The Gin And Ginger Beer Cocktail: A Perfect Match

Gin and ginger beer is a popular cocktail with a sweet and spicy flavour. The cocktail is made by mixing gin with ginger beer, a non-alcoholic drink that is brewed over a few days with real ginger, giving it a strong and spicy flavour. The cocktail can be garnished with a lime wedge, making it a drink known as a Foghorn. It can also be made with the addition of lemon juice and caster sugar, and garnished with lime slices and mint leaves. The cocktail is simple to make and can be made in larger batches for parties.

The Foghorn cocktail

The Foghorn is traditionally made with Old Tom gin, a sweeter variety that pairs well with the spicy ginger beer. However, modern interpretations often use a London dry gin, such as Beefeater. The cocktail can be served in an old-fashioned glass or as a highball drink by adding more ginger beer.

To make The Foghorn, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces of Old Tom or London dry gin
• 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 4 ounces of ginger beer or ginger ale
• Lime wedge for garnish

• Pour the gin and lime juice into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass.
• Top it up with ginger beer or ginger ale.
• Stir gently.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Foghorn is a mild cocktail when compared to others, with an alcohol content of around 14% ABV when served as a lowball. If served as a tall drink with extra ginger beer, the alcohol content drops to about 9% ABV.

The Gin-Gin Mule

Ingredients

• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 3/4 ounces Tanqueray London dry gin
• 1 ounce ginger beer
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Method

In a shaker, muddle the mint sprig, simple syrup and lime juice. Add the gin, ginger beer and ice, and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

Tips

• If you are making your own ginger beer, it won't be fizzy, so you can shake it with the rest of the liquid ingredients. If you're using bottled or canned ginger beer, which is usually carbonated, shake the other liquid ingredients and strain over ice before topping the drink with the ginger beer.
• When muddling mint, remember to bruise it, don't abuse it. Aggressive muddling can release undesirable flavour qualities, such as bitterness.
• London dry gin is the preferred style for this recipe because the juniper-forward gin will not get lost in the mix.
• Fresh lime juice is best. One lime should yield enough juice for one drink.
• Fresh mint is best. Some people like to slap the leaves between their palms to wake up the mint before adding it to the shaker.

The Leapfrog cocktail

To create this cocktail, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Gin: Opt for a London dry gin or experiment with other varieties. A citrusy gin can complement the other ingredients beautifully.
• Ginger Beer: The star of the show, adding a spicy and robust flavour to the cocktail.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note to the drink.
• Lemon Wedge: Used for garnish, adding a touch of freshness to the presentation.

Here's a simple guide on how to prepare The Leapfrog:

• Fill a highball glass with ice to chill the glass and ensure a refreshing serve.
• Pour 2 ounces of gin over the ice. The gin provides the base of the cocktail, adding its distinctive botanical notes.
• Add a generous splash of lemon juice to the glass. The lemon juice brightens the flavours and adds a touch of acidity.
• Fill the rest of the glass with ginger beer. The ginger beer brings spice and a lively carbonated texture to the cocktail.
• Gently stir the ingredients together to integrate the flavours.
• Garnish the cocktail with a lemon wedge, adding a pop of colour and a fresh aroma.

The Leapfrog is a delightful cocktail that showcases the versatility of gin and the allure of ginger beer. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing and intriguing beverage, offering a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and citrus. Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, The Leapfrog is sure to impress and satisfy.

The Dragonfly cocktail

Ingredients:

• Gin: This forms the base of your cocktail. You can use any type of gin, but a London dry gin or a citrusy aromatic gin works particularly well with the other ingredients.
• Ginger Beer: Ginger beer adds a spicy and intense ginger flavour to the cocktail. It's brewed with real ginger, giving it a stronger taste than ginger ale.
• Lime: A splash of lime juice or a lime wedge gives the drink a tangy twist.
• Ice: Plenty of ice is essential to keep your cocktail chilled.
• Garnishes: A slice of lime or a sprig of mint adds a touch of colour and freshness to your drink.

Method:

• Fill a tall glass or a highball glass with ice.
• Pour in 2 ounces of gin.
• Squeeze in a splash of lime juice (optional).
• Top up the glass with ginger beer.
• Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
• Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of mint.

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different types of gin and ginger beer to find your perfect combination. For a stronger flavour, you could even try grating some fresh ginger into the cocktail. Just be careful not to overpower the other ingredients.

So, there you have it! The Dragonfly cocktail is a delightful mix of gin and ginger beer that's sure to impress your guests or simply enjoy on a relaxing evening at home.

The Gin Rickey

The popularity of the Gin Rickey has endured for decades, even making a cameo in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel, "The Great Gatsby". In 2011, more than a century after its creation, the Rickey was officially declared Washington D.C.'s native cocktail.

Frequently asked questions