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Gin has been a popular spirit for centuries, enjoyed by people around the world in various cocktails and drinks. But with so many different brands, styles, and flavors of gin available, what’s the best way to drink gin? In this post, we’ll explore some of the options and offer some tips on how to enhance your gin drinking experience.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what gin is and how it’s made. Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is infused with juniper berries and other botanicals, such as citrus peels, coriander, orris root, angelica, and cardamom. The term “gin” comes from the Dutch word “jenever,” which means juniper. Gin can be made from a variety of base spirits, such as grain, molasses, or grapes, and can vary in alcohol content, ranging from 30% to 50% ABV.
Now, let’s explore some of the ways to drink gin:
1. Gin and tonic
Perhaps the most traditional and popular way to drink gin is in a gin and tonic (G&T) cocktail. The recipe is simple: combine gin, tonic water, and ice in a highball glass, and garnish with a wedge of lime or cucumber. The bitterness of the tonic water balances the herbal and fruity notes of the gin, creating a refreshing and zesty drink.
When making a G&T, it’s important to choose the right gin and tonic water. Some gins are more juniper-forward, while others have a more complex flavor profile that may include notes of herbs, spices, or fruit. Some popular gin brands include Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Hendrick’s, and Beefeater, but there are many others to explore.
As for tonic water, avoid the cheap and sugary brands and opt for a high-quality tonic water that has natural quinine and fewer additives. Some of the premium tonic waters include Fever-Tree, Schweppes, and Q Tonic. You can also experiment with flavored tonic waters, such as elderflower tonic or grapefruit tonic, which can complement different styles of gin.
2. Gin Martini
If you prefer a more sophisticated and classic gin cocktail, try a gin Martini. This cocktail is made with gin, dry vermouth, and a twist or olive for garnish. The proportions of gin to vermouth can vary depending on your taste, but generally, a dry martini has less vermouth and more gin, while a wet martini has more vermouth and less gin.
The art of making a good martini lies in the balance of flavors and temperature. You want the gin to be cold but not diluted by melting ice, and the vermouth to add a subtle herbaceous note to the gin without overpowering it. To achieve this, use chilled glasses and stir the gin and vermouth with ice until they are well mixed and the ice has melted slightly. Then strain the mixture into the glass and add the garnish.
There are also variations of gin martini, such as the dirty martini (with olive brine), the Gibson (with a pickled onion), or the Vesper (with both gin and vodka). Experiment with different garnishes and ratios to find your perfect martini.
3. Gin and juice
If you want a fruitier and sweeter gin cocktail, try a gin and juice. This drink is made by combining gin with your favorite fruit juice, such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice. You can also add other ingredients, such as soda water or simple syrup, to adjust the sweetness and carbonation.
The key to a good gin and juice is to balance the acidity of the juice with the botanicals of the gin. Some gins may pair better with certain fruits, such as citrusy gins with orange or lemon juice, or floral gins with grapefruit or elderflower juice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different juices and blends to find your preferred mix.
4. Gin fizz
If you like a fizzy and effervescent drink, try a gin fizz. This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, shaken with ice and strained into a tall glass. The result is a frothy and citrusy drink that is perfect for brunch or summer days.
To make a gin fizz, you need to shake the ingredients vigorously with ice to create a foam on top. You can also add egg white or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to enhance the frothiness of the drink. Some variations of gin fizz include the Ramos gin fizz, which includes lime juice and cream, and the silver fizz, which includes egg white and no soda water.
5. Gin straight or on the rocks
Finally, if you prefer to savor the unique flavor of gin on its own, try drinking it straight or on the rocks. This may seem too intense for some, but for gin aficionados, this is the ultimate way to appreciate the nuances of different gins.
When drinking gin straight, you want to use a tulip-shaped glass or a nosing glass to concentrate the aroma of the gin. You can also add a drop of water to the gin to release more flavors and reduce the alcohol burn. Some gins are recommended to be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed, while others are better chilled or even frozen.
If you prefer gin on the rocks, use a large ice cube or ice balls to prevent dilution and maximize the chill. You can also add a twist or slice of citrus to enhance the flavor and aroma of the gin. Remember that ice will mute some of the subtler notes of the gin, so this method is best suited for bold and robust gins.
In conclusion, there is no one “best” way to drink gin, as it depends on your taste, mood, and occasion. However, by trying different gin cocktails and methods, you can discover new flavors and combinations that enhance your gin drinking experience. Whether you prefer a classic G&T or a creative gin fizz, remember to choose high-quality ingredients, experiment with proportions and garnishes, and savor the complexity of gin.
References:
– https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/289/bws/gin
– https://ginobserver.com/gin-and-tonic/
– https://www.liquor.com/recipes/gin-martini/
– https://www.thespruceeats.com/gin-fizz-recipe-759285
– https://www.theginkin.com/2019/04/09/best-gin-brands-to-drink-straight/
– https://www.thecocktailproject.com/drink-recipes/gin-fizz
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