Here’s six gin-related things to know as World Gin Day approaches

It’s World Gin Day on Saturday June 13 2015.  I spoke to the organiser Gin Monkey to find out more about my favourite spirit.
There’s so much to say … so here’s Part One.

 

World Gin Day , Gin Monkey
Gin Monkey
Gin the know #1

Does it matter what tonic you use as a mixer?

Gin Monkey says:  A well-known brand’s tagline in their marketing is: “When three-quarters of your G&T is the tonic, make sure you use the best.”

They’re right. The tonic you use is going to make a huge difference on your final gin and tonic.

Three tips

World Gin Day
Gin and tonic; and yes, choice of tonic does matter says Gin Monkey
  • Don’t equate price with quality, try the different tonics (stay away from artificially sweetened versions though) and make up your own mind.
  • Also bear in mind that certain gins may pair better with certain tonics, if your gin is punchy it might want a strongly flavoured tonic water.
  • Equally, a tip for lighter styles of gin, use a 50:50 mix of tonic water and soda water, so that the bitter flavour from the quinine in the tonic doesn’t overpower the delicate gin.
Gin the know #2

What is the difference between Plymouth Gin and London Dry Gin?

Gin Monkey replies: Plymouth gin has to be made in Plymouth and is made by one company under a trademark. London Dry Gin can be made anywhere in the world, as the term instead refers to a style and way of making gin rather than a geographical location.

Gin the know #3

Are there other kinds of gin?

Gin Monkey says: There are other styles and types of gin, the most common being Old Tom gin, a sweetened type of gin popular in the 18th century.

There’s also sloe gin, which involves macerating gin in sloe berries, and a new style of gin termed New Western used to describe small distillers, usually based in the States. Finally some gin producers have been experimenting with putting their gin in barrels to rest or age it, although there is no agreed definition for this style of gin yet.”

There are also two gins which have Geographical Indicative status as to where they are made: Gin de Mahon which must be made in the port of Mahon in Menorca, and Vilnius Gin which must be made in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Gin the know #4

How about a gin cocktail recipe that people can try at home for World Gin Day?

Gin Monkey says:  Sure, this is a twist on a classic bramble made in the bar Casita

Bramble de Casita

Ingredients:  Three raspberries, two blackberries, 25ml lemon juice, 50ml gin, 10ml crème de mure (blackberry liqueur), 10ml Chambord.

Now you’re ready to make it:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
Shake hard to ensure the berries have broken up and released their juices.
Strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice.
Churn the mix with a bar spoon and top with a crushed ice ‘cap’ garnish with a lemon wedge and/or blackberries.

Gin the know #5

What makes makes gin so wonderful?

Gin Monkey says:   Simple.  Its fascinating history and potential for innovation and growth.

Gin the know #6
World Gin Day - gin and tonic cake
Lemon Drizzle Gin and Tonic cake …. as made by Lis

And one final word from me .. did you know you can make gin and tonic cake?

Well yes indeed you can. A  lovely workpal Lis won an office
bake-off with this lemon gin and tonic drizzle cake.

Lis says here’s the recipe from Pudding Lane Blog.

 

Check out worldginday.com for more details on World Gin Day  or follow the hashtag #WorldGinDay on Twitter. You’ll find Gin Monkey on Twitter, and www.ginmonkey.co.uk

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