Gin is the new Vodka. Seven Gin-tails to try this year.

Gin Festivals, dedicated Bars, Gin parties and even Gin Spas. This year and last year has seen another huge rise in the popularity of Gin, with the tipple overtaking Vodka for spirit popularity in the UK. With an increasingly diverse range of flavours and brands to choose from and with an array of traditional and modern cocktails using this as their base, it’s no surprise that this is becoming the drink of choice for the masses. Let’s take a look at some of the world-famous Gin-based cocktails, their history and essential ingredients for your shopping list. It is time to become Gin connoisseurs and wow everyone with our knowledge. Or alternatively, we can just all get drunk on the fruits of our labour.

Negroni

Created in Florence in the 20th Century, the Negroni is a classic drink made by bartenders the world over. Made using the easily remembered 1:1:1 ratio, the skill is all in the mixing. Stirred over a full glass of ice and garnished with orange, this the drink of sophistication and good taste.

• 25ml Gin
• 25ml Campari
• 25 ml Vermouth
• Ice
• Orange peel, twist or slice to garnish

Martini

Shaken, not stirred. Famous words from 007 himself; and ones which many a martini lover live by. But you can make yours however you want, the best way is still up for debate. Dirty, dry, perfect, wet, shaken or stirred. A perfect Martini uses 1 part Gin to 1 part Vermouth; but if you want your Martini a little wetter, add an extra splash of Vermouth and for a dryer version, mix your drink in favour of the Gin.

• Ice
• 25ml Gin
• 25ml Vermouth
• Lemon Peel

*We like our Martini’s a little bit dirty, so we add 1 tbsp of Olive brine and an olive.

Leave your Martini glass to chill in the freezer. Mix the Gin, Vermouth and Ice (and optional olive brine) in a cocktail shaker and then strain into your iced glass. Add a dash of lemon juice and an olive to garnish. Wallah! Dirty Martini.

Gin and Tonic

A classic drink, the Gin and Tonic, known better as a G&T. Served over ice in a high ball glass, the classic Gin and Tonic was once used to help fight off malaria. The Gin didn’t help with the malaria of course, but it did help sweeten the Tonic water and made it much easier to drink. Today this classic drink is even sweeter and drank for enjoyment rather than health. I do hear that tonic water is great for treating restless legs though… This is our classic recipe for the perfect G&T, but for a stronger drink, you can add an extra 25-50ml Gin for every 100ml of Tonic.

• 50ml Gin
• 100ml Indian Tonic
• Lime
• Ice

Pour the Gin over ice, followed by Tonic; and garnish with lime. So simple and yet, so, so enjoyable.

French 75

Rooted in the 1920’s, the French 75 or the 75 Cocktail is a Gin and Champagne based cocktail drink that has a bit of a bite. There is enough alcohol in this innocent looking drink that a couple of these will have us all nursing a hangover the next day. Best served ice cold, the champagne bubbles help bring out the tartness, creating a refreshing experience down to the last drop.

• 25ml Gin
• 50ml Champagne
• 10-15ml Lemon Juice
• Lemon
• Ice
• Splash of Simple Syrup

Add the Gin, Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker with the ice and mix well. Strain into a glass and pour over the Champagne. Garnish with a long twist of lemon peel and serve.

Gimlet

No one knows for sure how the Gimlet received it’s name. However it is thought that the drink refers to its powerful and penetrating abilities, similar to the Gimlet tool used to drill small holes in wood. Other’s believe that the drink is named after Sir Thomas Gimlette, a sailor doctor during the 19th Century; who used Gin to sweeten medicinal lime juice which was used to treat scurvy. The Gin helped the drink go down a little easier. No matter the name, this drink has a lot of zing and a refreshing, tart taste.

• 50ml Gin
• 25ml Lime Cordial
• Ice
• Lemon twist to garnish (optional)

Chill your Martini glass in the freezer. Shake the Gin, Lime and Ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into the ice cold glass. Serve alone or with a twist of lemon peel.

Pink lady

A tiny splash of grenadine is what gives this drink it’s namesake and deep pink colouring. Made popular during the prohibition of the 1920’s, the addition of grenadine was thought to cover up the taste of poorly produced illegal Gins, the aptly named bathtub Gins. One of the first ever so called ‘girls’ drinks, it’s colour made it undesirable to the menfolk. So this beautiful and rich drink became increasingly popular amongst women during the 1930’s; and a staple favourite amongst the elite of society.

• 50ml Gin
• 1 tbsp Grenadine
• 10ml Pasteurised Egg white
• 10ml Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• Garnish with cherry, raspberries, a lime peel twist or edible flowers (optional)

Shake all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled Cocktail glass. Garnish as required and serve.

Tom Collins

Served in a specific type of cocktail glass, the Collins Glass; this cocktail is simple, fizzy, refreshing and sweet. Named after a non-existent gentlemen called Tom collins and originating from the great Tom Collins hoax of 1874, the drink was first created in 1876 by bartender Jerry Thomas and published in his book, The Bartender’s Guide.

• 50ml Gin
• 25ml Lemon Juice
• 25ml Sugar Syrup
• 125ml Soda Water

Mix up the Gin, Lemon Juice and Sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice in a Collins Glass and top up with soda water.

Gin based recipes are super simple and the use of different Gins can be used to enhance the flavours. why not throw your own Gin Party and try a few other Gin-based cocktails.

For information on how to book and plan your own cocktail party, Gin-tail party or for any event enquiries and available dates and times, why not call us on 020 7833 4090 or email info@thechapelbar.co.uk Your party is our passion.