7 Jul 2021

Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your life

We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink Pimms); and the Chelsea Flower Show (where people look at flowers and drink Pimms). Are you picking up a pattern here?

The unmistakable taste of the English summer

Yes, the Pimm’s Cup is truly the drink of the English summer and you will find it on any sunny day being served and drunk in large glasses filled with fruit, ice, lemonade and the unmistakably herby taste of Pimms. Pub gardens will be full of Pimms drinkers and large jugs of the stuff will be perched on bar tables around the country for the authentic taste of the English summer. For those who don’t know, Pimms is a gin cup first made in London by James Pimms way back in 1820. He actually owned an oyster bar and created this herbal concoction to settle the stomachs of any customers who might have over-indulged on his shellfish.

Introducing Pimms No. 1

The restaurant chain grew and his drink became increasingly popular, so he developed a version of the mix that he could sell to other restaurants – and he named it the No. 1 Cup. Today, we just know it as Pimms.
But Pimms comes in different shapes and sizes including the No. 2 Cup (made with Scotch whiskey); the No. 3 Cup (or Pimms Winter) was relaunched in 2008; the No. 4 Cup (made with Rum); and the No. 5 Cup (made with Rye). Then comes the No. 6 Cup (made with Vodka) which is the second most popular of the variants. But this article isn’t about Pimms. It’s about an alternative. What if we could share a recipe for home-made Pimms that is even more delicious than the original and really easy to make?

Well, say no more – your wish has just come true. Here’s an amazing, easy to drink recipe that you can make at home.

Home-made is always best…

This recipe requires first making a fruit cup syrup, which is then mixed with gin and sweet vermouth to give your summer potion an unmistakable and distinctive character. But to do this properly, you’re going to need to gather some ingredients. You’re going to need a little caster sugar, some fresh strawberries, a cucumber, some grapefruit peel and some mint. And then, to spritz it all up you’ll need a juniper-forward gin, some vermouth (rosso), plenty of ice and some fizzy lemonade or ginger ale. It’s already making my mouth water just thinking about it. So, without further ado, here’s the recipe!

Home-made Pimms recipe

Ingredients:

For the fruit cup syrup

300g of caster sugar
200g of thinly sliced strawberries
150g of sliced, peeled cucumber
30g of grapefruit peel
10g of mint leaves
300 ml water

For the fruit cup

200 ml fruit cup syrup (see above)
400 ml of juniper forward gin
400 ml of red vermouth
Sparkling lemonade or ginger ale
Sliced strawberries, oranges, lavender leaves and bay leaves to garnish

Method:

Sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries, cucumber, grapefruit, mint and lavender
Place in refrigerator overnight (to draw moisture from the fruit)
Add the water, then pour everything into a resealable plastic bag
Heat a pan of hot water to a steady 55C (you may need a temperature probe for this)
After 4 hours, remove from the pan and strain through a sieve

For the fruit cup:

Once the syrup has cooled, mix it with the gin and vermouth and store in the fridge, where it should last for up to 6 months
Mix one part of fruit cup with two parts of lemonade or ginger ale (or both) over plenty of ice
Garnish as extravagantly as you like – game, set and match

Anyone for tennis?

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

7 Jun 2021

The Suffering Bastard: handle with care

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Cocktails, Gin and Juniper, Gintriguing facts | 0

When you’re young, you see things differently. New experiences pile up all around you and you want to try everything. And with the sharp, social competitiveness of youth, you want to test your limits to see if you can outdo your friends. It’s all a part of discovering who you are. My teenage years were spent between the UK and the USA. In the UK, it was all about how many pints of beer I could drink and how hot my curry would be afterwards. It was a badge of honour and it took me many years to step out of that phase.
Too many, actually!

How it all began

Then I went to college in the USA – and that’s where I found out that I had a taste for cocktails. It wasn’t a very refined taste in those days. Some would say it still isn’t! All I know is that in those early days, I tended to gravitate towards the ones that were either easiest to drink or contained the most alcohol.

So, after a few years on the “Long Island Iced Tea Diet”, I found myself on a road trip to Chicago, sitting at the bar of Trader Vic’s Tiki Lounge at the Conrad Hilton, when somebody bought me a cocktail I had ever tried before. It was called a Suffering Bastard (and I can only assume that it was named after the hangover that I had the morning after). If so, it’s the most appropriately named drink I’ve ever had.

And over the years, these deceptively strong drinks have been the source of some of my best evenings (and worst mornings) ever since! So, what is in this delightfully named drink that makes it so appealing? Well, let’s take a look under the hood of this cocktail classic and see if you like it. If you do, it could easily become the taste of summer.

