So you think you don’t like gin?
I love gin, I think that’s obvious from all of my social media channels, oh and my blog name…plus they feature heavily in all of my books.
However, I hear some of you aren’t necessarily a fan, you don’t get the appeal, you think it’s a tad tart…sour even.
WEIRODS.
Now, I see what you’re saying, I really do. But it’s just a matter of how it’s been served. You CAN get it wrong, so here are my top five tips to learning to love gin – because to be honest – it’s the only way you can survive in this madcap world.
- Find your gin.
If you’ve dismissed gin because you had a quick Gordons and Schweppes at the pub, this is your problem. All gins have their own flavour, it’s worth finding your own. I can’t tell you my favourite, but if you’re looking for something smooth go for Aldi (I’m not kidding) Bombay, Plymouth or Bloom. For a stronger flavour Hendricks, Opihir, or Adams Copper House.
- Pick your mixer.
It doesn’t always have to be tonic. I’d fully recommend if you find it sour, get rid of full fat tonic all together. THAT’s what makes I it sour. Instead, opt for slimline tonic. Alternatively, bitter lemon, ginger ale or apple juice also make amazing mixers.
- Make sure your mixer is fizzy.
Flat tonic is grim…in fact, all drinks that are meant to be fizzy, but have turned flat are. Except coke – flat coke is surprisingly good for a hangover. But that’s beside the point. If you’re not drinking G&T regularly it’s worth splashing out on the serving sized bottles and tins so that you never have the disappointment or grossness of a flat first sip.
- NEVER use lemon.
It’s just NOT WORTH IT. At the most bog standard use a slice of lime. If you’re not into citrus there is a world of options. My current favourite is a couple of big fat strawberries. Although, mixed berries (blueberries and raspberries) are nice. Apple is amazebogs, and if you’re feeling really healthy cucumber is just the bees knees – especially if you have it with ginger ale – go on, try it.
- Ice Ice Baby.
Just like a flat mixer, no ice makes the drink defunct. I like to keep reusable ice-cubes in the freezer so that I never run out!
So with that in mind, and the fact that it’s Friday, I am setting you a task – go forth – and try gin – and let me know how you get on and what your favourite combo is!
