shaken, not stirred.
Booze lovers rejoice! June has a holiday you will gladly cheers to – World Gin Day.
That’s right. June 14th, 2014 is WORLD Gin Day. Not even National Gin Day, but WORLD Gin Day. Even better than the fact that it’s observed globally- it’s on a Saturday! So you don’t have to worry about that potential pesky hangover interfering with work. Because believe me, if you plan on celebrating this holiday the way it deserves to be commemorated, you will have a hangover. The entire planet, aside from those who abstain for religious or personal reasons, will be guzzling gin. This is one instance where following the crowd should be encouraged, not not shunned.
And if you’re not a fan of gin or aren’t well-acquainted with it, that’s okay. There’s more that this spirit, with its delicious juniper flavor, can be paired with than tonic water. So drop that bottle of Canada Dry – now! Try your hand at some of these gratifying gin cocktails that will have you saying goodbye to the standard G&T forever.
Strawberry-Balsamic Smash
One sip of this Strawberry-Balsamic Smash and you will want to get smashed on these! The sweetness of the strawberry combined with the tangy, tart balsamic vinegar is the perfect flavor combination. Best of all, you don’t have to feel bad about going back for seconds since the strawberries bring antioxidants to the party. There isn’t a way known to man that’s more fun to get your daily dose of vitamins.
Ingredients
¼ cup gin
2 ½ inch lime wedges
2 ½ inch rounds of cucumber
1 fresh hulled strawberry
1 tbsp simple syrup
½ tsp balsamic vinegar
Directions
Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash the lime wedges, rounds of cucumber, strawberry, simple syrup, and balsamic vinegar in a cocktail shaker 4-5 times just to release juices and oils. Add gin. Transfer to an Old-Fashioned glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir, then mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with a cucumber round if desired.
Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit
James Bond Martini
No crazy gadgets here. If it’s good enough for Bond… James Bond, it’s good enough for anyone. This classic gin martini adds blue cheese olives for some extra class. It’s recommended to be shaken, but stir if you like. Even Miss Moneypenny would give this cocktail a thumbs up.
Ingredients
Ice
3 oz gin
1 oz vodka
½ oz Lillet Blanc
3 blue-cheese stuffed olives, skewered on a pick
Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the stuffed olives.
Recipe courtesy of Food and Wine
Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz was made famous in New Orleans, but it’s to be enjoyed anywhere. While the preparation is a bit more intense for this cocktail than usual- due to the amount of time you shake it for the egg white and cream to mix and become frothy- this gin concoction is well-worth the extra effort.
Ingredients
1 oz gin
3 dashes fresh lime juice
3 dashes lemon juice
3 dashes orangeflower water
2 teaspoons super fine sugar
1 large egg white
¼ cup light cream (or half-and-half)
¼ cup seltzer
ground cinnamon (optional) for garnish
Directions
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lime juice, lemon juice, orangeflower water, sugar, egg white, and light cream (or half-and-half). Shake vigorously, and pour into a cocktail glass. Top drink with seltzer, and garnish with ground cinnamon if desired; serve immediately.
Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart
Cucumber Basil Lime Gimlet
Update the timeless “gin, a spot of lime, and soda” gimlet with fresh cucumber and mint. It will refresh your palate and your fondness for this classic cocktail.
Ingredients
2 fresh basil leaves
2 (¼-inch thickness) slices of cucumber
1½ oz vodka
¼ oz lime juice
Directions
In a shaker, muddle the basil and cucumber. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber wheel.
Recipe courtesy of Liquor.com
Happy World Gin Day from us here at LadyClever! As always, be clever about your drinking and enjoy responsibly. Cheers!
