Do they drink gin neat? What to drink gin with: the best ways. England doesn't drink the most gin

Gin is, first and foremost, a strong alcoholic drink. It is made by distillation with the addition of juniper and wheat alcohol. This gives this drink its characteristic taste. The taste of gin is dry, so it is very rarely consumed in its pure form. It must be distinguished, for example, from sloe gin or sweet liqueur, which is traditionally made from sloe berries that will then be infused with gin. The most common type of gin is London dry gin. This name is not a brand. This is how the distillation process was named. This type of gin is specially used for making cocktails. It should be remembered that in addition to juniper, citrus fruits (lemon or orange zest) are often added to this drink. Additives such as anise, orris, angelica root, coriander, cinnamon and cassia bark can also be used.

Gin came to us from Holland. It is considered a sophisticated drink, and today it is enjoyed all over the world. Even the most sophisticated gourmets can be captivated by the magical and soft taste of this alcoholic drink. However, you need to remember that gin is one of those drinks that needs to be drunk diluted with certain drinks. This is what allows you to feel its smell and aftertaste.

Rules for drinking gin

So, what do you drink gin with, and how to use it correctly?

• The first thing to remember is that gin works especially well as an ingredient in cocktails. At the same time, pure gin is considered a more masculine drink, since its alcohol content is 37%. Very often, due to its strength, you can hear its second name, namely “juniper vodka”.
• If you want to drink gin neat, it is best to add a few ice cubes and a slice of lemon or lime to the glass of gin. It is the smell of juniper that will go well with the smell of lemon. If you are wondering what you eat with gin, then you can eat it with the same lemon.
• The most popular cocktails are Martini, gin and tonic and also Vesper.

If you are confused about how to dilute gin, then we will present you with a list of drinks with what it goes best with:

• vermouth (you will get a martini);
• tonic - it can be either lemon Schweppes or Sprite (you will get gin and tonic);
• vodka (you will get a very strong Vesper cocktail) - this drink is most likely suitable for men;
• Gin goes well with any freshly squeezed citrus juice (you will get a cocktail that is not strong, but youthful and tasty);
• You can mix gin with any bitter (it can be either Campari or Angostura);
• With the same success, you can mix gin with any fruit or berry liqueur.

It is not at all necessary to follow standard proportions when preparing a cocktail with juniper vodka. For example, you can make the original gin and tonic using the following recipe: 1 part gin and 2 parts tonic. However, you can completely rely on your taste and use a different proportion that suits your taste.

The same can be said about other drinks that you will use with gin.

If you don’t know what to eat with gin, then most likely the most suitable would be a light snack that will whet your appetite. Green olives, lemon, lime and even hard cheese can go well with gin. This snack is suitable if you drink gin before a meal, but if this drink is consumed during lunch, you can combine it with meat or even fish dishes.

You also need to remember that gin should never be drunk in one gulp. Its taste should be enjoyed and drunk in small sips.

To weaken the characteristic burning taste, it is traditional to eat it with game, cheese, smoked meats or fish. In principle, almost any wine will go with gin, including fruit, it depends on your imagination and taste. Gin must be cooled very well before drinking.

In this form, gin is drunk from small straight glasses with a characteristic thick bottom. Gin-based cocktails are served in straight, tall glasses. It is advisable to cool the dishes before serving the gin. You can use special ice glasses; they are easy to make using special silicone molds for freezing ice.

Gin as a base for cocktails

It should be noted that gin is very rarely drunk as an independent drink. The mild aroma makes gin an excellent base for creating various cocktails. The most popular, without a doubt, is the Gin and Tonic cocktail. To prepare it, you need to pour one third of ice into a tall glass, add part gin and two parts tonic. It is customary to garnish the finished cocktail with a slice of lemon or lime.

“Fallen Angel” is an interesting cocktail, it is made from equal parts of gin, mint liqueur, herbal tincture and lime or lemon juice. This cocktail has a rich aroma and an interesting, multi-layered taste.

Another popular cocktail has the beautiful name “Elixir of Calm”. It is a mixture of part vermouth and five parts gin, and is usually served in characteristic wide glasses, garnished with green olives.

“Northern Lights” is a cocktail made from equal parts of vermouth, gin and Polar liqueur. It is traditionally served in wide, low glasses decorated with sugar frost.

“Apricot flower” is a cocktail preferred by ladies. To create it you will need equal parts of apricot liqueur and gin, a little lime juice, and tonic to taste. The ingredients (except for tonic) must be mixed in a shaker, adding ice, then strain into a tall glass and fill with tonic.

