Tag: Gin Drinks

  • Trendy Cocktails: Blooming Elegance

    Trendy Cocktails: Blooming Elegance

    When it comes to timeless cocktails, the martini stands in a league of its own. But what happens when you infuse this iconic drink with the essence of an English garden? Enter the “Blooming Elegance” – a floral riff on the classic martini that promises to transport your taste buds to a fragrant paradise.

    English Garden

    The “Blooming Elegance” cocktail combines the sophistication of a classic martini with the delicate flavors of an English garden. The star of this show is the Bloom Jasmine & Rose Gin, a botanical masterpiece that infuses the spirit with the enchanting aromas of roses and jasmine. Complemented by a touch of Tito’s Vodka for smoothness, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur for a subtle sweetness, and Dolin Dry Vermouth for balance, this cocktail is a symphony of floral notes that dance on the palate. A hint of lemon juice brightens the ensemble, creating a refreshing and well-rounded drink.

    Blooming Elegance

    – 2 oz. Bloom Jasmine & Rose Gin

    – 1/2 oz. Tito’s Vodka

    – 1/2 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

    – 1/2 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth

    – 1/8 oz. Lemon Juice

    Stir all ingredients on ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and a sprig of rosemary. 🍸

    Smoked Salmon Canapés

    Food Pairing Recommendations

    The “Blooming Elegance” cocktail’s floral and aromatic profile makes it an excellent companion to light and fresh dishes. Consider pairing it with a goat cheese and watercress salad, smoked salmon canapés, or even a platter of sushi with delicate fish flavors. The cocktail’s nuanced taste will complement the subtle notes of these dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience.

    A Brief History of the Martini

    The martini, a cocktail that has stood the test of time, has a history as rich and varied as its recipes. Originating in the late 19th century, the martini’s precise origins are somewhat disputed. Some credit bartender Jerry Thomas with its creation, while others trace its roots to the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City.

    Traditionally made with gin and dry vermouth, the martini’s popularity soared during the Prohibition era, where gin became the spirit of choice due to its ease of production. Over the years, the martini has evolved, with variations incorporating vodka, different vermouths, and a myriad of garnishes.

    The “Blooming Elegance” cocktail not only pays homage to the classic martini but elevates it to new heights with the infusion of floral notes from the English garden. As you sip on this refined concoction, you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re experiencing a symphony of flavors that transcends time and tradition. Cheers to the evolution of the martini and the endless possibilities that unfold in the world of mixology!

  • Trendy Cocktails: Singapore Sling

    Trendy Cocktails: Singapore Sling

    There are many theories on the origin of this very trendy cocktail–the Singapore Sling. The most popular and least disputed involves an alchemist disguised as a bartender at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore 😉

    At the start of the 20th century, a bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon working at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, decided to create a cocktail specifically for the ladies. At the time, it was not proper for ladies to consume alcohol in public. Boon’s idea was to disguise the cocktail as fruit juice… and the rest is history.

    Over the years I have seen (and tasted) many variations of this cocktail. Versions served in asian restaurants and high-traffic tourist areas are bright red in color and sickening sweet. My favorite version pays homage to the originator, and at the same time introduces a better balance between sweet, sour and bitter. Get your bar tools ready… here we go.

    Singapore Sling

    2 oz. Gin

    1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

    1 oz. Cherry Brandy

    1 oz . Pineapple Juice

    1/2 oz. Cointreau

    1/2 oz. Benedictine D.O.M.

    1/4 oz. Grenadine (I make my own)

    Dash of Angostura bitters

    The French-produced Benedictine liquor brings herb and spice notes that seem to amplify the already complex flavors of gin. Cointreau tastes very different than its French cousin–Grand Marnier, and shouldn’t be substituted.

    Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake until well chilled (about 30 seconds). Pour into a chilled martini glass (yes, that’s what I said), garnish with a cherry or three and enjoy. This is a 6 oz. (ok… just over 6 oz.) cocktail, so I prefer serving in a chilled sour glass. I really like the “drink specific” line of glasses from Ridel. The Sour Cocktail Glass is perfect for this drink. 

    Enjoy!

  • Trendy Cocktails: Slo Gin Fig Martini

    Trendy Cocktails: Slo Gin Fig Martini

    As for martinis, there are two distinct and very vocal camps. Historians and cocktail purists believe that a true martini can only be made with gin. Vodka lovers, of course, stand completely opposed with their many variations of the vodka martinis. And according to James Bond, they should be shaken… not stirred. Personally, I only shake cocktails that contain fruit juice. Always shake a Cosmopolitan, but never a Manhattan 😉

    The Slo Gin Fig Martini is a riff on the Vesper Cocktail first introduced in Ian Fleming’s James Bond classic–Casino Royal. The addition of Slo Gin and Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka creates another level of complexity.

    The Slo Gin Fig Martini

    1 3/4 oz. Dry Gin

    1/2 oz. Vodka

    1/2 oz. Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka

    1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc

    1/4 oz. Slo Gin

    Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a coupe-style or martini glass. Add a long slice of lemon peel and enjoy.

    Cheers!