Gin with Tonic and Lemon, a simple summertime cocktail

How do you drink Gin?

While I will always be a “bourbon” girl, I occasionally do like to switch it up–especially in the summer months. Gin is a natural for this time of year. It’s light. It’s refreshing. It’s also very versatile.

The gin and tonic is one of my all-time favorites. It’s also one of Steve’s favorite cocktails. It’s simple to make using only two ingredients. Yep, you guessed it! Gin and tonic. But there are decisions to be made. Which gin? Which tonic? Believe me, there are choices.

My favorite tonic waters include Betty Buzz, Fever-Tree, Q Spectacular, and a classic from Whole Foods, 365 Tonic Water. But really any quality tonic water will do, and for those of you watching calories or carbohydrates, several sugar-free tonic water varieties are good, too.

There are all different sorts of gins, too. Gin, like vodka, can be made from any base material but the flavors and botanicals used in gin affects the taste and it can vary from label to label. Some have distinctive juniper flavors, others are more sweet, some are very dry, some brands are definitely smoother than others, and, just like bourbon, the flavor is affected by what it is stored in. Some gins, just like wine, are more oaky than others. We prefer Castle and Key Gin , a Kentucky Distillery that also makes amazing bourbon.

There is also the whole “controversy” regarding gin martinis–and I am not going there. For many, all martinis are made with gin and the ones made with vodka are for amateurs. Old school martini enthusiasts would never dream of having a martini made with anything else than gin.

But there are a bunch of cocktails that feature gin other than a G & T or a martini.

A popular cocktail using gin is the Classic French 75. It is truly one of the most refreshing drinks that is not only delicious but also very lovely to look at as well. It calls for just a few ingredients that most home bars have on hand. Gin, of course, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and champagne. The dramatic long lemon spiral in the champagne flute almost steals the show–but not quite!

Negronis are also very popular–especially when the weather gets warmer. This Italian favorite could not be easier to make. It’s a 1:1:1 ratio of gin, red vermouth, and Campari. Top it off with an orange slice and there you have it! They are so refreshing and definitely not too sweet. There are also some pretty spectacular Negroni varieties including the Sour Cherry Negroni, the White Negroni, and the Chocolate Negroni. I, for one, cannot wait to start experimenting with these recipes.

For the classic cocktail enthusiast, don’t forget about Tom Collins. That name conjures up so many memories from my parent’s cocktail parties many, many years ago. This was the “it” cocktail back in the day and its making a comeback. They are oh so simple to make and taste a bit like an “adult” lemonade. It is garnished with a fresh lemon slice and it looks just like a lemonade. It’s made with a dry gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. This drink requires a shaker and it’s served over plenty of ice in a glass named after it–everyone has seen one but maybe just didn’t know it was called a Tom Collins glass.

Doing my research I even stumbled across a Gin-Campari Old Fashioned. You know I will be giving this a try. The recipe “kind of” sounds similar. You muddle lemon zest with simple syrup, Campari, orange bitters, and sea salt. Add a botanical gin (I love The Botanist) and a few ice cubes. Stir until well chilled. Adding more ice is always an option and serve right away. (As if anyone would wait long!)

Gin is very versatile and can be mixed with just about anything for a quick cocktail: lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and a friend of mine loves Gin and Fresca during the heat of the summer.

I think a summer cookout featuring a variety of gin-based drinks, especially that Gin Old-Fashioned, sounds like a good reason to invite some friends over. I’m making up the guest list now.

Cheers!

MK

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