You May Experience Some Pain Relief If You Eat Gin
In your grandparents’ kitchen, you may have noticed raisins soaking in a jar on the counter. Maybe you chalked it up to your nanna’s eccentricities, but there is actually some science behind this antiquated home remedy.
As medicine researcher and author Chris Kilham explained in an article for Fox News, the remedy which calls for a box of golden raisins, a glass jar, and gin is meant to alleviate arthritis pain. The raisins are to be covered and soaked in the gin at room temperature for one week, after which they should be consumed, ten per day. As Kilham explained, golden raisins are capable of anti-inflammatory activity and, since arthritis is an inflammatory disease, the raisins could help. Gin is made with similarly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich juniper berries, which is why it’s the preferred booze to use.
“When you soak the golden raisins in the juniper berry gin, the gin extracts many of the compounds in the raisins, making them more readily absorbed when you consume the raisins,” Kilham added. Although this remedy may not be foolproof, the expert said it’s safe for most people to give it a go.
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Almost as bold as it gets on the juniper scale, Beefeater is worthy of its reputation as the quintessential London Dry gin. The pronounced peppery berry notes offer the ideal match for bittersweet tonic water, while a spray of citrus on the finish refreshes the palate. Average price: $19.
Start With Quality Ingredients
There are plenty of opinions about what makes the gin and tonic perfect, but I think everyone will agree that you need to begin with a quality gin and a quality tonic water .
Like any cocktail, it will only be as good as the sum of its parts, and poor quality ingredients can ruin the entire experience. This doesnt mean that you need to spend a lot of money, but dont use bottom shelf gin or store brand tonic water. Tip: if your gin or your tonic water are packaged in plastic, chances are theyre not the best choices.
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Copa De Balon Glass By Schott Zwiesel
That is my personal favorite and most used glass for serving Gin and Tonics. Top-quality made in Germany. Schott also patented the Tritan Glass material. That makes glass even shinier and easier to clean. So even though their Copa glasses are super thin and huge, you can put them into your dishwasher without a worry. Ive done it a hundred times, and it works perfectly.
The glass is big and has an extra-wide opening that lets you smell all those amazing fragrances while you sip your ice-cold Gin and Tonic.
Why We Love This Recipe
Along with a dirty martini, the gin and tonic was my first love of a classic cocktail. My parents used to drink them on the back patio once in a while when the weather was nice. The ritual may have hooked me first, but the bracing, herbal qualities of a good gin, the generous squeeze of lime, and the slight, sweet fizz of tonic are what sold me in the end.
A stiff G& T is:
- Well-balanced. A little bit herbal // a little bit bitter // a little bit sweet // a little bit sour // a little bit fizzy
- Breezy and summery at its core, yet classic enough to be welcome all year round
- SO easy to make. This highball cocktail is neither shaken nor stirred.
- As refreshing or bracing as you like. We give our suggestions here, but you get to control the pour.
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Bluecoat American Dry Gin
The accent of this Philadelphia-distilled gin leans very definitely towards fresh citrus. Juniper and angelica root add robust botanicals to complement the dominant orange, which opens up to reveal complex traces of tangerine and clementine. At 47 per cent AVB this is some powerful hooch, but stays smooth and bright enough to keep you coming back for more. £29. Atandhouseofmalt.co.uk
Novelty Personalised Gin Socks 1499
*These fabulous gin socks are the perfect stocking filler or Secret Santa gift for any gin lover
*When the wearer puts their feet up, other family members will know it’s time to pour them up a nice, big gin!
*Easy-wear cotton blend fabric that’s comfy to wear
These luxurious cotton novelty socks are just what every gin lover needs in their life.
As soon as they get back from work and put their feet up on the coffee table, their partner will know it’s time to get the gin flowing.
They can be personalised, too, and make a good gift idea for the office Secret Santa or to pop in a loved one’s stocking.
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The Best Gin For A Gin And Tonic: Eight To Try
Like fish and chips, gin and tonic is one of lifes classic combinations. The way gins resinous juniper mingles harmoniously with sweet, quinine-spiked tonic is pure magic.
Not that this pairing is staid. Just as gin has rapidly evolved with its craft distilleries and quirky botanicals, so has tonic boutique-ified. The default is no longer trusty Schweppes, or even Fever-Tree new options have joined the mix, including Double Dutch, London Essence and Buzbees. In short, its now possible to customise your G& T to the nth degree.
Any quality gin will, theoretically, work, so long as you use the right mixer, in the right quantities . But the very best gins for G& Ts are special. When combined with tonic, they become more than the sum of their parts. Lengthened out judiciously, their true characters shine.
As for character? There should be plenty of it: complexity is key to keep you wanting every sip. A gins flavours must stand up to the body and sweetness of your chosen mixer, too as well as ice dilution.
Best Pink: Salcombe Ros Sainte Marie
Courtesy of Drizly
Region: England | ABV: 41.4% | Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Orange Zest, Herbal
This is not a cloying, sticky-sweet pink gin. Nor is it a bottled version of a Pink Gin cocktail. This is a spirit all its own. Colored and flavored naturally with strawberries, this soft pink-hued gin from relative newcomer Salcombe is a great pick for those who want a spirit that goes light on the juniper.