Legendary hotels and their cocktails

As we know, all good drinks contain a legend. And many of the greatest cocktails began their lives behind the bars of some of the world’s most legendary hotels. They often changed the lives and fortunes of the bartenders who invented them as well, many of whom went on to become household names. We’ve recently written some articles about hotel cocktail classics such as the Singapore Sling, invented at the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore. But now it’s time to reveal the story behind the legendary Suffering Bastard and how it got its unique and dramatic name. So, here’s the deal…

Originally invented as a simple hangover cure by the bar team at Cairo’s Shepheard’s Hotel, the Suffering Bastard gained a small, local reputation before the hotel burned to the ground in a fire in1952. But wind the clock back 10 years to see where the story really begins.

A legend is born

It’s 1942, Cairo and the Shepheard Hotel is fast becoming party central for British troops based in North Africa and the press corps that were covering the war. They had seen a lot and often found their solace in drink. The head bartender at the Shepheard, a guy called Joe Scialom, was on duty at the bar when he heard some officers complaining about the size of their hangovers. His ears pricked up and it got him thinking.

He began playing around with some recipes that might cure the hangovers of some of the troops who were his regulars. Joe tried a variety of combinations before deciding on his final mix, which combined two liquors with lime juice, bitters and the curative qualities of ginger beer. Apparently this drink became instantly popular. Before long it was being shipped to the front lines to fortify the troops and to keep their spirits up for the hard times ahead.

An unholy alliance

The most common recipe combination for a Suffering Bastard calls for an unholy alliance of bourbon and gin. To this day, that remains the favourite combination but many variants exist which substitute brandy for bourbon. Rum also sometimes makes an appearance. And sometimes ginger ale is substituted for ginger beer (which is harder to find in some places). For those who like to tone down the spice or who prefer a dryer, more refreshing drink, this might be the combo for you.

Tiki culture

After the war, news of the Suffering Bastard spread beyond Egypt and into the post-war cocktail culture before being hijacked by the burgeoning Tiki Culture of the 60s and 70s. Polynesian bars were popping up everywhere and fruit-based cocktails, served in giant ceramic bowls paying homage to Hawaiian culture became all the rage.

The leader of this cocktail fad was the infamous Trader Vic (otherwise known as Victor J. Bergeron). His recipes leaned more towards rums and he added a slice of cucumber for garnish. But, he also added orgeat (for sweetness) and a splash of curacao liqueur (for some extra fruitiness). Whichever version you prefer, is entirely up to you. But remember, these are strong drinks that are deceptively easy to drink. So, if you have too many the night before, expect to be suffering in the morning. And we all know the best way to beat a hangover. Have a taste of the hair of the dog that bit you.

The Suffering Bastard – the legend lives on

And what happened to the legendary bartender responsible for creating this infamous concoction? Well, after the original hotel burned down in 1952, Joe decided to remain in Egypt. Unfortunately after a while he was arrested on a charge of espionage and eventually, after the Suez crisis, he was exiled from Egypt by President Nasser. On arrival in the US, he ended up being hired by a certain Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotel chain. Joe spent the rest of his career opening bars for Conrad Hilton in Puerto Rico and Havana. But he’ll always be known for one thing in particular – the Suffering Bastard. And that’s the way it should be.

Ingredients:

1 oz bourbon
1 oz London dry gin
½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitter
Ginger beer
Mint sprig to garnish

Method:

Add the bourbon, gin, lime juice and bitters into a shaker with ice
Shake until well chilled (about 30 seconds)
Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice
Top up with ginger beer (or ginger ale)
Garnish with a sprig of mint

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

31 May 2021

Ice, ice baby! It’s crystal clear…

by firebug | posted in: Gin and Juniper | 0

We all know that it’s always been about the gin. But recently, it has also become more about the tonic with the explosion of artisan and flavoured tonic water brands that are currently riding the crest of the craft gin wave. And now, there’s the third part of gin and tonic’s Holy Trinity: ice cubes.

Welcome to the wonderful world of ice.

Getting the ice right

As gin drinkers, we tend to focus more on the first two ingredients. But look beyond your gin and your tonic. Your ice decisions can have big consequences for the taste of your G&Ts. The ice you choose can even impact the way your drink looks. Old ice can add a stale, rank taste that may ruin an otherwise perfect G&T.
Ice made from tap water doesn’t taste as good as ice made from mineral water. Small cubes don’t cool your drink as quickly as large cubes and cubes that dilute too quickly can radically alter the taste and character of your drink.

