Gin and herbs is enjoying a resurgence of popularity these days. It seems that while many people enjoy gin, they don’t know much about it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re one of those who wants to learn more about this drink here are some facts about it.You may not think herbs make that big of a difference until you try food made without them!
Along with food, drinks are a major part of a culinary experience. You can take a good drink and level it up to delicious with the addition of herbs.
Fresh herbs can be used to make almost any drink better and they work wonders with spirits! This may be more true of gin than any other spirit because of the number of botanicals used to give gin its flavor. You will find that there are a few herbs that have the same compounds found in the juniper berries used to make gin which is one of the best ways to enjoy gin.
While gin is delicious on its own, sometimes you want to enhance the flavor with a little something extra. What you’re looking for is an herb or spice that will accentuate your drink’s already delightful taste, but not overpower it.
Mint is used for more than the Kentucky Derby’s Classic Mint Julep. You will find it in a Whiskey Smash, a Southside Cocktail, the Old Cuban Cocktail and, of course, the Classic Mojito. Mint is a very aromatic botanical, as are most that are paired with spirits. The flavor that mint brings to the table is sweet yet refreshing. Mint is often used along with fresh cut fruit as a garnish.
Sage is a plant that originates from the Mediterranean and is part of the mint family. It is a woody plant with grayish colored leaves. Sage is often used in cooking and baking but it is also great for drinks too because its peppery and savory flavor often enhances spirits like gin.
Lemon verbena is often used in drinks. As the name suggests it does impart a lemon flavor, but the flavor of lemon verbena differs from that of lemon as it is a little sweeter and brighter than lemon juice and brings with it a terrific herbaceous flavor.
The Moscow Mule is known for its incorporation of ginger, but ginger can actually be used in quite a few drinks. It deepens the taste of a drink and adds just a bit of warmth with a little kick of spice. Ginger is not only a fabulous compliment to gin but also to mezcal, whiskey, rum and vodka.
Basil is an incredibly aromatic herb and like sage is actually part of the mint family. The pretty green leaves of the plant make an outstanding garnish. Although its aroma is strong, the taste isn’t overpowering and is often used to brighten the flavors of a drink.
Thyme, like basil, is very aromatic while not producing an overwhelming taste. In fact, thyme has a somewhat subtle flavor. You will often find thyme paired with lemon in drinks.
Yet another member of the mint family, lavender is used for its sweet and floral notes. It also makes a beautiful garnish. It brings to life earthy botanicals often used in gin and is wonderfully refreshing in seasonal summer drinks.
No one makes a gin and tonic quite like The Winslow, that’s what we’re known for. If you’ve never paired fresh herbs with your gin this is something that you have to try!
No one makes a gin and tonic quite like The Winslow, that’s what we’re known for. If you’ve never paired fresh herbs with your gin this is something that you have to try! Interested in learning more about gin and herb cocktails? Read our article on five classic gin cocktails you can make at home.
Simply combine a measure of our London Dry Gin and chilled, premium tonic water, before adding your garnish of choice to complement the classic cocktail.LAVENDER. Lavender is so much more than your auntie’s preferred soap scent. … ROSEMARY. … CINNAMON STICKS. … PEPPERCORNS. … STAR ANISE. … TOMATOES. … LEMON THYME. … CHILLI.
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LAVENDER. Lavender is so much more than your auntie’s preferred soap scent. …
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ROSEMARY. …
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CINNAMON STICKS. …
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PEPPERCORNS. …
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STAR ANISE. …
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TOMATOES. …
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LEMON THYME. …
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CHILLI.
To see how successful the gin + tonic + herb formula might be I begged for some gins and went out into the garden to find five suitable adornments. The gins at the heart of the trials were the aforementioned No. 209, which I found quite a punchy juniper gin with some other interesting spicy and citrus notes, and Brooklyn Gin, which is the new ‘house favourite’ with a more pronounced citrus flavour, fruity juniper and summery floral aromas.
Mint and lavender both make excellent garnishes but we’re with the folk at 209 – rosemary makes the best
We’ve noticed a trend among press releases for new gins, and that’s to suggest herbal garnishes when serving with tonic. Take No. 209 Gin, for example, which suggested serving with “a spring of rosemary or a handful of blueberries” or Scapegrace which recommends “an orange wheel and a sprig of thyme”*
I’ve used rosemary as a garnish before and like what it offers. It’s less savoury than you might imagine and, when sniffed in unison with the gin botanicals, it seems to change characteristics, offering fresher peppery and herby notes that pair well with the juniper. A good choice.
I’ve had good beers that include sage to great effect, but have not seen it with many other boozes. The aroma took a while to fully develop, but when it did I thought of chicken stuffing. Not good.
No one makes a gin and tonic quite like The Winslow, that’s what we’re known for. If you’ve never paired fresh herbs with your gin this is something that you have to try! Interested in learning more about gin and herb cocktails? Read our article on five classic gin cocktails you can make at home.
While gin is delicious on its own, sometimes you want to enhance the flavor with a little something extra. What you’re looking for is an herb or spice that will accentuate your drink’s already delightful taste, but not overpower it.
Gin and herbs is enjoying a resurgence of popularity these days. It seems that while many people enjoy gin, they don’t know much about it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re one of those who wants to learn more about this drink here are some facts about it.You may not think herbs make that big of a difference until you try food made without them!
Along with food, drinks are a major part of a culinary experience. You can take a good drink and level it up to delicious with the addition of herbs.
The Moscow Mule is known for its incorporation of ginger, but ginger can actually be used in quite a few drinks. It deepens the taste of a drink and adds just a bit of warmth with a little kick of spice. Ginger is not only a fabulous compliment to gin but also to mezcal, whiskey, rum and vodka.
Uncovering the Best 3 Gins to Make You Fall In Love With Gin!
FAQ
What botanicals can I add to gin?
What are the 4 main botanicals in gin?
What are the best spices for gin?
What goes well with gin?
Opt for mild goat cheese or a creamy brie to balance the botanicals in the gin. For meats, the salty flavors of prosciutto or salami can be a hit. Seafood dishes and sushi The clean, crisp taste of gin and tonic pairs seamlessly with seafood. Try it with sushi rolls or a shrimp cocktail.
Does gin have antioxidants?
Juniper, one of the components of gin, has antioxidant properties, now to say that gin, which in addition to juniper has alcohol, is antioxidant is another matter. Although considered a digestive drink, it is necessary to be aware that it is still an alcoholic beverage, with an alcohol content between 37.5% and 50%, and we know the damage caused to health due to alcohol consumption.
Do herbs work with gin?
It’s the same with drinks! Fresh herbs work well with most spirits, but I think they work even better with gin, probably because plants and herbs (botanicals) are at the heart of how gin derives its flavour. Some herbs even contain the same organic compounds found in juniper berries.
What to drink with gin & Basil?
The Gin and Basil Smash is a winner at GQHQ, and so pretty, it must be good for you! You could also try it with Poor Tom’s gin and strawberries! Savoury and peppery, sage works in a number of gin cocktails. You could try it with cranberries here, but I opted for this beautiful understated Lady Sage cocktail, a delicious twist on a White Lady.