For a spirit with such a distinctive flavor profile, gin is surprisingly versatile.  The light-bodied spirit, which is the base of many classic cocktails, can only be classified as gin if it is predominantly flavored by juniper berries.  You might think this means all gin tastes the same, but because each gin maker uses a different mix of herbs, botanicals, and even citrus, they vary greatly from one to the next.  As we become better acquainted with gin in the weeks ahead, we'll also meet Old Tom gin and Dutch Genever.

If you enjoy mixing cocktails at home, a quality gin is important to have on your bar so you can whip up a Negroni, martini, Tom Collins, or even a simply gin & tonic.  (It is also important to remember that if you are making a drink with only two ingredients, the quality of both of them matters more so than if you were constructing a more complicated cocktail where you might not taste each individual component as clearly.)

To start the month off right, I have included a simple yet refreshing recipe.  Additionally, our Cocktail Creation Station has been updated to feature more gin cocktails this month. Join me this February as we take a deep dive into gin!

The Greyhound

Ingredients:

2 oz gin

4 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed

Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a rocks glass with ice, then add gin and grapefruit juice and stir gently.  Garnish with a lime wheel.

*If you add a salt rim, you've got a Salty Dog.

Cheers!

Brytt