2020 was truly the year of gin lovers! Gin is one of the most popular pillars of mixology for versatility and taste, capable of always mixing well in cocktails and will certainly continue to grow in popularity.
Many brands are experimenting with different flavors and combinations of gin. At NIO we are big fans of gin and only use the best gins for our cocktails. Here is a list of our 4 favorite gins for premium gin-based cocktails!
1. Tanqueray Gin
Initially distilled in London in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray, Tanqueray gin is now one of the most awarded gins in the world, and for good reason! While its exact recipe is still a secret, we know it is made from 4 ingredients, juniper, coriander, angelica root and licorice for a perfectly balanced blend. This classic London Dry Gin is ideal for use in many cocktails. In fact, we are such a huge fan of this gin that we use it in almost all of our gin-based cocktails which include:
The bittersweet Negroni that combines Gin Tanqueray, Vermouth Cocchi Storico, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters.
The classic Gin Sour that mixes Tanqueray gin, organic citric acid and Toschi liquid sugar for a perfect balance.
Our exclusive Gin Proved that combines Tanqueray gin, Bols Parfait Amour liqueur, organic citric acid, Toschi liquid sugar for a unique version of a classic.
The iconic Gimlet which is a simple mix of Tanqueray gin and Finest Call Cordial Lime for a fresh, tangy flavor that can't be beat.
2. Plymouth Gin
Plymouth gin is one of the most famous gins around and has a long and fascinating history behind it. It was first distilled in the Black Friars Distillery, which is now the oldest functioning distillery in England, in 1793. Made with a high concentration of root ingredients, this gin has a very earthy flavor that is different from London Dry Gin . Rich and smooth, Plymouth gin has won many awards over the years and is a popular spirit to use in cocktails such as:
A classic Dry Gin Martini that typically includes Plymouth gin, vermouth, and orange bitters. Interestingly, when the Dry Martini was created in 1896 the recipe specified Plymouth gin.
The fun pink gin cocktail just combines Plymouth gin and Angostura Bitters together to create a perfect dinner drink.
A sophisticated French 75 combining Plymouth gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar for a sweet treat.
A fruity Gin and Juice that rapper Snoop Dogg even wrote a song about, simply mixes Plymouth gin and orange juice, grapefruit or lime.
3. Hendricks Gin
Hendricks is probably the most famous gin brand around. If you're new to the world of gin, you can't go wrong with a bottle of Hendricks. Made in Scotland in 1999 at the Girvan distillery, Hendricks has an unusual flavor that mixes rose and cucumber along with 11 other botanicals, this gin is ultra refreshing and a favorite of many. Some cocktails for which it is best to use Hendricks gin are:
The classic Gin and Tonic that simply uses Hendricks Gin and Tonic Water for a refreshing cocktail perfect for summer.
Delicious Cucumber Cooler mixes Hendricks gin, lime juice, cucumber and tonic water for a wonderfully light summer cocktail.
A Raspberry Rose Royale which is a delicious fruity cocktail that mixes Hendricks gin, raspberries, sugar and is filled with champagne.
Chelsea Rose is a sweet combination of Hendricks gin, elderflower liqueur, apple juice and raspberry that lowers very easily.
4. Sipsmith Gin
Bold and complex, Sipsmith is a classic gin that contains a dozen botanicals with juniper as the main body with hints of oranges and lemons. Founded in 2009, Sipsmith quickly became a huge success with its rich, smooth gin and helped pave the way for the current gin boom. Some cocktails that Sipsmith gin is perfect for are:
A cold London Dry Gin Spritz combines Sipsmith gin, lemon juice, prosecco and sugar syrup for a bubbly and refreshing summer drink.
The captivating Bramble that combines Sipsmith gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mûre and crushed ice.
A warm and comforting Hot Gin and Tonic simply combines Sipsmith gin and hot tonic water and is perfect for those cold, cozy nights.
Sweet Martinez mixes Sipsmith gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters.
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