Gin Lover's Retreat: Easy Cocktail Recipes with Gin
Why was Gin and Tonic invented?
MOREThe Gin and Tonic was invented by the British in the 19th century as a way to make tonic water more palatable. Tonic water was originally used to prevent malaria but it was so bitter that it was difficult to drink. The addition of gin and lime made it much more palatable and turned it into a popular cocktail.
Tonic water was originally created by the British Army or Navy, as a medicinal drink to help fight malaria. The active ingredient in tonic water is quinine which has been shown to be effective in treating the disease. Today tonic water is still consumed for its medicinal benefits although it is also commonly mixed with gin or vodka to create a refreshing cocktail.
Why is Gin loved by all and, specially, by mixologists and cocktail lovers?
Gin is one of the oldest and most traditional spirits in the world. It has been produced in Britain since the 17th century, and is now globally renowned for its complex flavour and versatility. It?s a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails, from classic gins and gimlets to modern takes on the Old-Fashioned and Negroni. But why has gin become such a popular spirit among mixologists and cocktail lovers?
Gin is the most versatile spirit in the world. It can be used in virtually any drink and can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create new and interesting cocktails. But why is gin loved by mixologists and cocktail lovers? Perhaps the most common answer is that gin can be used in virtually any drink.
It is the spirit of choice for many classic cocktails, from the Old Fashioned to the Manhattan and no other spirit has such a diverse range of uses and tastes, making it a favourite of all.
Gin the Herbal MiracleHow to describe the flavour and character of Gin? How to understand Gin better to understand the history of the drink?
The first time you experienced the taste of gin, you probably felt a sense of excitement and relaxation. You may have even felt a little dizzy, which is a pleasant sensation when you're trying something new. The aroma and flavour of gin can have a strong impact on the human senses, which is why it's so interesting to learn about.
Gin is a complex, powerful liquor that comes from the distillation of fermented grain with juniper berries, which is then aged in oak barrels. The result is a liquor with a delicate aroma and smooth, complex flavour. But what makes it taste so good? The best way to understand the flavour and character of Gin is to understand the history of the drink.
Although Gin is an integral part of the British culture, the origin is probably Dutch and by Gin we refer to both the malt flavoured, full bodied Dutch Gin or Genever and the generally drier and distinctively botanical flavoured English Gins, produced in England and America, and now, the world over.
Origin: according to Encyclopaedia Britannica
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/gin-liquor)
Its origin is attributed to Franciscus Sylvius, a 17th-century professor of medicine at the University of Leiden in Holland, who distilled the juniper berry with spirits to produce an inexpensive medicine having the diuretic properties of juniper-berry oil.
Note that, this attribution has been disputed too, as is the case in most origin stories of liquors and many have said that Gin as an Eau de Vie existed as early as the 11th Century.
Netherlands Gin and English Gin: They are different
Netherlands gins, known as Hollands, geneva, genever, or Schiedam is made from malted barley mash that is first fermented into a beer, which is then distilled into a malt wine with 50-55% ABV. Which is then distilled with juniper berries and other botanicals to produce the final liquor with about 35% ABV. The resulting Gin is a malty and full-bodied spirit.
The English and American Gin is produced from a malt wine too, but it?s purified to an almost neutral spirit with no aroma or flavour with ABV of 90-94%. This spirit is then reduced with distilled water and juniper berries and other botanicals secret to each producer, and distilled again to produce the final spirit of a 40-47% ABV. This Gin is more herbaceous in flavour than the Dutch Genever.
Most cocktails with Gin are based on the English or American Gin and this is the Gin most of the world drinks today, because Dutch Gins are too distinctive in taste to be combined with any other ingredient and are best served unmixed or with water.
Bathtub Gin of Prohibition and the birth of Gin Cocktails
Bathtub gin. The name conjures up images of dark backrooms, whispered conspiracies, and illicit pleasures. The truth is that bathtub gin was the first intoxicating liquor of the Prohibition era, and it was the starting point for the cocktail renaissance that continues today. Today, gin is the world?s most popular spirit.
The year was 1919, and the place was a small town in the southern part of New York state. The economy had been ravaged by the Great War, and it was difficult to find a job. The countryside was littered with empty factories and shuttered businesses. The only business that seemed to be thriving was the local alcohol trade. And although it?s seemingly impossible to distil alcohol in open tubs, but the metal or ceramic tubs that were used as bath tubs during those times, resembled the steel pots used to distil and transport illicit liquor, most probably crude spirit re-distilled with juniper berry oil and other herbals, that was sold as the Gin, and the name Bathtub Gin stuck.
http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-lost-marlborough-hotel-broadway-and.html
The Marlborough Hotel in New York City was known for serving the Queen?s Martini, a cocktail that used gin as the base spirit with dry vermouth, lemon juice, and sugar. This cocktail is probably the first written record of reference of Gin in the context of a mixed drink or cocktail.
