Happy National Gin and Tonic Day! Today is National Gin and Tonic Day, and although I am happy to imbibe one any day of the year, I'm thrilled there's a day entirely dedicated to this classic cocktail. You may remember that last year I celebrated with a variation on the G&T that included a jasmine green tea simple syrup. Well this year my G already has the tea, so all it needs is T. Translation: today's gin is distilled with botanicals and tea, so no need to add any more. Gin, a little tonic water, a garnish, and you've got a tea lover's and gin lover's cocktail ready to serve. The gin is from Townshend's Distillery, located in Portland, Oregon. They started as a tea company and then transitioned into distilling as well. This is the first spirit I've tried from them, but I am excited to explore their other offerings! Naturally, they have more than one tea-centric liquor and I can't wait to experience them all. I urge you to go to their website and take a look- maybe something will strike your beverage fancy! What makes this particular gin selection so special is that it is distilled with jasmine silver tip green tea, chamomile flowers, and lavender buds. The tea gives this gin a slightly grassy quality that is balanced by the floral aromatics. Some of the other botanical gins I've tried lose their acidic backbone, which can make the sweet floral notes overwhelming and undermine the traditional gin flavour that I love. This gin manages to steer clear of that folly, retaining the juniper punch and bitter high notes of a more traditional style. If ever there was a sipping gin, I think this might be it. However, because this isn't World Gin Day (June 8th!), but rather Gin and Tonic Day, I'm drinking this gin with a light tonic and a simple garnish. Using a light tonic water instead of a full-sugar variety means you still get the effervescence and quinine kick, but without masking more delicate profiles. Garnish with a cucumber slice, lemon wedge, or lime squeeze and you have a simple, classic, yet utterly unique gin and tonic.
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April 9th is National Gin & Tonic Day!Happy National Gin & Tonic Day! G&T's are my go-to drink at home and at the bar, so of course I had to make a special version for today's celebrations. While I normally like a gin and tonic that is bracing and bitter, this recipe shows the softer side of the drink. I combined a botanical gin with a jasmine green tea simple syrup for a sweet and floral cocktail perfect for spring. A blood orange for garnish instead of a lime gives some colour to this pale beauty, but keeps the acidity from overpowering the delicate undertones. G&T BCTH Style 1 teaspoon jasmine green tea 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup white sugar 1.5 ounces botanical gin, such as Uncle Val's 1/2 ounce jasmine green simple syrup 3 ounces tonic water blood orange for garnish For the syrup: Steep the jasmine green in cold water overnight. Combine with sugar in small saucepan and place over high heat until it just comes to a boil. Remove from heat immediately and strain. Let cool. For the cocktail: Combine all ingredients in a fancy glass and garnish with the blood orange. Serve at once. Although you don't need to get out the fine crystal or the family silver for this 'holiday,' I recommend doing so anyway. There's a romance to this drink that deserves a little recognition. Celebrate yourself, the coming of a new season, and all the little pleasures in life with a G&T. I raise my glass to you, fellow gin drinkers, and hope you someday try the Bedford Cottage Tea House version of this classic cocktail. Cheers!
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