For the ninth year running, its return has been anticipated by connoisseurs and casual gin-drinkers alike. Gin has seen a dramatic boom in popularity in the last few years; in fact, the Guardian reported that the spirit saw record sales in 2016 as drinking habits showed a change. This surge in gin drinkers understandably led to 40 gin distilleries opening in the UK in the same year.
Deriving its chief flavouring from juniper berries, flocks of people have come to love this botanical-infused delight for its distinctive finish. While all gin is made with a similar process, there are now a plethora of types of gin to choose from—each uses different spice combinations to create a refined taste that’s unique to the brand.
In London—as well as in other major cities—gin tours have become the new craze. Much like a wine tour, the experience involves a guided visit to a distillery, most commonly finished with gin tasting and food accompaniments. These trips can range from reasonable to very pricey, allowing you to pick accordingly to your budget. The re-emergence of World Gin Day 2017 also brings with it a number of opportunities to make your own gin. If you are looking to break free from the ordinary, then why not spend a Sunday afternoon designing and distilling your own bottle of gin in a gin lab? Although this experience can come with a price tag, it is sure to be a day you won’t forget—plus you get to take your personalised gin home with you.
Since gin has become the liquor of choice, people are beginning to outgrow the ordinary G&T and are now opting for more vibrant alternatives. Gin cocktails have therefore began to flourish and so have ‘pimped G&Ts’ and G&Ts with a twist. These subtle new takes on the G&T classic are sure to have your taste buds tingling on World Gin Day 2017:
G & Tea
Bathtub Gin
Earl Grey Tea (cooled)
Grapefruit Juice
Pour the gin and add equal parts of the cooled tea and grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake and serve over ice in a highball glass. This recipe is a signature from the mixologists at Sopwell House. Stefano Litti, restaurant and bars manager at Sopwell House, reveals it is one of the hotel’s most popular cocktails.
The Parisian
Gin
Tonic
Champagne
Lavender Syrup 1 tsp
Rosemary Sprig
Using one measure of a particularly herby gin, add the lavender syrup. Top up with equal parts of Champagne and tonic. Garnish with ice and a sprig of rosemary.
If you have enjoyed reading this article on World Gin Day 2017, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about the perfect apperatif.