What began in America as a illicit liquor flavoured to make it easy to drink, gave birth to cocktails that could make it easier to drink, and the ongoing love story of Americans for Gin and gin cocktails seems to be eternal now.
Gin and modern America: the eternal love
One of the quintessential American drinks is the gin and juice, or in some cases, the rum and lime or the vodka and tonic. The most common version of the drink is the gin and tonic, which is made by mixing gin with tonic water and garnish. More premium versions of the drink may use flavored gins, such as lavender or basil, which are also delicious. Some bars now offer specialty gins, such as Old Tom or London dry, which can be used in place of regular gin in the drink.
Gin and Tonic, today, is probably the most popular cocktail around the world. The gin and tonic is a simple cocktail made with gin, soda water, and tonic water. The original recipe called for three separate ingredients, but most modern versions use only two: gin and tonic water. The gin and tonic has become such an iconic drink that it is often referred to simply as a "G&T" except when it is being served in a fancy cocktail bar.
Another American cultural icon is the Rickey, be it Bourbon or Gin. The first cocktail I tried as a young man was a Gin Rickey. The name is a bit misleading, as a traditional Gin Rickey is actually a combination of two or more spirits, not just gin, but also lemon juice, sugar and soda water. The purpose of a traditional Gin Rickey is as a refreshing drink on a hot day, but they also have a bit of an Old Fashioned feel to them. They are simple but delicious, and make a great intro to complex cocktails.
The motorized bathtub in front of Arnold's Bar & Grill in Cincinnati, OH. Arnold's history includes the making of "bathtub gin" and this motorized bathtub is driven in local parades. ( Wikimedia Commons )
Gin based cocktails are easy to make
Gin based cocktails are easy to make and the botanical, herbaceous flavour of Gin enhances the taste of other ingredients.
The allure of the smooth, complex flavour of Gin is enough to keep cocktail enthusiasts coming back for more. The botanical, herbaceous flavour of Gin enhances the taste of other ingredients, making for bold and unique cocktails. The best part is that making your own isn't difficult or time-consuming. Just grab some fresh ingredients and your favourite spirit, and you're ready to go.
When it comes to creating drinks with Gin as a base, it's easy to think that all you need are some garnishes and maybe a few other ingredients to create a complex and delicious drink. But in reality, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique and complex cocktails with the right amount of garnish and a little bit of extra. With so many different ways to use Gin as a base, it's no surprise that it's one of the most popular liquors in the world. In this article, I'll share some of my favourite cocktail recipes with Gin as a base liquor, so you can get inspired and create your own unique drinks.
Learn to experiment with Gin
If you love the taste of the classic Gin and Tonic, but don't enjoy the harshness of traditional dry gin, you'll want to discover the world of premium gins. In many ways, they're the new classics, with bold new flavours and intriguing botanicals. Some even use fruit and spices to add complexity, rather than traditional juniper berries. While you can make a great G and T with any gin, we think that pairing a premium gin with some of the same ingredients used in traditional G and T recipes makes for a truly memorable drink.
Whether you?re a first-time drinker or a seasoned connoisseur, it never hurts to try something new. That?s why we?ve created this collection of easy cocktail recipes with gin. Inspired by the classics, these recipes use a variety of liqueurs and other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your favourite spirit. Some of our favourite combinations include Vermouth and gin, St-Germain, and even fruit juice.
There's always something new to learn about the drink world. One of the latest trends in cocktails is incorporating other spirits into traditional mixed drinks, like adding bourbon to a Manhattan or adding liqueur to a Gimlet. One of the most versatile and classic spirits to mix with is Gin. There are countless variations of classic cocktails that can be made with Gin, from the classic London Dry Martini to summertime cocktails like the Gin Fizz and the Tom Collins, and even a few cocktails with a little bit of sweetness, like the Old-Fashioned and the Manhattan.
Enough talk, now let?s list a few Gin cocktails that are probably cocktails you know already, but, are a good start to inspire you.
Bramble
The bramble is one of my favourite summer cocktails. It's easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste buds. The bramble is a cocktail with Gin and Crème de Mure, a blackberry liqueur, the Juniper flavour of Gin pairs perfectly with the tartness of the blackberries and the sweetness of the lemonade. I like to add some simple syrup to give it a little extra sweetness.