Plastic is a waste

For most of us, the problem with ice is that we’re looking to keep our drink extra cold, but none of us like the ice diluting our gin. Some people try to rectify this with “ice stones” or frozen plastic ice cubes. But for me, all I can taste is the plastic.

The science

For those who think less ice will avoid dilution, we have news for you – the more ice you put in your drink, the colder it becomes and the less it dilutes. The basic laws of thermodynamics tell us that the more ice you have in your glass, the slower it will melt. So, if you drink your G&Ts at a normal speed, your ice should still be intact and cooling right down to the very last drop.

Mythbusting

We thought we’d help you through the minefield that is ice by busting some myths, offering some easy tips and opening the door on ice – one of the most important elements of a good G&T.
Here are a few bartender’s secrets to ensure your drinks stay cold right to the very last drop. These handy ice tips will help your drink by retaining (and in some cases even enhancing) the flavour of your G&T.
So, read on as we reveal the secrets of ice.

Big cubes vs small cubes

The perennial debate rages over what size your ice cubes should be. So, here’s the thing. Science tells us that one large ice cube reduces the temperature of your drink more slowly than several small ice cubes. This is important, because the large ice cube exposes less of its surface area to the drink than lots of small, individual ice cubes. The result is that the slower melting larger ice cube will take longer to dilute. This means that your drink will retain its flavour and won’t be watered down so quickly by the melting ice within.

Round cubes vs square cubes

People often ask why professional bartenders prefer large round ice cubes to small, square ones. And here, as in the previous answer, we turn to science.
Basically, round ice cubes expose less of their surface area to the liquid (for the same amount of volume) than a cube of ice. This reduced exposure means that the sphere of ice melts more slowly. The result is a cocktail that cools down fast and melts slowly. That’s why round ice cubes allow you to sip your drink in a more leisurely fashion, enjoying its undiluted flavour for longer.

Of course, spherical ice cube trays are a little harder to find, but there are plenty available in bartender’s shops and retailers as well as via Amazon. We say, get the largest spherical mold you can find. And for best results, use natural spring water for a clean taste and a naturally cool look in your glass. Couldn’t be easier, really.

Fruity ice cubes

Now, here’s a really simple way to jazz up your drinks – fruity ice cubes. In fact, nothing could be easier. These work particularly well when the fruit is placed in oversized cubes, but it all depends on the fruit. This weekend, I added a few frozen blackberries to my large, square ice cube mold. Within a few minutes, the blackberry had started to change the colour of the ice from clear to a vibrant red. Within an hour, I had a beautiful, giant ice cube forming in a beautiful shade of berry red. Once I’d popped it into my G&T, it floated in the liquid with the raspberries encased delicately behind a wall of ice. But as the ice slowly melted, the fruit flavour gently seeped into my G&T infusing it with a “fruits of the forest” taste that added real character to an ordinary gin.

You can do this with any fruit that fits inside your ice mold. I’ve tried it with blackberries, a strawberry, a lemon wedge and zest of lime. Also added a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice into the mix for a little citrus hit when the cubes start melting. The last one I tried was adding pink peppercorns for a little spice and even juniper berries and cardamom pods. You are only limited by your imagination. This is a really simple way to pimp your G&T.

Tonic water ice cubes

For those who complain about that feeling when their ice is watering down their cocktail, there is a better way. As mentioned previously, if you really want to stop your gin from being watered down unnecessarily, the bigger the cube you can put in your drink, the better. The larger the cube, the less melting. But if you really want to remove all risk, try making your ice cubes with tonic water. All you have to do is swap the water for your favourite Indian tonic water. That way, no matter how quickly it melts, it won’t dilute the taste and there will be no sense of flavour loss as the tonic water in the ice blends seamlessly with the mixer itself.

But, why limit yourself to tonic water?
You can add any mixer you prefer, from bitter lemon to ginger beer and from elderflower cordial to ginger beer. As long as your ice flavour matches your mixer, then G&Ts with a diluted taste will be a thing of the past. .

Smokey ice cubes

We revealed this tip recently in our “Bartender’s Hacks” downloadable pdf, which contains a collection of great tips for aspiring bartenders. One of them is smokey ice cubes.

There are several ways of doing this, some of which include complicated steps such as lighting a fire and capturing smoke under glass. We have a much simpler approach. All you really have to do is to pop down to your local supermarket or amazon and buy a small bottle of liquid smoke. Simply add a couple of drops to the water you use to make your cubes and let it freeze.
The result is an ice cube that slowly diffuses its flavours into your favourite gin cocktail adding a complex smokiness that works just as beautifully in a Smokey Martini as it does in a traditional Negroni.

