Gin might be the best spirit for spring consumption. That’s because, even though it’s a clear, un-aged spirit (generally), it’s full of strong flavors. This includes the base of juniper berries that’s present in all gins. On top of that, you can find any number of unique ingredients –including: cardamom, coriander, cassia bark, orris root, anise, and even saffron in some cases.
It’s one of the oldest spirits in the history of drinking with its genesis coming sometime around the middle ages. Originally a medicinal drink (like many of our favorite forms of alcohol), gin is one of the most popular spirits on earth. It’s primarily used in cocktails (although some gin fans sip it neat), the most popular being the classic gin & tonic. And since we’ll probably be drinking a lot of these delicious cocktails on April 9th (National Gin & Tonic Day), we figured we’d highlight some of the other amazing gin-based drinks available.
Check out some of our favorites below.
The Gibson
The Gibson has been around since the early 1900s. A (very) close relative of the Martini, the Gibson is made up of mostly gin with a splash of dry vermouth. The only real difference is the addition of a pickled onion instead of an olive.
Tom Collins
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be_HBc-n8wo/?tagged=tomcollinscocktail
The Tom Collins was first written about by famed bartender Jerry Thomas in 1876. But, over 140 years later, this combination of Old Tom gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and carbonated water has stood the test of time.
Aviation
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhKD6JGnDTw/?tagged=aviationcocktail
Like many gin cocktails, the Aviation traces its genesis to the early 1900s. But, since classic are back in style, this combination of gin, lemon juice, and maraschino cherry juice is popular once again.
Martini
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhKioSNn_tU/?tagged=ginmartini
If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for us. This combination of gin and vermouth (dry or sweet depending on your preference), with an olive garnish might be the most classic of all the classic cocktails.
Gin Gimlet
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgvh5IOHLj5/?tagged=gingimlet
The Gin Gimlet is one of the most refreshing, delicious of the early 1900s cocktails. The most common version combines gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and a lime garnish.
Vesper
This is the first cocktail on the list that utilizes a second spirit. This classic drink is a combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet blanc wine.
Negroni
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJe93cnfyi/?tagged=negroni
When spring comes around, the only gin cocktail that rivals the G&T is the Negroni. This popular, bitter cocktail gets its flavor from gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
French 75
This effervescent cocktail is close relative to the Tom Collins. But, instead of sparkling water, it has champagne. The fizzy drink is finished with gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
