The popularity of the London Dry has led to bit of a misconception that gin lacks a popularity on the continent, where its predecessor – jenever – originated.

The popular French Citadelle Gin reminds us of that continental history with a wonderful smooth and spicy tipple perfect for a Martini. And to celebrate its French history, the 20th Anniversary of Citadelle places the escargot front and centre as its posterchild.

Held at the LASSCO Ropewalk, with food by the Disappearing Dining Club, the anniversary served up three classic cocktails with little twists, hosted by the wonderful Citadelle Gin and Maison Ferrand Brand Ambassador, Paul McFadyen.

Neat, Citadelle is smooth, beginning crisp with brine and juniper, before giving way to warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom. A unique gin, definitely.

First, a bright Gin and Tonic, using Fevertree Mediterranean Tonic (quite floral), garnished with singed orange peel, served with a Snail, garlic and lemon Arancini with herb aioli. The snail does more for texture than flavour, but still enjoyable.

Photo Credit to the wonderful @janan_jay

Next the star of the cocktails: an Escargot Martini. Light, crisp, glassy. With ice shaken in the vermouth before the gin, the Martini is garnished with a floating snail shell, filled with lemon and olive brine, for the drinker to control how dirty they like their Martini.

The crisp airiness of the cocktail is combatted by the heavy, sensuous Foie Gras Sliders with sour apple chutney in brioche – a wonderfully moreish and decadent accompaniment to the Martini.

Finally, a smooth and fluffy silver Gin Fizz: the rosemary heightening the spices in the gin. A great way to end the evening on a sweeter note, without being sickly. And served with a Brie, leek and truffle Croquette with caramelised red onions.

All three cocktails served are simple enough to recreate at home, and displaying the versatility of the Citadelle Gin and it’s expressions in each drink.

Once again, The Disappearing Dining Club has served up wonderful food paired well with superb cocktails from their barge bar.

Citadelle Gin is an unappreciated star of the gin scene, and certainly one that deserves a place in your cabinet. Spectacular stuff.