It is thought that over a third of the cocktails ordered in 2019 have had a splash of gin in them somewhere. From a revival of the classics to new inventions from small distilleries all around the country, it is clear that gin’s popularity is cresting high. What makes it such a good spirit for cocktails? Let’s take a closer look now.
It is Versatile
One of the best things about gin is simply how versatile it is. It is rare to find a spirit which can be altered as easily as gin can be. This is even true in the distilling process. By applying a slightly different technique to two separate batches of gin, you will get two spirits of different strengths and tastes. This is fantastic as it means that you can use it in a variety of cocktails and beverages in a way you can’t with other drinks.
The other great thing about gin is the ease with which you can add other flavours. From fruits beyond juniper berries such as raspberries or oranges to acquired flavours like pepper and aniseed, there are many ways to transform a basic gin into something interesting.
It is Easy to Make
Most spirits have to be left for a long time, sometimes even years, before they are considered mature enough to drink. This is certainly the case for prized spirits like bourbon or whisky. However, things are not the same when it comes to gin.
While it does need a little time to infuse properly, the amount of time it takes to make it is much less than with other spirits. What’s more, gin is so easy to make that you could even try it yourself at home. All you need is a “neutral” spirit like vodka, juniper berries, and any other ingredients you wish to add. Before long, you will have your own bottle of homemade gin.
Due to this ease of manufacture, gin was a favourite spirit of Prohibition-Era America. Vast quantities of bootleg alcohol could be mixed up – otherwise known as bathtub gin – and it was easy to distribute and sell to those in search of a cocktail.
It is Part of So Many Drinks
If you are trying to invent a new cocktail with gin, you have a rich history of drinks to draw inspiration from. The Negroni, the Martini, and even the humble G&T all have one key ingredient in common; gin. It is a featured and beloved part of many cocktails on menus all around the world. What’s more, just a splash of gin can completely transform the flavour of a cocktail which makes it a key ingredient for many expert bartenders. If you are wanting to learn a little more about the craft of creating cocktails, you are going to need to become very knowledgeable about gin.
A high-quality cocktail starts with a spirit and continues with its other ingredients. Gin is a good spirit for many cocktails and you should make sure that you are using freshly squeezed juices to help bring out all the right flavours of the cocktail.
