The craft of pairing food with gin, dubbed ‘ginstronomy’, is gaining in popularity as gastronomes explore matching the complex botanicals of the juniper-based spirit with some of their favourite foods.

There’s a whole world of delicious foods that are just perfect to enjoy with your G&T. Here are 10 foods that are just perfect when paired with Gin.

Smoked salmon

Cold cured smoked salmon, perhaps with a little spicy kick, is a stunning combination with your Gin & Tonic. For that little bit of sharpness, use a smidgen of lemon juice on the fish.

Cucumber sandwiches

G & T with afternoon tea? Think cucumber sandwiches in particular. If it works in a Hendrick’s, why not on the plate?

Prawn or Shrimp

Shrimps are just brilliant with a G&T. So is prawn toast with sesame seeds.

Fish and Chips

This is a bit more counter-intuitive – after all you may be longing for a glass of bubbly but it’s a really refreshing contrast to that rich batter. Gin can take a bit of garlic too if you want to serve a dollop of aioli on the side.

Strong cheese

A well-matured strong cheese with the humble cracker is an under-rated partner for gin. If you want to try something else, a quality goat’s cheese or a smoked cheese balances really well with gin.

Cured meats

A tapas offering of chorizo or salami served on a platter with good quality olives and crusty bread is an absolute winner for a Friday night gin.

Lamb Curry

Okay, so you have to turn the cooker on for this one but it’s so quick and easy that you really don’t have an excuse, even if it is Friday night. Spicy food and refreshing botanicals go great together.

Mussels

One normally find slabs of fennel and liquorice behind the juniper of gin, making it work beautifully with dishes like steamed mussels.

Berries

A light fruit medley of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and a few cranberries for good measure are a real hit with Gin & Tonic.