Clear ice cubes

We’ve all seen those ice cubes. The ones that look cloudy – and sometimes taste just a little bit strange. The ones with cracks in the middle or unidentified objects floating in the centre. These are bad ice cubes.

So, here are a few little tips to make your ice cubes look crystal clear and to impart a glassy clarity to your favourite drinks.
The problem is that often the water used to make your ice has been frozen from the outside in. This pushes bubbles to the centre of the cube while the crystallisation process takes place. One of the key reasons for cloudy ice cubes is the speed at which they set. As a general rule of thumb the slower they freeze, the clearer the ice will be. Just think of an icicle dripping off a snowy roof. It’s the same process.
So, to get this effect at home, simply place a small, insulated cooler inside your freezer. Anything inside the cooler will freeze more slowly, allowing the air bubbles to escape before getting trapped inside the ice. It’s really simple.

Place your cooler box inside your freezer.
Line up some plastic ice cube trays inside the bottom and leave the cooler uncovered.
Fill the trays with water (bottled, distilled or boiled water works best).
Fill the bottom of your cooler with water (filling in around the ice tray). This will seal off your ice cubes and stop cold air from freezing the sides.
Leave the cooler (with lid off) for 24 hours.
Remove the cooler and take out the full block of ice containing the frozen ice molds.
Chip away around the edges and remove your ice cubes.
Leave them out for a minute to let the cloudy water melt off, then quickly drop them into your drink.

Hey, presto – glacier like ice cubes for the perfect cocktail!

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

20 May 2021

Barrel-aged gin cocktails: our guilty pleasure?

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Cocktails, Gin and Juniper | 0

There are some gins that tick all the boxes on paper, but when it comes down to the perfect serve, it can be hard to know how to get the best from your gin.
Last week, we took a look at barrel-aged gins. We focused on the history and process of making these delicious gins. So this week, we’re looping back to share some perfect cocktail blends that are bound to get the best out of your barrel-aged gins.

Roll out the barrel

The Scots got the ball rolling by ageing their gins in leftover whiskey barrels. There are plenty of those lying around Scotland. Then America took up the baton, ageing gins in old bourbon and rye whisky casks. But anywhere there are innovative distillers, there are bound to be barrel-aged gins somewhere nearby. Last week, we suggested 5 barrel-aged gins that are worth adding to your wish list. But what’s the best way to drink these beauties, if sipping neat gin isn’t your thing?

Subtle and smoky

Well, we thought we’d help by suggesting a few delicious barrel-aged gin cocktails that will help you to get the very best out of your gin. Barrel-aged gin combines the subtle botanicals of gin with the smooth smokiness of a whisky, which all sounds great on paper, but how are you supposed to drink it?
In the last decade or so, these hybrid gins are slowly and steadily building a reputation. But they’re not for everyone.

The early days

One of the early pioneers was the French gin company Citadelle, who launched their Reserve gin way back in 2008. Since then, many other players have followed in their footsteps, with up to 100 varieties available in the market as we speak.
Some of them are scooping up big awards and they’ve become quite a talking point in the industry. But the public are confused. Some people are fooled by the light gold colour and expect it to taste like whiskey (which is understandable). Others assume it must be an Old Tom gin. But in reality, barrel-aged gins are not a new thing. In fact, Genever (the world’s original gin) was made and transported in a barrel of malt liquor to give it a unique characteristic.

The great experiment

These days, it’s all about experimentation, with distilleries trialing new varieties of wood, new barrels and new techniques to get the very best out of the gin. And some of the snobbery of only drinking barrel-aged gins “on the rocks” is also disappearing as drinkers increasingly understand the infinite variety and complexity that these gins possess. Some people claim that their gins are a perfect substitute for cocktails that would normally require a bourbon or whisky base, such as an Old Fashioned (particularly useful in the summer months when you want something a bit lighter or more refreshing). Others prefer lighter gins to add depth to the more subtle flavours of a Bee’s Knees or an Aviation.

It’s a rum thing…

Stronger flavoured barrel gins also work particularly well as a substitute for rum. Think rum cocktails, Mai Tai’s and even traditional rum drinks such as a Dark and Stormy. The depth of flavour of barrel-aged gins works well with the spicy and ginger notes that favour rum and it can be a real delight to drink. But these gins are made for drinking neat or adding complexity to cocktails. They don’t work so well in a standard G&T. So, after last week’s suggestions of some great barrel-aged gins to get into your collection, here are some great cocktail recipes to help you mix things up a little.

You’re welcome!

