The clear weather of juniper / darkened into winter.
-- Speaker (Lines 1-2)

Importance: The first line here refers to the gin — clear liquid made from juniper berries. The use of “weather” gives the line a double meaning: the clear, late-summer season in which the berries were harvested and distilled. Now, the mix is being darkened by the sloes, while the season is darkening at the same time. This creates a connection between the gin-infusing tradition and the natural world.

it had a cutting edge / and flamed / like Betelguese
-- Speaker (Lines 10-12)

Importance: This line uses hard consonants to create a sense of sharpness: the Ts and Ds in “cutting edge,” “flamed,” and “Betelguese.” Here, the poet uses a subtle onomatopoeia to mimic the flavor of the gin. They also use visual imagery in the flaming star to convey the clarity and brightness of the drink.

I drink to you / in smoke-mirled, blue-black / polished sloes
-- Speaker (Lines 13-15)

Importance: As the speaker turns their...