Gin recipes
A spirit flavoured with a variety of botanicals, most notably juniper. Grain spirit is the most commonly used base spirit for gin, but others may be used. Botanicals can include spices, seeds, nuts, roots, fruits, vegetables and flowers, in innumerable combinations. Each gin producer will have its ‘house style(s)’ based on a particular recipe.
Gin can be distilled with its botanicals (the preferred method) or by adding essential oils to the base spirit (an inferior method).
Gin fizz is a member of the sours cocktail family (because it contains lemon juice). It will appeal to G&T lovers and anyone who likes a long, refreshing tipple. A classic fizz shouldn’t be served over ice, so make sure the ingredients are shaken with plenty of ice to keep them cold.
More gin recipes
Buyer's guide
An increasing number of ‘super-premium’ gins are available, flavoured with ever-more-unusual botanicals. Most are of excellent quality.
Storage
Gin will keep well for long periods, although the fragrance of some of its botanicals may fade over time.
Preparation
Gin is used in cocktails such as the Gimlet, the Gin Fizz and the G&T. It can also be used in cooking, to ‘cure’ raw fish dishes, or to de-glaze pans in sauce-making.
