COCKTAIL: Gin Bouquet

To be completely honest, I don’t really like gin. It’s too floral, it’s too bitter, and it tastes and smells like a Christmas tree. I know I’m not alone either, does anyone ever order shots of gin to get the party started? Didn’t think so.

So why the hell is this week’s cocktail about gin then? While it usually offends my taste buds, I can be swayed to drink it if it’s mixed right in a cocktail. When mixed, gin becomes a superstar of complex botanical flavors that makes me giddy inside. This week’s cocktail is based on the good ol’ G&T. It plays up the flowery side without being too perfumey and doesn’t snuff out the tonic’s balance.

Ladies and gents, meet the Gin Bouquet.

Ingredients:

• 1.5oz Gin
• 0.5oz St-Germain
• 1 Hibiscus flower in syrup
• Teaspoon of hibiscus syrup (from the flower)
• Tonic water (Fever-Tree preferred)
• Lime to garnish
• Lotsa ice

How:

Combine gin and hibiscus syrup in a shaker with ice and stir
Single strain mixture into glass filled with fresh ice
Top off with tonic water
Garnish with hibiscus flower and lime wedge

Make often and enjoy.