First Impressions
Elephant Gin has built one of the most compelling brand stories in spirits: 15% of bottle profits are donated to African elephant conservation, and the botanical bill draws on South African indigenous plants to create a gin that is genuinely connected to the continent it supports. The Orange and Cocoa expression adds sweet organic oranges and gently roasted cocoa beans to the Elephant Gin base, creating a variation that is citrus-forward with a chocolate undertow. German craftsmanship, African botanicals, conservation purpose — it is a gin that does well by doing good.
The Distillery
Elephant Gin is produced in Germany using a botanical bill that includes African ingredients: devil's claw, buchu plant, baobab, lion's tail, and African wormwood. The Orange and Cocoa variant adds sweet orange peel and gently roasted cocoa beans alongside the base botanicals of juniper, apple, pine needles, lavender, ginger, pimento berries, and elderflower. The 14-botanical bill creates a gin of genuine complexity.
Tasting
The nose is full of bright citrus, spice, and rich juniper. The orange is vivid — orange peel, candied orange, and orange juice all presenting themselves — with hints of vanilla and tangerine adding warmth and sweetness. The African botanicals add an exotic undertone that distinguishes this from European-only gins.
On the palate, the mouthfeel is light and soft, immediately reminiscent of summer and blood oranges. It is zestier than the nose suggests, with notes of vanilla, almonds, and subtle chocolate balancing the citrus. The cocoa beans contribute a gentle roasted warmth rather than overt chocolatiness, and the overall taste is slightly sweet but well-controlled.
The finish sees aromatic chocolate lasting long into a wonderfully moreish conclusion. The cocoa and orange partnership persists, leaving a warm, satisfying aftertaste.
How to Drink It
In a G&T with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and a slice of blood orange — the citrus amplification is gorgeous. The chocolate notes also make it an excellent base for an Espresso Martini variant or an Orange Negroni.
The Bottom Line
Elephant Orange and Cocoa earns a 7.5 for combining genuine African botanical character with citrus-chocolate indulgence and conservation purpose. The orange and cocoa additions are well-executed — vibrant and moreish — and the 14-botanical base provides depth. The 15% profit donation to elephant conservation adds meaning beyond the liquid. At around £32, every bottle contributes to something larger. A gin that tastes good and does good.
