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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Gordon’s Lemon Meringue isn’t gin!

32 replies

SSRI · 20/11/2025 20:21

I bought a bottle over the counter at my local mini supermarket, they didn’t have my fave Sicilian Lemon so thought I’d give this a go. In tiny writing at the bottom it says ‘spirit drink’ it’s not actually bloody gin! I choose gin because in my head it’s one of the easiest to digest, doesn’t give me a hangover and seems faintly medicinal. This all of course may be bollocks but this is clearly some fakey ultra processed chemical juice that I will probably regret. I’m drinking some now with tonic, it’s alright but tastes more vodka-y and just Isn’t Gin. I feel mid-sold. AIBU?

OP posts:
TicklishReader · 06/02/2026 19:21

NeverDropYourMooncup · 06/02/2026 19:19

It's just the plastic on the bottle.

I had no idea. What a scam.

YouAndMeDays · 06/02/2026 19:25

Wine, beer - ethanol with carbs

Spirits - ethanol, sometimes with herbs/flavourings

Uricon2 · 06/02/2026 19:33

tartyflette · 06/02/2026 17:48

Gin is typically a colourless spirit distilled from grain and flavoured with juniper.
I despair of some modern 'gins' flavoured (and even sweetened!) with god knows what.
I recommend Beefeater for a 'juniper forward' gin at 40 pct abv.

Thanks for the recommend. I like Chase GB, juniper and somehow piney. Proper gin.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 06/02/2026 20:12

Gin for people who don't like gin is definitely a thing lately...

BillieWiper · 06/02/2026 21:36

YouAndMeDays · 06/02/2026 19:08

Spirits are ethanol. Gin, vodka, rum - ethanal. Vodka is not the default.

Ok yeah I know clear spirits are. Is whisky as well?
But it doesn't say that on the packaging or branding material though does it?

I wonder why they just say 'spirit'. It's why OP and others get confused I think. I guess 'ethanol' doesn't sound very appealing and tasty.

YouAndMeDays · 07/02/2026 08:45

BillieWiper · 06/02/2026 21:36

Ok yeah I know clear spirits are. Is whisky as well?
But it doesn't say that on the packaging or branding material though does it?

I wonder why they just say 'spirit'. It's why OP and others get confused I think. I guess 'ethanol' doesn't sound very appealing and tasty.

All drinking alcohol is ethanol. Every spirit, wine, beer etc - ethanol. There is no other type.

YouAndMeDays · 07/02/2026 08:46

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 06/02/2026 20:12

Gin for people who don't like gin is definitely a thing lately...

So true 😆

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