nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove with citrus notes of clementine and mandarin peel.
The two new launches build on the success of Edinburgh Gin London Dry, with sales value exceeding £2 million (US$2.7 million) in 2024.
At The Gin Masters 2025, the brand’s classic gin took home a Gold Medal.
According to new research by Rémy Cointreau, more than half of UK consumers (59%) are set to elevate their drinking habits with homemade cocktails this festive season.
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