“Adam and Eve” is a bittersweet cocktail very popular in Europe. To create it you will need two parts each of honey liqueur and gin, part lemon juice, a few drops of pomegranate syrup, a cherry and a wedge of lime or lemon. All ingredients must be mixed in a shaker and strained into a glass. Traditionally, the fruit is skewered and placed on the rim of the glass.

“Screwdriver” is a cocktail that is made by both. It is enough to mix gin and juice, preferably citrus fruit, in equal proportions in a shaker.

“Moon River” is a soft but quite strong cocktail. To create it, you need to mix equal parts of gin, apricot brandy, Galiano and Cointreau liqueurs, as well as lemon juice in a shaker, then pour into cocktail glasses and garnish with lemon or cherry.

History of the drink

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This amazing alcohol was created by the Dutchman, professor of medicine Franciscus Silvius in the 17th century. The doctor’s task was to develop a medicine to stabilize digestion. To do this, the professor infused juniper berries on an alcohol basis. But the resulting infusion turned out to be so pleasant in taste that it surpassed the entire range of alcoholic drinks presented at that time.

The name “gin” is of French origin and comes from the word genievre, which translates as “juniper”. Some people call this alcohol “juniper vodka.”

The taste of real gin is much softer compared to classic vodka and it is too dry. Therefore, this drink is often diluted with mineral water (still). The strength of gin in degrees is determined above 37.5. This alcohol is also well known to traditional healers. On its basis, medicines are made to treat diseases and syndromes such as:

• cough;
• bronchitis;
• radiculitis;
• cold infections.

Using this alcohol, medicinal syrups with an expectorant effect, thermal and warming compresses are prepared. The assortment of juniper vodka is quite scarce. It is limited to only two varieties:

1. Dutch.
2. English (dry).

Dutch gin

This drink is of lower quality compared to its English counterpart. It also has a lower degree and is distinguished by a more golden hue. And this alcohol is produced using a different technology and as a result acquires a softened taste. During its production, grain mash is mixed with juniper berries, then the raw material is distilled and water is added. Then juniper and caramel are added again for subsequent re-distillation. The drink matures in oak barrels.

The medicinal properties of gin are due to the presence of juniper in its composition.

The main producers of Dutch gin are located in Belgium and the Netherlands. The strength of this drink is 37⁰.

According to its aging, Dutch gin is divided into three types:

1. Jonge (young and most affordable).
2. Oude (medium aged, has a characteristic amber-yellow color).
3. Zeer Oude (the oldest aged, most aromatic and expensive, has a straw hue).

Dutch juniper vodka, according to experts, is significantly inferior in quality and taste to English vodka. Therefore, gin in this category is traditionally used to create various cocktails. But, of course, it can also be consumed in its pure form.

English gin (dry)

Dry juniper vodka differs from Dutch gin in having a more balanced taste with characteristic notes of juicy juniper. This type of alcohol has the following varieties:

1. London Dry-Gin. It is the best quality alcohol. The distillation method is used in its production. According to the recipe, various flavoring additives (coriander, citrus zest and violet root) can be added to the raw materials. But there shouldn't be any sugar in it. The strength of this gin is 40–47⁰. Its distinctive features are a characteristic harsh (metallic) taste with bright spicy aromas.
2. Plymouth Gin. The main difference of this variety is the fact that it can be produced strictly in the English town of Plymouth and the production technology is protected by copyright.
3. Yellow Gin. Or yellow gin. Its main feature is the long infusion time in oak barrels, but only in those where sherry had previously matured. The drink is distinguished by its amber color and can be found on sale quite rarely. The strength of yellow gin is 39–45⁰.
4. Flavored. This type of strong alcohol is prepared by long soaking of various aromatic products (berries, fruits). The strength of this alcohol is 35⁰.
5. Old Tom. This type of drink is the most common. It is traditionally made according to an old recipe from the 18th century. “Old Tom” has a soft, pleasant, sweetish taste with original notes of lemon peel, orange zest and spicy flowers. The aroma contains delicate notes of almond, ginger and original fruit motifs combined with coriander and juniper. This drink has a strength of 40⁰.

The most popular gin brands are Tanqueray, Beefeater, Seagram's, Greenall's, Bombay, Plymouth and Gordon's.

Gin as a base for cocktails

It should be noted that gin is very rarely drunk as an independent drink. The mild aroma makes gin an excellent base for creating various cocktails. The most popular, without a doubt, is the Gin and Tonic cocktail. To prepare it, you need to pour one third of ice into a tall glass, add part gin and two parts tonic. It is customary to garnish the finished cocktail with a slice of lemon or lime.

