Knowing your main base liquors in cocktails – Gin – 1 of 6

There are six main base liquors you should be familiar with, and these are Gin, Rum, Brandy, Vodka, Tequila & Whiskey.

Gin is probably the most misunderstood of the major base spirits. Vodka, considered by some to be the best of all spirits couldn’t be any further from the truth. Here, gin is king of all the liquors. It has a strong profile – taste, aroma and a world of exotic profiles that differ from one gin to another depending on the herbs and spices used in it’s distillation. Gin is not your father’s drink anymore. Get familiar.

It’s widely believed that the English invented gin. No – the Dutch did. It was discovered in the 17th century by Franciscus de la Boe (aka Dr. Sylvius), a Dutch physician at the University of Holland. English soldiers returning from the 17th century war brought the drink back with them to England where it soon became the national drink.

007 gets his martinis with vodka – but martinis traditionally call for gin. Plus 007 likes his martinis shaken and not stirred – (also wrong, or right) but let’s save that debate for a later post, shall we?

There are two ways to make gin – the simplest and cheapest would be by adding juniper berries and botanicals (perhaps coriander seeds, cassia, cinnamon bark, ginger, lemon and orange zest) to a neutral spirit. This is more commonly referred to as bathtub gin – the name is self-explanatory. The proper way which is by adding juniper berries and botanicals to a neutral spirit and then re-distilling it. Even though all gins may look alike, no two are the same. What usually differs one gin from another are the botanicals and distillation methods used.

Some major brands openly disclose their botanicals, but not the ratios. Others guard their botanicals like the formula to Coke.

Gin is a superb mixer and blends well with citrus juices – lime, particularly lemon or orange.

Whatever gin you use in your cocktails should always be 40% ABV (alcohol by volume) or above – check the label on the bottle. Store in your freezer.

Some to try are:

• Gordons Gin- A well-balanced gin, subtle and light.
• Beefeater Gin- Smooth with a delicate, citrus edge.
• Bombay Sapphire Gin – Great flavour, exotic aromas. Somewhat spicy aftertaste.
• Plymouth Original Gin – Coriander and juniper dominate, intense fragrance but well-balanced.
• Tanqueray GIn – Strong, rich juniper and oil scent – a powerful base with a firm, dry finish.