‘Tis the season for gin, but if you’re not a fan of the spirit, you’ve probably only tried inexpensive versions that have an overwhelming, medicinal juniper flavor. With plenty of palatable brands on the market (Hendrick’s, Plymouth, Martin Miller’s, Bulldog, New Amsterdam, and G’Vine are a few), and a resurgence in popularity with old-school gin cocktails, gin is in, baby. Although the gin and tonic is a classic summer drink, its simplicity makes it a little, well, boring. Try one of these refreshing gin concoctions, and in no time you’ll be laid back, with your mind on your money and your money on your mind.
2 oz. gin
2 oz. citrus juice mix
squirt of agave nectar/simple syrup
pinch of sea salt
tonic water
Vigorously shake gin, citrus juice, agave, and sea salt with ice, strain into curved tumbler glass filled with fresh ice, finish with tonic water, and garnish with shaved grapefruit skin or citrus marmalade.
Citrus juice mix: ¾ quart (25 oz.) grapefruit juice, 3 oz. lemon juice, 3 oz. lime juice, and 3 oz. orange juice.
1 part Plymouth gin
2 1/2 parts St. Germain elderflower liqueur
dash orange bitters
grapefruit twist
Combine gin, St. Germain, and bitters with ice in a cocktail shaker and stir until condensation forms on the shaker. Strain over ice into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with grapefruit twist.
1 1/2 oz. Plymouth gin
3/4 oz. apricot eau-de-vie
3/4 oz. Martini Bianco vermouth
2 dashes orange bitters
1 lemon twist
Fill a pint glass with ice. Add the gin, eau-de-vie, vermouth and bitters and stir well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with the lemon twist.
