No doubt you are already familiar with most of the classic cocktails, but did you know that you can revisit them with gin? Here’s an overview of the most delicious and easy to make combinations!
The Mojito
If it is today one of the most consumed cocktails in France, the Mojito was born in Cuba in the 16th century. It was at this time that Francis Drake, the famous English pirate, stopped here between two raids and drank rum mixed with mint leaves with his crew. In his honor, this drink is called Draque. A reference to the nickname “El Draque”, which means “the dragon”. It was not until after the Second World War that the Mojito as we know it today was created at the Bodequita del Medio, a famous bar-restaurant in Havana. It will then be successfully exported throughout the world. Made with rum, soda water, lemon and mint leaves, this must-have can easily be twisted with gin, as these ingredients blend well with its aromatic palette.
The Moscow Mule
As tasty as it is easy to make, the Moscow Mule has become increasingly popular in recent years. This blend of vodka, ginger beer and lime even has its own dedicated copper glass. However, do not be fooled by its name, it has Russian only the main alcohol that composes it. It was actually developed in the United States after a large migration wave from Russia. His first appearance was in 1941 at the Chatham Hotel in New York, following a meeting between a ginger beer salesman and a vodka salesman. The Moscow Mule is created, and with it many variants over time, including the London Mule or Gin Gin Mule, which consists of changing the vodka by gin and decorating it with a mint leaf.
The Caipirinha
Departure for Brazil to (re)discover another alcoholic drink that we no longer present, the Caïpirinha. It is difficult to know the real history of its making, so many theories diverge. For some, it would have been elaborated for curative purposes to counter cholera, for others it was used as a treatment for the Spanish flu… what we can affirm of sure source, it is that it largely contributed to the expansion of cachaça, the local alcohol of sugar cane. However, in our version, we suggest you forget it in favor of gin. Add a little sugar, lime juice and a dollop of crushed ice and it’s ready to be enjoyed.
The Pina Colada
Make way for the quintessence of exoticism! Who has never sipped a Pina Colada, this cocktail made of rum, cream or coconut milk and pineapple juice, served chilled, preferably while enjoying the sunshine? You owe its invention to Ramon Marrero, barman of the hotel Le Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico, in the 50s. By combining all the emblematic ingredients of the Caribbean island, he managed to make it the national drink. It was therefore no surprise to anyone that it managed to cross the borders and to establish itself well beyond the West Indies. Counterbalance its natural sweetness by substituting gin for the rum. Ready to try the Gina Colada?
The Cosmopolitan
Let’s finish this selection with a touch of color. The first service of the Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo, dates back to 1958. However, it is in the 90s that it exploded, becoming the cocktail fetish of the heroines of the series Sex & the City. It combines vodka, Cointreau, a bit of lime and the famous cranberry juice that gives it its lovely pink color. A fruity, sweet and aromatic preparation, which can become even more so by forgetting the vodka in favor of gin.
