Gin Recipe

Chill glass

Place your chosen glass (coupe, martini, or rocks) in the freezer or fill it with ice and cold water for 3–5 minutes to thoroughly chill while you prepare the gin and garnish.

Select gin

Choose one gin from the options listed (Bombay Sapphire, Fords, Hendrick's, Tanqueray, The Botanist, Plymouth, Nolets, Monkey 47). The choice will influence garnish and presentation: Hendrick's pairs well with cucumber, citrus-forward gins pair well with lemon twist, floral or herbal gins pair well with a rosemary or thyme sprig.

Add ice to mixing vessel (for chilled, stirred gin)

If you prefer a properly chilled, slightly diluted gin served straight (neat-chilled), fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.

Measure gin

Measure 2 oz of your chosen gin using a jigger and pour it over the ice in the mixing glass or shaker.

Stir or briefly swirl

For the cleanest, pure gin experience: stir the gin with a bar spoon in the mixing glass for 20–30 seconds until well chilled (or shake briefly — 5–8 seconds — if you prefer a slightly more aerated texture). Stirring preserves clarity and smoothness; shaking adds cloudiness and a colder temperature.

Prepare glass

Remove the chilled serving glass from the freezer or discard the ice/water used to chill it. Optionally, run a lemon or lime wedge around the rim for a light citrus aroma.

Strain and serve

Using a strainer, pour the chilled gin from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass. If serving over ice, add fresh ice to the rocks glass before pouring.

Garnish

Garnish according to the gin chosen: for Hendrick's thread a thin cucumber ribbon into the glass; for citrus-forward gins add a lemon twist expressed over the drink and dropped in; for herbal or floral gins lightly slap a rosemary or thyme sprig to release aromatics and place it in the glass. If using a lime wedge, serve it on the rim.

Optional tasting notes

Before sipping, take a moment to inhale the aromatics from the garnish and the gin. Sip slowly to evaluate botanicals — juniper, citrus, floral, or spice — and enjoy neat or with a splash of soda or tonic if desired.

To make a classic Gin & Tonic: fill a highball glass with ice, add 2 oz gin, top with 4–6 oz quality tonic water, stir gently, and garnish with lime wedge or cucumber depending on gin. For a martini-style drink: stir gin with 0.25–0.5 oz dry vermouth to taste, then strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.