Delicate and fruity with hints of lavender and other Provencal herbs, it has enough of a grapefruit bite to stand up to the sweet vermouth and Campari in a classic Negroni. That said, you could also try it in a Negroni riff made with rosé vermouth and a floral aperitif spirit such as Lo-Fis Gentian Amaro or Cappelletti Amaro Sfumato Rabarbaro in place of the Campari.
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Tip : Add Fun Garnishes That Accentuate The Gin
Another cue we took from the Spanish gin and tonic tradition: use lots of garnishes that accentuate the gin flavor! According to this , the use of vegetables and herbs to highlight the botanicals is popular. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Lime or lemon wedge
- Blood orange slices
- Rosemary
Virgin Wines Gin Advent Calendar 2021
Virgin Wines may be understandably better known for their grape advent, but such is its popularity that the brand has branched out into other boozy versions. Thank goodness we say, because this calendar has us excited for Dec 1.
Housed in a bright blue box, the boutique selection brings together a truly epic variety to enjoy all the way up to Christmas Day.
Its available to pre-order now with a deposit of only £10 and delivery from November.
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What Tonic To Serve With Gin
For a classic G& T we would suggest a crisp, classic tonic to really let the botanicals in the gin shine. The bitterness in a classic tonic really compliments the piney juniper of gin and keeps your G& T from being overly sweet.
However, there are now many flavoured tonics available pink grapefruit, cucumber, basil and orange are some of the more popular flavours. When mixing your gin with a flavoured tonic, be sure to do your research to see what flavours will complement the tasting notes of the gin without overpowering them.
For example, a citrus-led gin like Dry Island Gin, which includes botanicals of lemon myrtle and strawberry gum, pairs beautifully with the Fentimans Valencian Orange Tonic water. The sweet and zesty orange of the tonic water balances perfectly with the fruitiness of the strawberry gum.
Tarsier Southeast Asian Dry Gin
Delivering Asian flavours by way of Manchester, Tarsier Gin was inspired by backpacking adventures in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and takes its name from a tiny primate native to the Philippines. But when it comes to distilling and flavouring, these guys arent monkeying around Tarsier is a small-batch, citrus-forward, Kampot peppery creation that works brilliantly served with ginger, lime and tonic water. £34.95. Atmasterofmalt.com
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Best American: Bluecoat American Dry Gin
Image Source / Wine.com
Region: Philadelphia, PA | ABV: 47% | Tasting Notes: Juniper, Pepper, Lemon
Whether its for a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail, a G& T, or something refreshing, the first bottle I always reach for is Bluecoat Gin, says Adam Morgan, bar manager at Husk Nashville. Its a true American powerhouse.
Bluecoat American Dry Gin is always worth mentioning, agrees Benjamin Pozar of Fogo de Chao in Philadelphia. It basically created the American gin style. It’s beautifully citrus-forward and does wonderfully in a Clover Club.
Malfy: Best Flavoured Gin
Flavoured gin might be controversial to some but, with a rising number of new flavours, it would be a shame to miss out on some of the best new offerings. Still not convinced? Bypass the likes of sugary sweet palma violet and luminous fruity flavours and stick with an almost-classic: lemon gin.
Malfy is definitely a cool and casual brand, right through from the brightly coloured packaging to the laid back brand messaging. Its all about taking in the moment, sitting back and relaxing and throwing yourself into the Italian way of life. Distilled in Italy, it makes sense that everything Malfy offers follows this sentiment exactly.
Malfy offers a variety of flavours but the clear favourite is the Gin Con Limone. The brand uses coastal grown Amalfi lemons and Sicilian varieties in its lemon-flavoured gin, promising a taste of the sunshine in every sip.
Enjoy it best in a variety of cocktails. Draw out the lemon flavour with an Italian 75 or spice things up with an Italian Lemonade.
Best flavoured Gin: Malfy Gin Con Limone
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Gin & Tonic From Its Medicinal Beginning To A Drink Icon
While it was out of fashion for a while, recently more and more people have once again turned to the classic gin & tonic cocktail. This is no short-lived fad though, this drink is actually older than any of your grandmas and has, in fact, been around for more than 200 years.
It all started in the 17th Century when indigenous people in Peru treated malaria using Cinchona tree bark. The Jesuits spread the medical discoveries throughout Europe, but the British disliked the strong bitter taste. With a little help of carbonated water and sugar, the problem was solved.
Soon after British soldiers began adding the chinin-heavy tonic water to gin over ice in an attempt to keep malaria symptoms away. The drink became so iconic in British History that Winston S. Churchill was quoted saying:
Gin and tonic has saved more Englishmens lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the empire.
Sipsmith: Best For Gin & Tonic
With a combination of ten botanicals and a bold and complex taste, Sipsmith is a classic near-perfect gin. Its a brand that somehow manages to remain a classic while still pioneering the craft gin movement. Sipsmith uses a single shot method of distillation, meaning that its only diluted with water, not an additional neutral spirit, and was the first to reintroduce copper stills after almost two centuries.