3 (easy) barrel-aged gin cocktails to make your spirits soar

The New Fashioned

2 oz Citadelle Reserve gin
0.75 oz of simple syrup (infused with orange, lemon and rosemary)
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
A sprig of Rosemary for garnish

Stir the gin, simple syrup and bitters over ice
Serve over ice in a rocks glass
Garnish with a rosemary sprig

Classic Tom Old Fashioned

2 oz New Riff barrel-aged gin
0.5 teaspoon of Demerera syrup
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
Lemon or orange twist (for garnish)

Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass
Add ice and strain over ice into old fashioned glass
Squeeze citrus twists into drink and garnish

Over a barrel (cask-aged gin cocktail)

1.5 oz barrel-aged Big Gin
0.5 oz of maple syrup
0.3 oz sherry
2 dashes orange bitters
1 dash aromatic bitters
Ice
Blood Orange wheels (for garnish)

In a cocktail shaker, stir the gin, maple syrup, sherry and bitters with plenty of ice
Pour into an ice filled glass
Garnish with orange wheels and serve

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

15 Apr 2021

Gin Smoothie: healthy, delicious and fun

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Cocktails, Gin and Juniper | 0

Sometimes, people think of gin as an unhealthy drink. Images of drunkards on Gin Lane, a speculative association with depression, unfortunate nicknames like “Mother’s Ruin”. None of these things really represent the truth. Gin is no worse for you than any other spirit – and in some ways it’s better! So, like any drink that is taken too much and too often, moderation is always the best policy. However, it’s worth noting a few things for the record. Gin doesn’t make you cry or feel depressed. In fact, it is one of the healthiest booze choices out there. For those looking to count their calories, it’s worth noting that gin is one of the least calorific of all the major spirit categories. Weighing in at under 100 calories per shot, you can pair it with a zero calorie tonic water and have a decent drink without worrying about putting on the pounds. Plus, with the addition of some fruit garnishes, it even starts to look healthy!

Guilt-free drinking…

So we thought we’d find a recipe that we can all enjoy – healthy, boozy and delicious. Welcome to the Barcelona Gin Smoothie.

This fruity, healthy little number is a simple blend of strawberries, lime juice, diet tonic water and…more strawberries!
Basically, it has all the ingredients required for guilt-free drinking and it’s delicious at any time of day. So, let’s take a look at how easy this gin smoothie is to prepare.
Here we go – an easy to prepare, delicious and healthy way to mix your gin (and get a little fruity goodness at the same time).
Enjoy!

Gin smoothie recipe

Ingredients:

30 ml gin
80g fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2 lime (juiced)
200 ml low calorie tonic water
More frozen strawberries (for garnish)
Ice

Method:

Mix gin, frozen strawberries and lime in a blender
Mix until smooth
Add ice cubes and some frozen strawberries to your favourite glass
Slowly pour in the fruity mixture, leaving space at the top
Add tonic water to top up
Sit back and sip smugly…

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

9 Apr 2021

Gin Sangria: the best of both worlds

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Cocktails, Gin and Juniper | 0

Some people think it’s impossible to have the best of both worlds. At Barcelona Gin, we respectfully disagree. Barcelona and London. Gin and tonic. Sun and sea…
But there’s a magical combination that combines all of these things in one delicious, refreshing jug of summer loving. For most people, Sangria is a drink mostly tasted on holiday in Spain. From Malaga to Madrid and from Barcelona to the Balearics, Sangria has become a tourist favourite.
Easy to drink and easy to get drunk on, for some people it’s the perfect holiday cooler. The trouble is that most tourists get to drink the tourist version. It’s fine, but the locals spin their Sangria any number of different ways.

Good, old fashioned bloodletting…

Sangria is a traditional alcoholic drink that originated in the Iberian peninsula and that remains popular across both Spain and Portugal. In fact, only those two countries are officially entitled to use the name Sangria, so make sure you’re trying the real stuff.
And here’s an interesting fact – the word Sangria literally means “bloodletting” and it began to be popular as early as the 18th century.

Punch and Sangria – cousins, separated at birth

It generally belongs in the punch family of drinks and is most often served in a large jug, filled with red (or white) wine, chopped fruit and ice.
But often, other ingredients make an appearance including spirits. In fact, there are any number of variations of this delicious drink across Spain. It’s traditionally made with Rioja red wine. But it can also be made with white wine or cava.
Fruit is generally added to the mix depending on seasonality and region. Peaches, nectarines, apples and pears are common ingredients, but you’re only limited by your imagination.
In recent years, Sangria from white wine is becoming increasingly popular. And for those looking to add a bit of strength to their mixture, feel free to add a splash of brandy or a fruit liqueur.

The gin is in!

