Step 1

Tip the rhubarb into a large, wide-necked clip lid jar and add the caster sugar. Stir well to combine and thoroughly coat the rhubarb slices in sugar. Add the vanilla, ginger, star anise or orange zest, if using, cover with a lid and set aside at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight, shaking the jar from time to time. During this time the sugar will dissolve and draw out sticky pink juice from the rhubarb.

Step 2

Pour the gin into the jar, stir well to combine with the rhubarb, cover and set aside for at least 1 week and up to 1 month, giving the jar a shake every day to draw out as much flavour from the rhubarb as possible.

Step 3

Strain the gin through a fine mesh sieve into a jug and decant into clean bottles. Serve over ice in tall glasses and topped up with either soda or tonic water and a slice of lime or blood orange.