Its a distillery thats far younger than its classical branding would suggest. Launching in 2009, Sipsmith has already helped to pave the way for an uncompromising good gin thats rich, smooth and balanced.
On the nose it smells fairly similar to many other gins, but tasting it is where this spirit comes alive. While juniper is the main body of force, there are also hints of oranges and lemons, cassia ,coriander and gentle pepperiness. Mix with your favourite tonic to bring out the flavours.
Best Gin for a Gin & Tonic: Sipsmith London Dry Gin
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Best Overall: Plymouth Gin
- ABV: 41.2%
- Tasting Notes: Juniper, Lemon Peel, Coriander
This is one of my favorite gins to sneak into peoples cocktails who say they dont like gin, says Jose Medina Camacho of Automatic Seafood & Oysters in Birmingham, Ala. Nine out of ten people love it. My favorite gin drink is a 50/50 martini. This iconic gin from southwestern England strikes the perfect balance and can be used in any classic gin cocktail.
The Lakes Distillery Pink Grapefruit
The Lakes Distillerys classic gin was already a favourite and this new offering is a notch above many of the flavoured or novelty brands around. The notes are perfectly balanced and the pink grapefruit has just the right kick without overpowering the experience. The only drawback may be that it is too easy to drink. You can mix it, but since its already flavoured it might be best to stick to G& Ts and Martinis. £29.99. Atanddrinksandco.co.uk
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Roku: Best Bottle Design
Roku is the gin you want proudly displayed in the centre of your cabinet. Not only does it look stylish, but whats on the inside follows through too. Created by the House of Suntory in Osaka, Japan, Rokus history of gin distillery dates back almost 100 years.
Roku means six in Japanese: named as such because there are six very important botanicals in the gin. All sourced from Japan, the bottle offers a unique flavour on the market when mixed with another eight more traditional gin botanicals: juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica root, angelica seed, cardamom seed, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel.
This overarching combination results in a successful taste thats both unique and delicious. The bottle design, inscribed with a floral design, adds to the appeal.
Best bottle design: Roku Japanese Gin
=1 Bombay Sapphire Gin And Tonic
- G& T Style: Unusual
- With Light Tonic: 10/10
- With Regular Tonic: 8/10
With Fever Tree Light, Bombay Sapphire is bewitching. Smooth, clean, yet assertive. It balances the tonic superbly and has a wonderful nutty creaminess that fills out the drink. With the regular tonic, its slightly less good, but still damn good: the nuttiness is less noticeable and the effect remains savoury and balanced. Theres less juniper here than in some, though, so if thats yer bag, you might instead want
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Plymouth London Dry Gin
Still made in its original artisanal method and with its traditional recipe, Plymouth London Dry Gin is made in a single copper pot. And, amazingly, its the same pot that was installed at the distillery in 1855. So, every sip you have of Plymouth gin is a sip of history and the taste our ancestors loved so much.
Its traditional production processes help create a complex flavor profile as well as a delicately smooth texture. This is what many believe gives Plymouth gin the title of the single malt of gins. Its mixture of slightly sweet botanicals and fresh Dartmoor water has helped make this quality gin one of the go-to choices of gin connoisseurs and bartenders around the world. With such a rich history, Plymouth gin goes down well with all manners of cocktails but the number one still remains the humble G& T.
Plymouth Gin: Best For A Martini
Unlike London Dry Gin, which can be found in plenty of variations across the planet, theres only one brand that sells Plymouth Gin. Its aptly called the same name. Plymouth Gin differs from London Dry Gin in that its slightly less dry likely due to the higher concentration of root ingredients. It has a slightly earthier flavour and comes in two core strengths standard and Navy Strength.
Plymouth is a classic brand and is distilled at the historic Black Friars Distillery the oldest working distillery in England. Its been produced here since 1793, using a combination of seven botanicals and soft Dartmoor water. Little has changed in the production method since then.
The rich and smooth taste of Plymouth gin makes it the perfect accompaniment for a Martini. It has won plenty of awards over time for its rich, fresh aroma and elegant, aromatic finish. Plymouth Gin was named in the first recorded Dry Martini recipe in 1904 and, when combined with Dry Vermouth and a garnish, makes for the perfect drink.
Best Gin for a Martini: Plymouth Gin
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How To Make A Gin And Tonic
Although the Gin & Tonic is a simple two-ingredient cocktail, theres plenty of debate in the drinks world about how to craft a perfect serve. Which glass to use? How much ice and which garnish is best? What about the gin-to-tonic ratio?
Start with the basics: whichever glass you choose , chill it in the freezer first, then fill it to the brim with ice.
Your choice of gin is entirely down to personal preference though London Dry styles make a reliably good G& T and its worth investing in a premium tonic such as Fever-Tree. Use a three-to-one ratio and stir gently to mix. Avoid stirring vigorously as this will make the drink lose carbonation and its signature fresh fizz.
Lemon is the classic garnish, but dont be afraid to experiment: lime, grapefruit, herbs, cucumber or berries can complement the botanical notes in different gins.