“Fallen Angel” is an interesting cocktail, it is made from equal parts of gin, mint liqueur, herbal tincture and lime or lemon juice. This cocktail has a rich aroma and an interesting, multi-layered taste.

Another popular cocktail has the beautiful name “Elixir of Calm”. It is a mixture of part vermouth and five parts gin, and is usually served in characteristic wide glasses, garnished with green olives.

“Northern Lights” is a cocktail made from equal parts of vermouth, gin and Polar liqueur. It is traditionally served in wide, low glasses decorated with sugar frost.

“Apricot flower” is a cocktail preferred by ladies. To create it you will need equal parts of apricot liqueur and gin, a little lime juice, and tonic to taste. The ingredients (except for tonic) must be mixed in a shaker, adding ice, then strain into a tall glass and fill with tonic.

“Adam and Eve” is a bittersweet cocktail very popular in Europe. To create it you will need two parts each of honey liqueur and gin, part lemon juice, a few drops of pomegranate syrup, a cherry and a wedge of lime or lemon. All ingredients must be mixed in a shaker and strained into a glass. Traditionally, the fruit is skewered and placed on the rim of the glass.

“Screwdriver” is a cocktail that is made with both vodka and gin. It is enough to mix gin and juice, preferably citrus fruit, in equal proportions in a shaker.

“Moon River” is a soft but quite strong cocktail. To create it, you need to mix equal parts of gin, apricot brandy, Galiano and Cointreau liqueurs, as well as lemon juice in a shaker, then pour into cocktail glasses and garnish with lemon or cherry.

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What to snack on

Gin is consumed caustically without a snack. In order for drinking gin to bring maximum impressions and pleasure, you need to eat it with suitable foods. To experience the full taste of booze, it is customary to have a snack rather than drink it down.

When talking about gin, we literally get lost in the little details - sometimes we can’t say for sure what gin is drunk with, what it is drunk from, or what kind of snack goes with gin and what doesn’t. It is not surprising, because unlike cognac, vermouth, liqueurs and wines, which, having come to us from the West, easily “took root” on domestic soil, gin still remains an exotic and mysterious drink for many residents of post-Soviet countries. Let's try to fill this gap.

In the article:

How to drink gin neat

In a number of parameters (for example, the ratio of strength to saturation and richness of aroma), gin is much closer to cognac than to juniper vodka, as we like to call it for ease of perception. And, so to speak, his capriciousness is of the same level. That’s why there can be quite a bit of embarrassment with its unsuccessful combination at the table.

Let's start with the most natural way for alcoholic gourmets to consume it - pure, without additives. Moreover, the question of how to drink this drink is where the most misunderstandings arise. As mentioned above, in countries where there is a strong tradition of drinking vodka (alcohol diluted with water in a ratio of 40:60), gin is most strongly associated with the same vodka, only spicy and with a strong smell of juniper.

But in reality, this comparison is only good for English (especially Scottish) varieties - the most dry and strong, with a downright ascetically narrowed range of added spices. However, even in this case, you need to remember that vodka is strictly 40 “degrees”, and the strength of gin can easily exceed 50%.

As for famous brands from other countries, they may turn out to be much weaker than vodka (the minimum strength of gin by international standards is 37.5 degrees), and much sweeter. In particular, the same dryness parameters apply to gin as to wine - from dry to semi-sweet. And this already creates a significant difference from our main national drink, doesn’t it?

For these reasons, attempts to approach the question of how to properly drink gin in its pure form from the position of “just like regular vodka” often end in misunderstandings - especially because there are about as many similarities between them as there are differences.

For example, pure gin, not diluted even with ice, is also drunk in one sip - it cannot be savored like liqueur, wine or. This makes it similar not only to the usual Russian, but also to the origin of Mexico, known as tequila.

Ways to drink straight gin

In general, the best thing to do with pure gin is this:

• Drink small portions of it in one gulp, and large portions (say, if it was served to us “on the rocks” - with ice) in several large sips, taken with short breaks.
• Cool gin before drinking to a temperature not lower than +5C 0 (unlike vodka, it does not like strong cooling and freezing). If we have pre-chilled the glass for pouring it or served it with ice, the drink itself can be left at room temperature - so as not to damage its unique bouquet, which vodka and tequila do not have.
• Unlike vodka, a “shot” of gin can only be eaten as a snack; it is not customary to wash it down with other drinks.

