Celebrating Gin

Today our resident Mixologist, Woodbridge Wine Supervisor David Rudd, presents some of his favorite recipes featuring gin!
 
One of the best things about working in the adult beverage industry is that I am surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of years of history.  There is a story associated with each and every item on the shelves.  Some bottles carry an air of highly cultured aristocracy while some have narrowly survived a complete character assassination.  One of those survivors is gin.  There was a time that gin was blamed for social decline and it carried a negative reputation, sometimes known as “mother’s ruin”.  But today, gin is one of the most popular and widely distributed spirits available.

It is a grain neutral spirit which is flavored primarily with juniper, but may also include other botanicals such as anise, caraway, coriander, and geranium.  It is a complex and beautiful beverage that is now considered quite elegant and refined.  History has finally been kind to gin, but its time spent as “Public Enemy: Number One” has given it a gritty edge that makes it even sexier today.  There are many ways to enjoy gin that go well beyond a Gin and Tonic.  Let’s celebrate gin – a survivor, a party animal, and a classic!

C’est Verte, Mais Juste

1 oz gin

¾ oz green crème de menthe

¾ oz cognac

1 dash aromatic bitters

Shake in an iced cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass

Aziz Fizz

1 egg white

½ tsp sugar

2 oz fresh lemon juice

2 oz gin

1 dash orange flower water

Shake in an iced cocktail shaker and strain into a tall glass.

Fill with ice and club soda.

Strawberry Swig

1 ½ oz gin

½ oz strawberry liqueur (like Fragolino™)

¼ oz fresh lime juice

1 dash orange bitters

Shake in an iced cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass

Dixie Punch

½ oz gin

1 oz Southern Comfort™

¾ fresh lime juice

¼ oz grenadine

1 Tbs. crushed pineapple

Shake in an iced cocktail shaker and pour into a tall glass.

Fill with ice and garnish with an orange slice.