Flavoured gin has taken the cocktail world by storm. With its unique and diverse range of flavors, it offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and exciting drinks. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what you can mix with flavoured gin to create amazing cocktails and beverages.
Understanding Flavoured Gin
Flavoured gin is gin that has been infused with various botanicals, fruits, spices, or other flavorings. This gives it a distinct taste and aroma that sets it apart from traditional gin. Some popular flavors of flavoured gin include raspberry, lemon, elderflower, cucumber, and strawberry.
Mixers for Flavoured Gin
1. Tonic Water:
A classic mixer for gin, tonic water pairs well with many flavoured gins. The bitterness of tonic water complements the sweetness or tartness of the gin’s flavor. For example, a raspberry-flavoured gin with tonic water is a refreshing and fruity combination.
2. Soda Water:
Soda water is a simple and versatile mixer that can be used with any flavoured gin. It adds fizz and dilution without overpowering the gin’s flavor. Try a lemon-flavoured gin with soda water for a light and citrusy drink.
3. Fruit Juices:
Fresh fruit juices can add a burst of flavor to flavoured gin. Orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and grapefruit juice are all great options. For instance, a strawberry-flavoured gin with cranberry juice is a delicious and colorful cocktail.
4. Lemonade or Limeade:
Citrusy mixers like lemonade or limeade are perfect for enhancing the flavors of flavoured gin. They add a tangy and refreshing note. A cucumber-flavoured gin with lemonade is a cool and summery drink.
5. Sparkling Wine or Champagne:
For a special occasion, sparkling wine or champagne can be mixed with flavoured gin to create a festive cocktail. The bubbles add elegance and effervescence. An elderflower-flavoured gin with champagne is a sophisticated and delicious choice.
Garnishes for Flavoured Gin Cocktails
1. Fruits:
Slices of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, oranges, lemons, or limes can be used as garnishes for flavoured gin cocktails. They add color and flavor. For example, a strawberry-flavoured gin cocktail can be garnished with a fresh strawberry.
2. Herbs:
Fresh herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, or thyme can add a fragrant and refreshing touch to flavoured gin cocktails. A cucumber-flavoured gin cocktail can be garnished with a sprig of mint.
3. Edible Flowers:
Edible flowers like lavender, rose petals, or violets can add a beautiful and unique touch to flavoured gin cocktails. They are not only visually appealing but also add a delicate flavor. An elderflower-flavoured gin cocktail can be garnished with a few lavender flowers.
Popular Flavoured Gin Cocktails
1. Raspberry Gin Fizz:
Combine raspberry-flavoured gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a lemon slice.
2. Strawberry Gin Spritz:
Mix strawberry-flavoured gin, prosecco, and soda water. Garnish with a strawberry and a sprig of basil.
3. Lemon Gin Cooler:
Combine lemon-flavoured gin, lemonade, and ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig.
4. Cucumber Gin and Tonic:
Mix cucumber-flavoured gin with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.
5. Elderflower Gin Martini:
Shake elderflower-flavoured gin with dry vermouth and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
See Also: What To Mix With Dry Gin?
Types of Non – Alcoholic Beverages to Mix with Flavoured Gin
1. Fruit Juices:
Citrus Juices:
Orange juice can be a great mixer for flavoured gin. A blood – orange flavoured gin with regular orange juice creates a double – citrus punch. The natural sweetness of the juice can balance the alcohol’s strength and enhance the overall fruitiness.
Tropical Fruit Juices:
Pineapple juice pairs well with many flavoured gins. A coconut – flavoured gin with pineapple juice gives a taste of the tropics. The acidity and sweetness of the pineapple juice can cut through the sometimes – strong botanicals in the gin and create a smooth, fruity blend.
Berry Juices:
Raspberry or strawberry juices are excellent for mixing with berry – flavoured gins. The combination intensifies the berry flavours and results in a rich, sweet drink. You can also use cranberry juice, which has a tartness that can contrast with sweeter flavoured gins and add an interesting balance.
2. Sparkling Beverages:
Sparkling Water:
Plain sparkling water is a simple and effective mixer. It adds fizz and dilutes the gin without adding extra flavours that might overpower the gin’s unique taste. This is a good option if you want to enjoy the pure essence of the flavoured gin with a bit of effervescence.
Soda:
Ginger ale is a popular choice. The spicy and sweet notes of ginger ale can enhance the flavours of certain flavoured gins. For example, a spiced – apple flavoured gin with ginger ale creates a warm, gingery – apple blend. Tonic water is also a classic option. The bitterness of tonic water can work well with floral – or citrus – flavoured gins, such as an elderflower – flavoured gin.
Mocktails:
There are many non – alcoholic cocktails or mocktails available in the market. You can mix flavoured gin with a virgin Mojito mix (which contains mint, lime, and soda) to create a refreshing and less – alcoholic version of a Mojito – style drink.
3. Herbal and Tonic Beverages:
Herbal Teas:
A cooled, unsweetened chamomile tea can be an interesting mixer for a floral – flavoured gin. The gentle, floral notes of chamomile can enhance the gin’s floral elements. Similarly, a mint – flavoured tea can pair well with a cucumber – flavoured gin, creating a fresh and cooling effect.
Tonic – like Drinks:
Some non – alcoholic tonic – like drinks are available that have the bitterness and botanicals similar to traditional tonic water. These can be a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the gin – tonic experience without the full – on alcohol content.
Conclusion
Flavoured gin is a versatile and exciting spirit that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails and beverages. Whether you prefer fruity, citrusy, or floral flavors, there is a mixer and garnish combination that will suit your taste. Experiment with different combinations and have fun creating your own unique flavoured gin cocktails.
You might be interested
- What Is In Elderflower Liqueur?
- What Is In Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur?
- What Is Captain Morgan Rum Made From?