And this is where our good friend gin enters the scene. As usual, while we fully respect the tradition of a Sangria (and we know we might be breaking some of the rules), we think gin is the missing ingredient. It is the thing that links Spain and London. It makes regular appearances in old fashioned punches and it can add a little boost to the spirits. This is a drink that truly bridges both worlds.

So, here’s a cheeky Gin Sangria recipe that is really easy to make and that makes use of a little gin to pep up this traditional Spanish drink.

Gin Sangria recipe

Ingredients:

2 bottles dry Spanish red wine
6 oz gin (Gin Mare or Gin Xoriger Mahon)
3 tablespoons of sugar
4 oranges (3 juiced, 1 whole)
2 limes (1 juiced, 1 whole)
4 lemons (3 juiced, 1 whole)
Ice
24 oz guarana soda

Method:

Combine the wine, gin, sugar and the juice from the 3 oranges, 3 lemons and one lime
Slice the remaining orange, lemon and lime and add them to the pitcher as well
Stir the pitcher and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator
Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice and top up with guarana soda
Sit back and drink.

Salud!

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

1 Apr 2021

Mini-Egg Martini – the perfect Easter cocktail!

by firebug | posted in: Cocktails, Gin and Juniper | 0

There’s a little debate going on now in gin circles. With all the flavoured gins out there, when does it become too much? For the purists, the very idea of a strawberry-flavoured gin send shivers down the spine. On the other hand, the advent of flavoured gins has opened the door to millions of gin lovers who might have been initially put off by the bitterness of a G&T. The debate will rage forever, but from our perspective, a good gin is simply the one you like. There are plenty of gins and different gin cocktails out there for everyone.
What about an easter cocktail?

From Hot Cross Buns….

This Easter, we thought we’d combine a few of our favourite Easter treats to create the perfect Easter cocktail worthy of celebrating the sunnier days ahead.

Obviously, Easter has many traditions – and they differ from country to country.
Living in Barcelona, I’ll be missing hot cross buns, the traditional soft, spiced buns that are served in the UK in the run up to Easter.
Amazingly, there are even “hot cross bun” available in the UK right now – which may be a step too far, even for us.

…to milk and cinnamon-soaked Torrijas!

In Spain, they’ve never heard of a Hot Cross bun. Instead, they’ll spend Semana Santa chewing on milk and cinnamon-soaked Torrijas, a sweet Easter treat prepared throughout Spain at this special time of year.
There are lots of different variations of this dish (with honey, sweet wine…), depending on what part of Spain you’re in. They’re sort of like a bite-sized version of what Americans call “French toast”. And they’re delicious.
Unfortunately, as far as I’m aware, there are no gin derivatives of Torrijas yet. But who knows, maybe there’s a niche.

Eggs are everywhere…

One Easter treat that does appear everywhere seems to be the chocolate Easter egg. There’s something about chocolate and Easter that go together easily. And while I can’t get some of my traditional English Easter favourites easily here in Barcelona, I can find clever ways of creating those same flavours with some gin and some local ingredients. That’s why we thought we’d brighten up your Easter weekend with a special Easter gin cocktail.

We call it the Mini Egg Martini – and it’s delicious.

So, without further ado, here is a simple recipe to put you in good spirits for the holiday weekend. It’s really easy to make, really easy to drink and makes a lovely, boozy complement to all the other chocolate goodness of the weekend.

Easter cocktail recipe: Mini Egg Martini

Ingredients:

25g Cadbury’s mini eggs (or your preferred brand of mini chocolate eggs)
1 tsp honey
25 ml creme de cacao
25 ml Bailey’s Irish Cream
50 ml Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin
Ice

Method:

Crush the mini eggs in a pestle and mortar, then tip onto a small plate
Brush the rim of a Martini glass with a little of the honey, using a pastry brush
Dip the glass into the crushed mini-eggs to stick them on to the rim
Place the glass in the fridge until required
Pour the creme de cacao, Baileys and gin into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice
Shake until the outside of the shaker feels ice cold
Strain into your Martini glass and serve

Happy Easter, everyone!

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

22 Feb 2021

The Ginger Tom: a spicy twist on a cocktail classic

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Cocktails, Gin and Juniper | 0

Here’s a fabulous cocktail recipe based on one of the most famous gin drinks of all time. Introducing the Ginger Tom. But before we share the recipe, we thought it would be a good idea to check out the heritage and history of this delicious drink.

