Charles Darwin may be best known for his pioneering work in the Galapagos Islands, but few people know that on March 1st 1833, HMS Beagle dropped anchor in Berkeley Sound, in the Falkland Islands. The young English naturalist collected some of the world’s most famous specimens during the round-the-world voyage of HMS Beagle between 1831 and 1836, with the Falklands being a pivotal stop.

Darwin’s notes, diary entries and letters covering his visits to the Falkland Islands shed light on the revolutionary events of the time. He kept detailed notebooks of geology and zoology as well as collecting specimens for his long surveying mission, which ultimately led to his theory of evolution by natural selection.

Today the Falklands are no less impressive than when Darwin first set eyes on their shores. The islands are, of course, known for their unique method of grassland farming (at 850 miles north of the Antarctic Circle, they experience some very challenging weather), but also their fantastic, organic produce. This approachable and fruity gin and tonic showcases some of the island’s prized crops, including rhubarb liqueur, the wild heart of juniper in Hepple Gin and a dash of lime to finish it all off!

Natural selection cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 oz. Fresh lime juice          
  • 1 oz. Boiron Strawberry
  • 1 oz. Rhubarb liqueur
  • 1 oz. Hepple Gin          
  • 3 oz. Fentimans Tonic     

How to Prepare:

  • Prepare a mint sprig garnish        
  • Collect a gin goblet
  • Add all the ingredients into it – except Fentimans Tonic  
  • Fill with cubed ice Stir for 5 seconds & top with Fentimans Tonic
  • Lightly churn & top with further ice if required
  • Dip taste 
  • Garnish