What is gin mixed with?

The question of what people drink gin with other than tonic is relevant not only for us - some kind of “newbies” in getting to know this drink. It concerns almost all countries to which it was brought by the Dutch or British, even if this was several hundred years ago (compare with the post-Soviet space, where it arrived only after perestroika).

The biggest difficulty with diluting it is the strong juniper aroma and the specific “icy”, like mint (that is, regardless of the actual temperature of the liquid), shade of taste, which is unusual for either vodka or tequila. And our task when preparing a cocktail with it is to pamper your taste buds with something new, but while fully maintaining these two features of the strong drink.

The Scots, Dutch and English decided what was best to drink gin with long ago, as they quickly learned to dilute it with tonic. At that time, the tonic was an incredibly bitter aqueous infusion of quinine bark - a medicine for malaria and fever of other origins, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. So, with the advent of gin, patients throughout Europe quickly discovered that it perfectly masked the bitterness of cinchona infusion/decoction, and began to use this mixture for treatment or prevention.

Over time, the composition and taste of tonic has changed a lot, but the tradition has remained. Plus, as gin's popularity grew, other gin-based recipes emerged.

Gin and tonic

This cocktail is almost the easiest to prepare. To do this, you need to take a glass with a volume of at least 250 ml, pour solid ice cubes into it, calculating approximately 1/3 of its volume.

Then pour 30-50 ml of gin on top of the ice, fill the rest with tonic and carefully stir with a narrow spoon on a long handle. The cocktail is not decorated with umbrellas - only with a slice of fresh lemon/lime or a sprig of mint/melissa placed on the edge of the glass.

Gin and Martini

A mixture with various vermouths, sometimes called the “Elixir of Calm”, is usually created on the basis of dry gin and Martini, but you can take absolutely any vermouth - including spicy Bulgarian versions.

They use special glasses for vermouth - shallow, very wide at the top, with a high stem (the so-called “martinki”). The volume of such a glass should be visually divided into 3 equal parts, pour in 1 part of gin, and add 2 more parts of vermouth on top. Garnish with an olive placed on the edge of the glass, serve without stirring, with a special short straw.

Gin and mint liqueur

An interesting option is also a mixture with, a water decoction of herbs (very often they just take strong tea leaves instead) and fresh lemon/lime juice. It is especially piquant due to its high strength (in liqueurs, despite their dessert sweetness, there is always 40% alcohol) and a very special “chill” characteristic of both juniper in gin and mint in liqueur. In a glass with a volume of at least 300 ml, you need to put 3 ice cubes, pour in 30 ml of gin and freshly squeezed citrus juice, and then 50 ml of liqueur and strained herbal infusion. Mix everything lightly and serve, garnished with a slice of lemon/lime or a sprig of mint.

What is gin made from?

Let us also touch upon the question of what container the drink is consumed from:

• The universal shape for all drinks containing gin is slightly conical, with straight walls and simple geometry (usually even without edges, although otherwise it is unmistakably an ordinary table glass).
• For pure gin, these greatly reduced “glasses” are intended (they are slightly wider than vodka glasses) with a volume of 30-50 ml.
• If we prefer to drink strong drinks with ice, we will have to take a similar uncut glass, only with a volume of 250-350 ml. You can also place a cocktail of gin and other alcoholic beverages in it.
• But cocktails using any non-alcoholic drinks are usually poured into larger glasses - also simple, uncut cylinders or cones, only with a volume of 350 to 500 ml.

What do you eat with gin?

Fortunately for all the culinary experts in the world, gin is much more versatile in this regard than capricious wine, cognac, liqueur and beer. It's like brandy - it goes well with fried meat and fish, baklava and hard cheeses. It’s even good with vegetables and scrambled eggs, especially those cooked with lard or bacon. So, there is no problem with what to snack on this strong drink - it can be practically any dish. But there are exceptions to any rule, even if they are few. Regarding gin we can say that:

• it is optimal in combination with sweet desserts and fried, rather than boiled/steamed main courses;
• good in combination with sausage/cheese or even fish sandwiches, barbecue, etc., but not very suitable for side dishes of cereals, pressure cooker results and salads of fresh vegetables;
• An attempt to combine it with dishes where the taste of butter is clearly felt will also be unsuccessful;
• This drink is contraindicated to be served with any first courses..

Gin snack

The first on the list of ideal snacks for gin are fried and smoked meat or fish, hard and smoked processed cheese, olives, grilled any bird, especially game. It is best to serve any dessert with it, from apple pie to pudding with powdered sugar.