The Cat’s Whiskers

The Ginger Tom is one of a family of gin cocktails that have all derived from a common source: the Tom Collins.
The original Tom Collins drink actually started its life as a John Collins. Apparently, John was a waiter at the infamous Limmer’s Old House in London’s Mayfair. The drink itself dates back as far as 1876, when it was first served by John in its original format.
The original classic began as a simple recipe that combined gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and soda water. Served in a tall glass (now known as a Collins glass) it was traditionally topped off with a maraschino cherry.
Since those early days, more than 18 variations on the Collins theme have evolved as tastes and ingredients changed over the years. But the original Tom Collins remains one of the all time classics.

The Ginger Tom

With all that choice available, it’s always hard to pick a favourite family member, but the Ginger Tom stands out.
It was adapted in 2003 from a standard Tom Collins recipe by legendary bartender, Jamie Terrell from Lab, London.
Since then it has become the stuff of gin legend! It’s full of fiery warmth and citrus sweetness. And the good news is that it’s really easy to make at home using common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
So, what’s in this delicious drink? Let’s take a look.

The Ginger Tom cocktail recipe

What do I need?

The first thing you need to do is to find a Collins glass (although any tall, skinny glass will do!) Then get your hands on some sliced root ginger and choose your gin (we recommend an Old Tom, of course!) The only other things you’ll need are simple syrup, lime juice and some freshly opened soda water. Sparkling mineral water will work just as well.
Here’s how easy it is to make this gorgeous drink:

Ingredients:

Two slices of root ginger
2 shots of Old Tom gin (or your preferred choice)
1 shot of freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 shot of rich simple syrup (2 sugar:1 water)
Soda water

Method:

Muddle the ginger in the base of a cocktail shaker
Add two shots of gin
Squeeze in fresh lime juice
Add two shots of simple syrup
Shake with ice and “fine strain” into a Collins glass
Top up with a premium soda water
Garnish it with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail stick
Sit back and raise a glass to Tom, John and Jamie for creating this divine concoction

Sometimes the sequel can be even better than the original!

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

25 Jan 2021

Dux Bar: Barcelona’s hidden gem

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Gin and Juniper, Gin bar reviews | 0

Down a narrow, twisted alley in Barcelona’s ancient and atmospheric El Born barrio, lies a little bar dedicated to all things gin. It’s hard to find if you don’t know where you’re going, but it’s well worth the effort once you find it. In the city that reinvented gin for the 21st century, Dux Bar was a pioneer. It was among the first cocktail bars to recognise the gin revolution that was coming.

All the best secrets are hard to find

Walk through the dark ancient streets of the old town and soak up the atmosphere before opening the doors to this vibrant little bar. They still take their gin here as seriously now as they did the first day they opened their doors. The atmosphere is convivial. Somewhere between the coziness of a pub and the cool buzz of a stylish cocktail bar. This place has got the balance just right.

Gins, cocktails (and much, much more…)

In addition to the wide selection of gins available behind the bar, they serve up signature cocktails with care and attention. Dux Bar even makes its own infused gins that can’t be found anywhere else. This is a classy place with classic gin drinks made to order with unusual creativity and flair. And if you’re not in the mood for gin then they have the standard range of inferior spirits available. They also have a decent selection of cold beers on tap.

Get in the swing – music to drink gin with

The other thing they’ve made a name for is their live music. More often than not, wander into this bar and relax to the sound of cool jazz. Or on another night, you might find a local DJ providing a relaxing and fun soundtrack to a memorable evening. This is a proper hidden gem and it’s hard-to-find location means that it is not over run with tourists in the way that some bars in the neighbouring Barrio Gotico can be.

Style, flair and imagination

This is a grown up place and the bartenders know their stuff.
Drinks are made with a certain style and flair that is common to Barcelona’s best bars. We think they are some of the very best cocktails in a town that’s already well known for its cocktails.
The vibe is nice, the crowd is fun and the cocktails are every bit as creative as the mixologists they employ.
The menu contains an entire page of infused gin and every drink is layered with several depths of hidden flavours and unexpected surprises such as gin cocktails infused with smoke, prepared at your table by Angel, the talented bartender and showman who runs the bar.

The decor is equally eclectic with everything from a working piano (for those impromptu jazz moments) to a beautiful collection of lead soldiers in an illuminated case. There’s even a welcoming fireplace complete with framed paintings of cartoon dogs. Another unique touch from this classy bar is that in addition to infusing their own gins, they offer personalised “gin boxes” and bespoke “gin packs”. These make ideal presents for your gin loving friends.

Classy (but affordable)

G&T lovers will be pleased to know that prices are in the 8-14 euro range, so there’s something for everyone. Given current restrictions, we’re not exactly sure what their opening hours are right now. But we definitely think this is one to put on your list for when things finally return to normal. We think it will be well worth the wait!

Saludos!

