Still Spirits Top Shelf Summer Cup No1 Essence

Still Spirits Top Shelf Summer Cup No1 Essence is a 50ml Still Spirits Top Shelf flavouring that turns 40% ABV neutral spirit or vodka into a finished spirit. One bottle makes 3 bottles of 750ml. Still Spirits describes it as "Refreshing with delicate citrus and herbal notes."

What it tastes like

A gin-based fruit cup in the English summer style: citrus and herbs over a gin base, made to be poured long over lemonade with cucumber, mint and fruit. It is the one bottle in the range that is built for a jug rather than a glass.

How to make it

This one is mixed differently from the rest of the range. Shake the bottle, add the 50ml to 110g of sugar and 1.4 litres of 40% ABV neutral spirit or vodka, then top up to 2.25 litres with water and stir until the sugar has dissolved. It comes out lower in strength than a straight spirit, which is the point of the style.

The spirit can be bought vodka or your own neutral spirit. Most of our customers run theirs off an Air Still Pro or a Turbo 500 and carbon filter it first; our guide to making a clean neutral spirit covers the wash and the run. A clean base matters more than the flavouring: an essence cannot hide a rough spirit.

When to choose this one

Choose this when you want a lower-strength long drink for a hot afternoon. If you want the gin on its own, the Pink Grapefruit Gin or Elderflower Gin are the straight versions. The rest of the range is on the Top Shelf essences collection.

Specifications

• Range: Still Spirits Top Shelf
• Bottle size: 50ml
• Makes: 3 bottles of 750ml
• Base spirit: 40% ABV neutral spirit or vodka
• Base pack needed: none
• Allergens listed by Still Spirits: sulphites

Check your local laws regarding home distilling before purchase.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, September 2026.