A floral bouquet enhanced with spice and crisp freshness. Cardamom, anise, and coriander of the Spice Route engage boldly aromatic juniper of the Mediterranean to create a spirit possessing a distinct palate with international inspiration. Gin: “It’s not just history in a glass, it’s romance and adventure too.”
By Deborah Harris
Gin possesses a magic that defines it from other spirits. It marries the flavors of India, China and Italy, with Dutch and English style, affording the development of a harmonious, refined spirit. One sip of gin takes you on an international journey. It is a voyage of colliding cultures, wars, medicine men, monks, trade routes, gin joints, prohibitions—it is the Indiana Jones of alcohol.
Since its popular resurgence in the late 90’s gin has grown to become not just a gentleman’s drink. Fully capable of competing with the flavored vodka market, gin makers utilize its delicate bouquet and explore cocktails that highlight the distinct character of the spirit. With the rise of professional bartenders taking helm behind the rail further encouraging the craft cocktail movement, drinkers grow more comfortable and even more demanding of a sophisticated drink fueled by a discerning thirst. Classics have overcome fruity concoctions. Bartenders are capable of balancing stiffer spirits in mixed cocktails and patrons are receptive to indulging in them. Gin is no exception.
You can introduce any flavor to juniper, from sharp to bitter to sweet. Though the berry may intimidate some, it offers immense mixability. It is most important to realize that many guests may think they do not like gin. Angus Winchester, the Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray, suggests that as a bar professional, one can overcome these boundaries. He recommends targeting cocktails that embrace already familiar tastes while showcasing gin, such as the the Red Snapper, a gin-based Bloody Mary, or the White Lady, a gin Margarita, both classic cocktails that neither mask nor overwhelm one with juniper flavor. Incorporate aromatics like mint and basil, play to the spice and herbaceousness of the spirit while balancing with a hint of citrus or a splash of soda.
Build your cocktail around a spirit, not a brand. Mr. Winchester believes, “If you choose to work around one botanical in a brand, you limit the scope of your drinks. Classic drinks, ones that stand the test of time, work with any brand in the spirit.” Mixology is establishing a perfect balance, a harmony between the complex spirit and its counterparts. Catering to patrons however, is knowing your products and targeting the brand that best suits the individual.