Dux Bar, C. dels Vigatans, 13, 08003, Barcelona, Spain

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued

21 Jan 2021

NUT gin: the clue is in the name!

by Steve O'Brien | posted in: Gin and Juniper, Gin reviews | 0

We stumbled across a lovely little gin the other day. It’s from right here in Catalunya and frankly it was too good for us not to share.

Go nuts!

Introducing NUT gin, craft-distilled in the Emporda region of Catalunya nestled between the rugged drama of the Pyrenean mountains and the cooling breezes of the Mediterranean coast. This is an area that is sure to inspire you with its natural beauty. The guys at NUT have created a unique gin in the traditional London Dry style and have infused it with a special blend of locally grown fruits, flowers, herbs and Mediterranean spices. The result is a distinctive tasting gin that really stands out from the crowd. At 45% ABV, NUT gin doesn’t hold back on the alcohol, yet it still delivers a smooth tasting, unusual and delicious gin with a long, smooth orange finish.

Inspired by rugged beauty and local botanicals

Like most Catalans, the team at NUT have a deep respect for beauty and nature. The rich, productive soils here allow flora and fauna to both survive and thrive. So, what is it that makes this London Dry style gin so special?

Only the best ingredients

They only use the best base alcohol, distilled four times. They then infuse it with a delightful combination of locally sourced botanicals, which they macerate for a minimum of 24 hours. These include the required juniper, but also 12 others including coriander, cardamom, angelica root, lemon peel, orange peel, rosemary, thyme, olive leaves and licorice. Then it gets interesting. They’ve added some local ingredients that are not often found in gin and which give it a unique character. The clue is in the name. In a stroke of genius, the guys at NUT have added walnuts and bitter almonds.

Complex, smooth and just a little bit nutty…

So, what does this unusual gin actually taste of? Well, the first impressions on the nose are that it has an elegant intensity. There are strong notes of citrus (in a nod towards its Mediterranean origins). There is also a noticeable herbaceous element. This brings out the best of all the other spices just waiting to be released into your mouth. And finally, there is a smooth, long finish to this gin where you should pick up traces of orange peels for a bittersweet ending.

Good enough to drink alone

All in all this is a great value treat, delivering confidently on all its promises. In fact, this gin is so good that it actually tastes rather nice all on its own. Just pour a measure into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and add a twist of orange peel. And if you’d like even more Mediterranean adventure in your drink, simply swap the orange peel for a sprig of burned rosemary. You could even a little fig for added sweetness.

However, drinking gin neat is not necessarily to everyone’s taste. You’ll be relieved to know that this gin is outstanding in a Mediterranean style G&T and is a great gin if you’re looking to give your cocktails a unique twist.

The perfect pour

This is a Mediterranean gin and we think it should be served in the Mediterranean style. Take a large copa glass and fill it to the top with big ice cubes (the bigger, the better!) Pour in a decent slug of gin (you decide what that means!) Fill it up to the top with a high quality Indian tonic water such as 1724 or a subtly flavoured premium tonic such as Fevertree Mediterranenan. Add a garnish such as a cinammon stick or a fresh orange wedge to bring out the best of the botanicals. You could even add a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling really adventurous. Your reward will be a distinctive gin, packed with intense Mediterranean flavours. Take that first sip and prepare to be instantly whisked away to the beautiful heart of Catalunya.

Saludos!

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)

Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook community page to join in the gin discussion.

RECENT POSTS

5 “go to” classic gins you can rely onJuly 21, 2021
In this new world of 1000 gins, sometimes too much choice can be your enemy. We all know about the recent explosion of craft gins and often they can be quite expensive. So, it’s good to have a handful of “old faithfuls” classic gins that you know you can rely on for a good, standard … Continued
Gin Gazpacho: for when the heat is on!July 15, 2021
When the heat is on and you just want something light, healthy and easy for lunch you could do worse than reach for a chilled bowl of home made Gazpacho soup. But we started thinking about making this traditional Spanish summer soup with the help of a little gin, so we began looking for recipes … Continued
Home-made Pimms – put a little sunshine in your lifeJuly 7, 2021
We’re now well and truly into summer and the social season lies ahead of us. In the UK we have three of the most social events of the year coming up including Wimbledon this week (where people watch tennis and drink Pimms); the Henley Royal Regatta (where boaters in straw hats row, while people drink … Continued
Small bottle, big label: the story behind Angostura bittersJune 30, 2021
We recently published a little article about gin and bitters (including Angostura) – a pairing almost as old as gin itself. As cocktails become more daring and our tastes become more and more exotic, we are constantly searching for new twists and flavours to make sure we get the very best out of our drinks. … Continued