Gin: some famous cocktails

In my previous article, I talked about five famous cocktails.

Today, I’ll briefly discuss gin and then present four cocktails based on this well-known distillate.

Index:

• Some Information
• How to Recognize a Good Gin
• Aviation
• Dry Martini
• French75
• White Lady

Gin: Some Information

Gin is a distilled spirit, typically colorless, obtained by distilling fermented potatoes or grains. A mixed maceration of herbs, spices, berries, and botanical roots is added to the fermented base, with juniper berries being a crucial component, giving the spirit its name.

Juniper has a distinctive flavor and, historically, was used in medicinal preparations by monks to address stomach ailments. Only in subsequent centuries did juniper find its way into distillation for non-therapeutic purposes.

How to Recognize a Good Gin

• The juniper note should be recognizable, persistent, and harmonious with other aromas.
• Check for the “London Dry” label on the bottle, indicating natural botanicals without the use of dyes, oils, or essences.
• Use the right glassware, such as tumbler or rocks glasses.
• Serve gin at the ideal temperature, around 21-23 degrees Celsius.
• Drink gin neat, without ice or other additives.
• Pair gin with smoked fish, salmon, or game dishes in general.

Now that you know how to recognize and enjoy a good gin, let me introduce you to four famous gin-based cocktails.

Aviation

Origin

This cocktail dates back to 1916 and was created by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at the Wallick Hotel in Times Square, New York. The original recipe included blue Crème de Violette, giving the cocktail its name. Today, it’s usually colorless, but a cherry dropped to the bottom of the glass can still capture attention.

Ingredients

• 4.5 cl gin
• 1.5 cl maraschino
• 1.5 cl fresh lemon juice

Preparation

• Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
• Shake and strain into a cocktail coupe

Dry Martini

Origin

Likely originating in 1850 in Martinez, California, the original recipe included Old Tom Gin, Vermouth, Orange bitters, and Maraschino.

This cocktail gained fame in the United States during Prohibition. It made a comeback in the 1960s, thanks to James Bond films. In 007’s version, vodka replaces gin.

Pair this drink with seafood appetizers, oysters, or enjoy it after a meal with a slice of Sacher torte.

Ingredients

• 6 cl gin
• 1 cl dry vermouth

Preparation

• Place all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
• Stir, strain, and pour into a chilled coupe
• Garnish with a lemon twist or a green olive

Bartenders have differing opinions on serving olives. A commonly agreed-upon solution is to provide some olives separately in a bowl, allowing the customer to add them to the drink.

French75

Origin

French 75 is mentioned in the 1930 Savory Cocktail Book.

This drink is excellent as an aperitif or paired with freshwater fish grills or a Saint-Honoré grape dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 cl gin
• 1.5 cl fresh lemon juice
• 2 drops of simple syrup
• 6 cl champagne

Preparation

• Pour all ingredients into a shaker, excluding the champagne
• Shake and strain into a flute
• Top with champagne and gently stir

White Lady

Origin

This cocktail is a variation of the Sidecar, which traditionally uses cognac instead of gin. It’s often served after a garden dinner featuring crudités, sushi, vegetable flans, and gazpacho.

Ingredients

• 4 cl gin
• 3 cl triple sec
• 2 cl fresh lemon juice

Preparation

• Pour all ingredients into a ice-filled shaker
• Shake well
• Strain and pour into a chilled double cocktail glass