The Amusing Beginnings of Gin
Did you know that in the winter of 1823, the hot gin twist was the most popular drink in London? Gin, like so many other things, was first created as a medicinal remedy. It was sold by “chemists” for the treatment of gout and dyspepsia, among other diseases. When consumed in big enough doses, it might have helped alleviate symptoms linked with these and other conditions, such as “Coward’s Fist,” though only for a few hours at a time.
In the years following, the alcoholic beverage rose to its prominence during the Three Decades’ War, when British soldiers fighting on Dutch soil were given “Dutch Courage” by, well, drinking gin. It didn’t take long for this exquisite liqueur to make a great splash across the English Channel.
Gin Tasting Gift Set
I would like to inspire you to expand your gin knowledge by trying the best gin tasting selection from Australia’s top distilleries. This way you may learn more about your favourite drink, no matter where you are on your gin journey. You may also want to spoil someone special (who is another fan of gin) with a lovely gift of craftiness with a variety of flavours.
With the help of their serving suggestions, the swoon-worthy gins are flawlessly coupled with carefully picked chocolate masterpieces supplied by local artisan chocolatiers and accompanied by a piccolo of Australian Prosecco to create the perfect combination.
With berries and even new native fruits, the Aussie craft pink gin tasting packs set is another one that belongs to your “must-try” list, and it’s all delightfully delicious. From cherries to Lilly pilly’s, raspberries to hibiscus flowers, these Australian delicacies will provide you with a wide range of flavours, you’ll find it difficult to choose your favourite.
The Best Gin Cocktail Ideas
Botanist Islay Dry Gin, or the Bombay Sapphire, a gin made with no fewer than 10 “botanicals,” including juniper and lemongrass, can be served neat or on the rocks. Other types of gins are ideal for mixing and creating your favourite party cocktails.
When consumed in moderation, gin can be beneficial to your health in several ways. When compared to other alcohols, gin has a much-reduced calorie count when consumed neat or in cocktail recipes. It only has 96 calories per shot when mixed with a light beverage like tonic water or diet lemonade. Because of its low sugar content, this drink is a smart choice if you’re controlling your weight and diet.
Gibson vs Martini
The Gibson is a tasty cocktail that each gin enthusiast should try. The recipe for this basic take on the classic gin martini has been around for over a century, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. For optimal gin tasting remember what distinguishes a Gibson cocktail from a classic gin martini is in the garnish.
Both drinks are made with gin and dry vermouth, but the Gibson is garnished with a cocktail onion instead of the olive or lemon twist found in the martini. This simple modification gives a distinct undertone to the drink, transforming it from briny olive to a fascinating earthy, light onion flavour.
Refreshingly Classic: The Gin & Tonic
This pleasant drink is known as a “G and T” or gin tonic in other locations. It is manufactured in countries all over the world. British soldiers devised the Gin and Tonic in the 1850s as a means to consume quinine by mixing gin with their tonic water (which was thought to cure malaria). Today’s tonic water does not include quinine, yet the drink has remained! It’s made of two things, of course: one part gin, two parts tonic water, plus plenty of garnishes like lime or lemon wedges, cucumber slices, mint leaves, orange peel, juniper berries, blood orange slices, or rosemary.
Cheer With the French 75
A champagne drink mixed with gin, lemon, and simple syrup is known as a French 75. It’s a classic cocktail on the list of official cocktails from the International Bartender Association. With a fizzy mouthfeel and botanical aromas from the gin, it’s complex and tart. You can recreate the typical French 75 cocktail with your gin tasting set by using the following ingredients: gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (water and sugar), and champagne.
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a flute and top with champagne. Although many champagne drinks are made in glass without the use of a cocktail shaker, this drink is traditionally shaken before adding bubbles. You can use another sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, if that’s what you prefer.
Balance of Sweet and Tart: The Gin Fizz
The creaminess and tartness of the Gin Fizz cocktail are wonderfully matched, and the addition of soda water miraculously makes a frothy egg white foam topping. Oh, and it only takes five minutes to prepare! Besides your choice of gin tasting selection, lime juice, maple syrup, soda water, and one egg white are the only items you’ll need.
During the first few decades of the twentieth century, fizzes supposedly were very popular. The Ramos Gin Fizz is the most well-known Gin Fizz version, which is distinguished by the addition of heavy cream and orange flower water. It’s a luxury variation of the original, invented in New Orleans and still a popular cocktail in the city. The Sloe Gin Fizz, a variant that uses tart, berry-flavoured sloe gin and often skips the egg white, is another option of the fizz.
What’s a Good Gin Cocktail Glassware?
Generally, you should be able to answer these three categories of questions when purchasing new glassware:
- Durability and quality: Are the glasses long-lasting? Will they keep your drink cold?
- Capacity: Is there enough room for a generous measure of gin and tonic or a cocktail, as well as ice?
- Practicality: Are the glasses easy to hold and drink from? Could they be put in the dishwasher?
Selecting the proper glass, like choosing your favourite gin brand, depends on personal preferences and tastes. Highball glasses are recommended for versatility because they can be used for both G&Ts and cocktails, whilst copa glasses are perfect if you want to serve a G&T in a creative way that highlights the botanicals and garnishes. It’s advisable for martini enthusiasts to stick with the classical martini glass.