Gin is an alcohol whose predominant flavor is obtained from juniper berries; however, it can be prepared in many different ways which produce different flavor profiles. This drink can be consumed straight, with ice, mixed with other ingredients and even mixed in cocktails. Some of the most famous gin-based drinks are "Gin tonic" and "Martini dry", but you can enjoy spirits in many different ways.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Enjoy the Gin Smooth
Step 1. Drink it pure
Sipping a "smooth" spirit means drinking it without any other ingredient or preparation. It must not be chilled and ice or other drinks must not be added; to enjoy it this way, pour a standard shot (45 ml) into an old fashioned glass. Sip it slowly to appreciate its flavor.
- Modern gins are distilled in many different ways and contain various ingredients; the flavors you can perceive are floral, berry, aromatic herbs or citrus notes.
- An old fashioned glass is quite low and wide with a capacity of 180-230 ml.
Step 2. Drink it cold
In this case, you are ordering a cold gin but served without ice; pour 45ml into an ice-filled martini shaker. Close the container and shake it thoroughly to combine the contents; remove the lid and, without removing the filter, pour the gin into the glass. Enjoy it slowly trying to capture all the flavors that make it unique.
Instead of chilling it with ice, you can store the bottle in the freezer for a few hours. Although alcohol cannot freeze, it does become slightly denser; as the gin heats up, it loses this viscosity and the aromas become more intense
Step 3. Try it "on the rocks"
This expression indicates cocktails that are served over ice; put 2-3 cubes in an old fashioned glass and pour 45 ml of gin over them. Before sipping it, stir the alcohol and ice in the glass a couple of times to cool the liquid; as always, drink it slowly.
Alternatively, you can use special soapstone cubes; these are cubes that you can freeze and that cool the drink without diluting it
Method 2 of 3: Combine Gin with other Flavors
Step 1. Prepare the classic Gin and Tonic
Tonic water is similar to carbonated water, except that it contains quinine and a few other ingredients that give it the characteristic slightly bitter taste. To make this cocktail, mix in a tall glass:
- 4 ice cubes;
- 90 ml of gin;
- 120 ml of cold tonic water;
- 15 g of fresh lime juice;
- 1 lime wedge for garnish.
Step 2. Add some sparkling water
It is a simple ingredient that allows you to enjoy the drink for longer, gives other aromatic profiles and dilutes the alcohol content. You can mix the two ingredients in equal parts or pour a shot of gin into a highball glass and finish filling it with water.
Combine gin with citrus drinks; those flavored with lemon, lime, grapefruit and blood oranges are perfect for this alcohol
Step 3. Add a splash of ginger ale
It's a delicious combination and also the easiest way to blend two flavors that go perfectly; fill a tall glass with 4-5 ice cubes, pour 45 ml of gin and fill the rest with ginger ale.
To intensify the flavor of the ginger, garnish the glass with a piece of candied root
Step 4. Complete the drink with citrus fruits
Many gins have a citrusy aroma, such as lemon or grapefruit, while others have floral notes, such as rose, lavender and other buds. These include Bloom, Hendrick's and Bombay Sapphire; these spirits can be combined with citrus fruits:
- Add a curl of lemon zest or a wedge of a citrus fruit;
- Pour a sprinkle of fresh juice;
- Mix some lemon bitter, tonic water, or a citrus-flavored soda.
Step 5. Accompany a herbal gin with aromatic herbs
It is not mandatory to drink it straight or cold, you can also combine it with other ingredients with a complementary or contrasting flavor. Herbal gins, such as Portobello Road which has a herbal flavor or scent, can be served with:
- A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme;
- Fresh mint;
- A few basil leaves
- Fresh sage;
- Herbal flavored tonic water.
Step 6. Make an infusion with tea or herbal tea
Transfer the contents of an entire bottle of gin into a large glass bowl; add 4 bags of Earl Gray or chamomile tea and leave to infuse for at least two hours at room temperature. Remove the sachets and transfer the gin back to its bottle. Here are some tips for using it:
- Cocktail;
- Gin tonic;
- Dry martini;
- Smooth, cold or with ice.
Method 3 of 3: Making Gin-based Cocktails
Step 1. Make a dry martini
This simple combination allows you to taste different gins; the trick is to prepare a relatively neutral cocktail that allows the flavors of the alcohol to be released. To proceed, mix 75ml of gin, 30ml of dry vermouth, a sprinkle of orange bitter and ice in a shaker and shake for 20-30 seconds.
Strain the mixture and pour into a chilled martini glass garnished with an olive or lemon wedge
Step 2. Try Long Island iced tea
It is a classic cocktail that enhances the flavor of gin and a number of other spirits. To make a delicious one, mix 20ml of gin with an equal amount of white rum, white tequila, vodka, sugar syrup, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice and cola soda in a tall glass. Add ice and sip the drink!
To prepare the syrup, mix 60 g of granulated sugar in 60 ml of water in a saucepan. Simmer the ingredients over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved; remove the pan from the stove and wait for the solution to cool
Step 3. Make a Caesar with gin
This spicy tomato-based cocktail can be made with both vodka and gin. To start, line the rim of a tall glass with celery salt or meat spices; add a few ice cubes and pour:
- 60 ml of gin;
- 180 ml of Caesar cocktail mix or tomato juice;
- 3 sprinkles of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce;
- 1 sprinkle of olive brine;
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and pepper;
- Garnish the glass with olives and a stick of celery.
