George Bernard Shaw once said: “Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life.”, and we couldn’t agree more. Everyone has their reasons for having a drink. Some use it to unwind after a busy day, many use it as a social protocol or to have a good time, while others just enjoy the taste. There are beer lovers, whisky enthusiasts and wine fans that drink everything from red and wine to popular rose wines. Gin is one of those fascinating liquors which taste is worth exploring. Its botanicals give it a characteristic that no other spirit has with a surprisingly versatile range of flavour profiles.
Downing a classic gin and tonic on a hot sunny afternoon sounds like a great plan to spend your day, but there is a myriad of other delicious gin cocktail recipes that are perfect for gin lovers and curious imbibers. Since there’s a gin out there to suit all tastes, you can easily find a favourite to mix with other ingredients and create amazing cocktails. Whether you want your drink to be the sole star of your party or you want to pair it with some delicious food, this versatile spirit provides you with a plethora of options. And if you drink it in moderation, it might benefit your health in many ways.
Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Gin
Gin can be helpful for several aspects of your health. Whether consumed neat or used in gin cocktail recipes, it has a significantly lower calorie count when compared to other alcohols. If you mix it with a light beverage such as tonic water or diet lemonade, it contains only 96 calories per shot. If you are watching your weight, gin is a good choice as it is low in sugar content. The juniper berries and herbs used in gin helps relieve bloating, and they act as natural diuretics.
Although it can’t be a replacement for medications, studies show that juniper berries have long been used to treat conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Raisins steeped in gin have been used as a treatment for joint pain. According to different studies, drinking gin might make you live longer. The juniper berries in gin contain flavonoids, which can clean clogged arteries. One small glass of gin every day can also lower the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases. There’re many homemade flavoured gin recipes you can make to enjoy a refreshing drink that is also good for your health.
What Is the Best Thing to Mix with Gin?
There’s probably no gin lover on Earth who hasn’t tried a gin and tonic recipe. This obvious, two-ingredient drink can also be a foundation for many other aromatic and easy to make gin recipes. If you are having a home party with friends and want to make things a little bit festive, you can make a festive G&T. You can start by filling a glass with ice and pouring over your favourite gin. A London dry gin, Plymouth or Bombay might work very well in simple gin cocktail recipes. You also need a whole pomegranate, lime and some tonic, preferably dry. Cut the pomegranate in half and beat the back of the fruit with a wooden spoon over the glasses to remove the seeds. Add tonic and garnish with fresh lime wheels. Delicious, healthy and pink, this cocktail might be your new favourite drink.
Dozens of fruits go well with gin from lime, grapefruit and citrus to olives, cucumber and cherry tomato. Gin and strawberries are also a good combination and everyone who tries it falls in love with it. To make a delicious cocktail, you can start by mixing up three strawberries and two basil leaves in a shaker. Add 50 ml of pink gin, 30 ml sugar syrup, half lemon juice and top with club soda. You can garnish with a sliced strawberry and a basil leaf. These and other easy to make gin cocktail recipes are specially created to balance the slightly bitter taste of gin and make you stop right there and have a wonderful drink. You can use a lot of herbs and spices as garnishes, including rosemary, lavender, cinnamon sticks, lemongrass, vanilla pods and many others.
What to Eat During Gin O’Clock
The pairing of food with gin is gaining popularity, but deciding what food to have with your drink can be an overwhelming task. Next time when you are caught up in a situation when you don’t know what to have with your gin cocktail, you can always choose seafood as a pretty safe alternative. Its flavour perfectly compliments the brightness of the gin and tonic cocktail and is all you need if you are a seafood lover. Smoke salmon or fish and chips can also be great choices. Your classy G&T goes very well with cucumber finger sandwiches, pate, lamb curry and strong cheese. Popcorn and fudge are great snacks to enjoy with your gin recipes. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to combine your gin drinks with chocolate and enjoy the gentle tickle on your palate.