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Ginsider Trading: Unique Gin and Tonic Recipes, Secrets from Sailor.

What to do when you need a break from wintertime drinks but the weather isn’t cooperating. 


Three glasses of gin and tonic cocktails with garnishes explained in the recipes contained in the article.
Gin & Tonic winter variations.

This subject came up recently while I was recording an episode of my podcast with my guest host, Kala Ellis. Approximately two weeks ago, I began consuming gin and lighter spirits; this was despite a snowstorm hitting coastal Massachusetts the previous week. I am reminded, it’s still winter, it’s only January. Maybe because this January feels like it’s the 100th day of the month. I don’t know. Although I am often a seasonal drinker, meaning I follow the seasons and use seasonal ingredients and drinks that I deem seasonally appropriate, this month, I feel differently. So what do I do when the weather doesn’t match my cravings? I revolt!


On the current episode of the Drink Like Sailor podcast, Kala and I explore the history of the Gin & Tonic. I like to offer a recipe on as many episodes as I can, so I was experimenting with the idea of winter G&Ts. I certainly didn’t invent this term or approach to creating Gin & Tonics in colder months. Food gets heavier in the fall and winter months, especially around the holidays, so towards the end of January, I am already switching my diet to lighter fare. 


The great thing about a Gin & Tonic is that it’s an easy drink to modify. Changing the type of gin that you use in the cocktail can make a world of difference. Depending on your preference or in my case, my mood, I may wish to have a very herbaceous and juniper forward gin, or I might want a gin that is light, sweet and floral. Next is the tonic. I make my own tonic syrup, which is easy to do with cinchona bark and simple syrup. Making your own tonic syrup allows you to control the level of sweetness in the cocktail and the level of salinity in the carbonated water. Choose a traditional club soda that is higher in sodium and you add more salinity to a sweeter gin for a nice juxtaposition, for example. 


Next are additional flavors and botanicals. Look to your spice cabinet in the winter for your Gin & Tonic. In the summer, I have my cocktail garden to reach into so I can choose from an array of fresh herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. But in the winter, my tactics must change. Roots and spices will be in my arsenal to deliver winter vibes. 


Cinnamon and gin are on my list of top ten favorite flavors. Throw some green apples into the mix and things get really fun. So here are a few of my favorite wintery Gin & Tonic recipes from my chest of favorite things. I hope you enjoy!


If Looks Could Kill

½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder

½ teaspoon of ginger zest

2 green apple slices


Add green apple slices to the bottom of a mixing glass and gently press and twist with a muddler until the bottom of the glass has visible juice in it. There is no need to hammer the muddler or tear the apple apart. Add the other ingredients with a handful of cubed ice and stir until the glass is cold to the touch.


Strain the cocktail into a Collins glass over fresh cubed ice. Fill the remainder of the glass with carbonated water and stir gently. Garnish with a fresh or dried green apple slice.


Crazy On You

1.5 oz Watershed Gin - Catoctin Creek

½ oz grapefruit juice

½ teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 pinch of ground clove


Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with a handful of cubed ice and stir until the glass is cold to the touch. Strain the cocktail into a Collins glass over fresh cubed ice. Fill the remainder of the glass with carbonated water and stir gently. Garnish with dried roses and dried citrus. 


Kick It Out

1.5 oz Genever Gin - Tenth Ward 

½ teaspoon of nutmeg

2 dashes of orange bitters

1 sprig of rosemary


Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with a handful of cubed ice and stir until the glass is cold to the touch. Strain the cocktail into a Collins glass over fresh cubed ice. Fill the remainder of the glass with carbonated water and stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 


Heart is in rotation in my house today. I recommend Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen and the self titled album - Heart as a drinking companion. 


Cheers!

Sailor


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