GIN COCKTAILS - A SYMPHONY OF FLAVOURS
Step back in time and explore the captivating world of gin cocktails, where history and mixology collide in a symphony of flavours. Originating in 16th century Netherlands as a medicinal elixir, gin found its true calling on the vibrant streets of 18th century England. But it wasn't until the roaring 1920s, with the Great Gatsby era in full swing and the shadow of Prohibition looming large in the United Sates, that gin cocktails truly stepped into the limelight.
Picture the clandestine allure of speakeasies, jazz melodies floating in the air, and flappers raising their glasses to the forbidden. The notorious Prohibition era in the United States led to a secret world of hidden bars and whispered passwords, where gin became the ultimate symbol of rebellion. As bootleg gin flowed and authorities turned a blind eye, bartenders became alchemists, concocting ingenious drinks to mask the sometimes questionable quality of the spirits.
THE COCKAIL REVOLUTION
Gin's versatility became the canvas for a cocktail revolution. With its suave sophistication, the Martini became the emblem of elegance, sipped by the likes of James Bond. The Tom Collins embodied refreshment in a glass, while the Negroni added a bitter twist to the mix. But the Gin and Tonic stole the show – not only as a refreshing tipple but also to protect against malaria, thanks to quinine-infused tonic water.
ACROSS THE OCEAN
Australia followed its own gin narrative, carrying with it the influences of Australian botanicals and cultural flavours.
Today, whether sipping a classic Martini at a local bar or crafting inventive mixtures at home, gin cocktails remain a tribute to the ingenious bartenders the world over who have woven the threads of history into each creation.
SUMMER SANGRIA
- 750ml bottle of Shiraz Rose´
- 250ml Black Cat Tango Gin
- 1 litre Lime Soda
- Ice
- 500g Fresh Strawberries - sliced
Combine all ingredients in large punch bowl. Serve in chilled glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
PIXEL BAR MONSTERA BERRY SPARKLER
- 30ml Black Cat Monstera Gin
- 2 tbsp Berry Coulis or Jam
Place into a cocktail shaker with ice and SHAKE! Strain into a glass over ice and top with soda. Garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers.
HOT GIN TODDY (GT)
- 30ml Black Cat Aubrey Gin
- 1 tsp honey
- 30ml Orange Juice
- Orange slice
Put all ingredients into a heatproof glass or cup. Add 60ml of boiling water and stir with a cinnamon stick.
THE LOCKLEYS MANGO TANGO
- 30ml Black Cat Tango Gin
- 30ml Mango Puree
- 90ml Prosecco
Half fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice. Place gin, mango and Prosecco in a cocktail shaker and SHAKE.
Pour into the cocktail glass and add the juice squeezed from half a lime. Fill with soda and garnish with mint, dried citrus slices and edible flowers.
GIN ESPRESSO MARTINI
- 50ml Black Cat Botonic Gin
- 25ml Espresso
- 25 ml Coffee Liqueur or try Frangelico for a hazelnut twist
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well until crema forms on top. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans or an orange twist.
SUMMER FRUIT CUP
Best made in a large jug, pitcher or punch bowl and served in long, chilled glasses.
- 350ml Black Cat Aubrey Gin
- 350ml ginger ale or lemon, lime soda
- 3 cups of ice
- Fresh cucumber, sliced lengthways
- Thin slices of apple, lemon and orange
- Fresh mint leaves
Place 2 cucumber slices into each tall glass and half fill
with ice. Pour the gin mixture into the glasses.
Push mint leaves into the glass and add slices of lemon and
orange. Pour into the cocktail glass and add the juice squeezed from half a lime. Fill with soda and garnish with mint, dried citrus slices and edible flowers.
OUZOTINI
- 125ml Black Cat Monstera Gin
- 125ml Pineapple Juice
- 1tsp Lime Juice
- Ice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into 2 chilled glasses and garnish with fresh mint leave.
POMEGRANATE TANGO COCKTAIL
- 30ml Pomegranate Juice
- 60ml Black Cat Gin Tango
- Pomegranate arils
- Tonic water
- Crushed ice
- Fresh lime segments
Fill a cocktail shaker 2/3 full of ice, squeeze the lime, add Tango gin and a small handful of pomegranate arils. Pour the pomegranate juice into a tall glass and fill 2/3 with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with pomegranate arils and a wedge of lime.
AND OF COURSE - THE NEGRONI
Did you know the Negroni is rumoured to have been invented in 1919 after Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender friend in Italy to enhance his Americano - apparently his favourite cocktail? The mixologist added gin instead of soda water; the rest is history.
Negronis are arguably the most celebrated cocktails on an international scale, making their way into the hearts of many across the globe, bringing a romantic Renaissance tone to the modern world.
Consider this exquisite cocktail to be beverage royalty, wrapped in rich history.
THE BCG NEGRONI
Tip: Negronis are stirred, not shaken, and built over ice in a classic or rocks glass. They should always be served with a slice of orange or an orange peel.
Our idea of the perfect Negroni is:
1. Black Cat Gin Aubrey (20 ml)
2. Sweet Vermouth (20 ml)
3. Campari Bitters (20 ml)
4. Fresh orange peel or slice
Add the Bitters, Vermouth and Aubrey in a mixing glass. Next, add ice and stir until the concoction is chilled. Strain into a rocks glass, and top it off with orange peel or orange slice garnish.
Cin Cin