Gin has long been a summertime favourite in Australia, filling highball glasses in bars and backyards across the country. But let’s face it: our knowledge of how to drink this refreshing spirit has typically been limited to the G&T.
It’s true that we Aussies haven’t quite taken the time to connoisseur-ise this wonderful, timeless beverage, but it’s never too late to start, especially when you have so many options to buy gin online!
With this in mind, here are some tips for enjoying the spirit beyond the highball:
- Try it neat
Yes, it may seem pretty standard, but it is actually often overlooked! However, many labels produce and direct drinkers to enjoy their variety neat, and with so many flavour experimentations now in the works, it’s easy to see why you might like to try.
Different flavours include:
- Citrus
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Floral profiles
And much, much more. There are many reasons to try this lovely spirit neat, especially as you will likely experience the delightful “pine” flavour that the beverage is known for (but not when consumed in G&T form!), so this is definitely something to think about if you want to expand your knowledge on this centuries-old classic.
- Mix it up!
Okay, you probably know by now that traditional dry jin has hints of citrus, coriander and juniper, but what about all the other lovely flavours you can try? The best way to mix up the flavours? Through a nice, summery cocktail, of course, and we’re not just talking the cliche classic, especially when you have so many gorgeous, refreshing recipes to choose from.
What’s more, you can also add the beverage into a martini, as this will help highlight the botanical flavours that make it so special. This, or any other neutral drink or cocktail, is always a superb way to highlight what is truly a special spirit.
- Try freezing it
Say what? You can freeze it? Yes, of course you can, and the results are a surprisingly lovely, thicker texture. What’s more, the flavour profile will open up once the spirit warms up, leading to a softer, thoroughly enjoyable drinking experience, much in the way people would freeze vodka to allow its flavour profile to develop.
Cheeky tip: One of the best ways to enjoy the spirit as it warms up after a nice freeze bath is to add it to the modern classic, the negroni. The flavour profile is more enhanced which means it will bring out the other gorgeous flavour profiles found in this fruity favourite.
- Try a vintage pour on the road
We Aussies love to travel, and we especially love travelling to cities where the gin can be found in decades-old bottles. With Berlin and Tokyo keenly in mind, it’s good to know that the cities have bars that stock the stuff in bottles that date as far back as prohibition, so you know you can find a fascinating drop with a far different flavour profile to anything you would drink from the stores today.
They say that gin was never meant for ageing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the highly grain-driven drops that you can enjoy on the pour in these swanky cities, adding to the fascinating ways in which you can enjoy this special beverage in ways that you can’t in other drinks!
Give these styles a try to see if they enhance your love for the spirit…
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