Purple Rain
When it comes to cocktails that are more unique and tailored to the tastes of the gin lover, the first cocktail that comes to mind is the Purple Rain. Originally created by the legendary bartender Harry Craddock in 1964, the Purple Rain is a mix of Gin, Blue Curacao and occasionally Rum, mixed with Cranberry juice, cherry juice, pineapple juice and sweet and sour mix. To achieve the perfect royal purple colour, you need to adjust and add more Blue Curacao if needed, until the colour is perfect. It's a simple drink, but one that's complex all at once, with its sweet and tart, citrusy, and fruity flavours.
Gin Rickey
The first cocktail to be invented in the United States was the Gin Rickey, which was invented in New Orleans in the early 1900s. It is a simple mixture of gin, lime juice, and sugar. The drink is often garnished with a lime peel and a maraschino cherry. It is a great drink to start a night out with friends or to enjoy on your own when watching a movie at home.
However, there are several anecdotal versions of the origin and according to George Rothwell Brown, the gin rickey was born at the Chicago exposition in 1893 when the jinrikisha, or rickshaw, came to America from Japan.
While another story claims, that in the 1890s, a Democratic politician, Colonel Joe Rickey came up with the drink in a Washington DC bar with help from the bartender.
Salty Dog
Salty Dog, a classic cocktail, is a simple and refreshing combination of gin and grapefruit juice served in a salt rimmed highball glass, perfect for hot summer days. This cocktail is even better when made with a premium Gin. This classic, dates back to the 1920s and the only difference between a Salty Dog and a Greyhound cocktail, is, the salt rimming. The Salt rim was probably added to the Greyhound to tone down the grapefruit?s tart and bitter notes.
Jungle Juice
Deviating from the classic Gin based cocktail, let?s move on to a big batch punch styled cocktail that requires Gin along with plenty other spirits, for its special herbaceous and juniper aroma. This strong fruit and herbs cocktail, if you notice, uses loads of Everclear, Vodka and 151 Proof Rum, and the only flavoured spirit is Gin. All the spirits and the fruits are to be poured in a big container, and the fruits are to soak in the spirit for 4 to 12 hours and then the juices are added and allowed to set overnight. This is one truly fruity and flavoured cocktail that is strong and yet so delicious.
Singapore Sling
Now another classic, The Singapore Sling, originally called a Gin Sling, made in the North American style of Sling cocktails. The Singapore Sling originated at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It is a collage of sweet and citrusy flavors, and the cocktail has been served in many different variations. The best-known version of the Singapore Sling is the one served at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. It is made with gin, cherry brandy, sweetened iced tea, pineapple juice and lime juice or with soda and sweet and sour mix in place of sweetened iced tea and pineapple juice.
The original Raffles Hotel recipe uses pineapple juice to this day, though. (https://www.easy-cocktail-recipes.net/v2/spirits/gin/singapore-sling-raffles-hotel/ )
Tom Collins
Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that is made with gin, soda water, and aromatic bitters. This gin cocktail is easy to make and can be served in a Collins glass or on the rocks. The traditional Tom Collins is made with gin, sugar, and soda water, and it is a simple, elegant classic that has lost its gloss in modern times, but still, is a perfect Gin worship worthy drink to try at home.
The drink is named after the bar owner Mr. Tom Collins, who served the first Tom Collins in Collins Tavern in New York City. Well, no, forget that, that was a cheap hoax, in fact, there are so many stories around the origin of the Tom Collins cocktail, that you might cook one up, of your own too.
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About Us
Neel B and Mani, we are a team of two, from Calcutta, India. We are professional software engineers and passionate cocktail enthusiasts. We built this app because we saw a need for a more comprehensive and user-friendly way to find cocktails and bartending recipes. We hope you enjoy using our app as much as we enjoyed making it!We decided to use our technology skills to help others who were in the same position as us and wanted to experiment with making cocktails at home but didn\u2019t know where to start. We have been working together for more than two years and has managed to collect an extensive library of recipes as well as tips and tricks for making the perfect cocktail.
Neel B is an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer and martial arts and fitness enthusiast. He is an avid reader, compulsive doodler, and painter. His love for cocktails arises from the art in it and the history that traces the ups and downs of modern civilisation over centuries.
Maniis an ERP and SaaS developer and architect by day and a cocktail enthusiast in her leisure. She holds a Masters in Computer Application and Programming. In addition to writing stories on the history of cocktails and alcohol, she has a special interest in cocktails in literature. She believes that the perfect cocktail can make any moment special.
