By michael vivar
Gin is a spirit distilled from juniper berries. The term, "berry," is a misnomer. The seed conveyance may appear fruit-like. It's botanically more related to a pinecone.
People did what they've always done when discovering new flora. In the 13th Century, monks across Europe produced medicinal and intoxicating tonic from juniper. To this day, home vintners make juniper wine.
Gin's origin is unknown, but it's first referenced by English dramatist, Philip Massinger around 1623 in his play, The Duke of Milan.
Current varieties of gin are infused with combinations of herbs and flowers. Its unique arboreal tang makes it a favored base for many cocktails. Try one of these six drinks made with gin.
Combine 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce orange simple syrup and 1 ounce heavy cream in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass. Top with club soda. Add 1 egg white. Stir quickly until the egg white froths.
Combine 2 ounces gin, 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice, 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur and 1/4 ounce creme de violette in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Swirl gently. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with luxardo cherry.
Pour 1 1/2 ounces gin in an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off with tonic water. Garnish with as many lime wedges as desired.
Combine 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, 2 ounces Lillet, 1 ounce gin, 1/2 ounce St. Germain and 3 dashes lemon bitters in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass.
Combine 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce Campari, 1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice, 1/2 ounce lemon juice and 1/2 ounce simple syrup in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Stir gently. Strain into a Collins glass. Top with club soda.
Rinse a coupe glass with a dash of absinthe. Combine 3/4 ounce gin, 3/4 ounce Lillet, 3/4 ounce triple sec and 3/4 ounce lemon juice in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Stir gently. Strain into absinthe-rinsed coupe. Garnish with lemon twist.
"Red meat and gin." – Julia Child, when asked for the secret to living a long life.
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