Today I have a guest post about my favourite tipple! Those that know me personally will know that I live a good Gin! I am just back from Spain with Chloe and this has been my tipple this week!
The humble Gin & Tonic has come a long way since its creation in the 17th century. Initially distilled for its medicinal purposes, the beverage embarked upon a rollercoaster journey in order to reach its lofty position of a high society drink. At present gin is enjoyed by all either in its classic form of a G & T or as a key ingredient used by mixologists the world over.
The market place is awash with gins of various flavours & ingredients from elderberry to cucumber, used in cocktails including the classic Martini (shaken not stirred!). Busy mums will know that it’s great for a refreshing Friday night treat after the kids have gone to bed, especially during the summer months. One of my favourites is the raspberry gin, a delicious ingredient that can be used to mix bellini-style cocktails.
So what has caused the rise of this once much maligned drink? Well for one the distillation process has been refined and fine-tuned immeasurably with the tastes and flavours more specialised and readily available than ever before. The pallet of the average consumer has also changed and producers have adapted with the times at breakneck speed.
Gin is now fast advancing down the path that has been well beaten by whisky distillers for years. Independent gin makers are cropping up ever more frequently, many now offering distillery tours, giving you the chance to learn about the origins, history and heritage of the drink along with the opportunity to compare the wide variety of flavours.
The boom in choice and quality has created a new kind of clientele, which spans both sexes and all age groups, and it’s easy to see why. The drink has come a long way since its creation all those years ago and I for one am not surprised. Sat in the summer sun during our recent run of good weather I could not think of a lighter, more refreshing drink to compliment the season.
