The Rebirth of Gin
America is once again finding its love for gin.
America and gin has a long history, from the original “gin craze” of the 1700’s through a resurgance in popularity (when the medicinal qualities of the spirit and its mixers were discovered – think tonic for malaria and lime for scurvy) gin has been a favorite for both Americans and Brits losing out only to a preference for the smoother, milder taste of vodka and a lesser need for its medicinal qualities in the mid 20th century.
But no more. Both America and the UK are experiencing the rebirth of gin thanks to the popularity of craft distilleries and their focus on smoother, clean-tasting gins.
You might think that crafting these reimagined gins would mean using less botanicals. Cleaner taste = less ingredients, right? Nope. In actual fact, these gins do not rely on less botanicals being included in the distilling process, but more!
Whistling Andy Cucumber Gin utilizes forty pounds of freshly peeled cucumbers and 8 different botanicals. From coriander to cardamom to the cucumber notes beneath the body of this dry gin, Whistling Andy Cucumber Gin is now a favorite of those “who never drink gin” and has a smooth, yet crisp spirit with a unique flavor profile you will certainly enjoy!
Try it in this favorite recipe from the local farmer’s market:
The Farmer’s Daughter:
1.5 oz. Whistling Andy Cucumber Gin
4-6 oz. Rosemary Lemonade*
2 slices Cucumber
Muddle cucumbers in a cocktail shaker. Add gin, lemonade and ice. Shake until tin frosts. Dirty pour into a Collins glass. Garnish with a cucumber wheel or small sprig of fresh rosemary.
* For rosemary lemonade simply use your favorite lemonade and add a sprig of fresh rosemary and steep for 20 minutes, more for stronger flavor.