Some posts here on Cocktails Away contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you click one of these links – at no extra expense to you. It feels familiar in the hand, a perfectly balanced weight. Gin Cocktails were at their most popular around the time of American prohibition— but they’ve come back into vogue in the 21st century. The little label only lists two of them: rosemary and mint. Works excellently in a Bramble. Hold … This gin sample was shared by John, who is also a big fan of gin. Both sets begin with a base of wheat spirit. This classic is an acquired taste because Campari is well-known for its bitter aspects. It is bright and distinctive with leafy notes of fresh rosemary and mint upfront, supported by orris root (iris), coriander and, of course, bold Tuscan juniper. Mint on the finish is quite nice and refreshing! It was smokey with the perfect amount of spice. It is so true that this simple (again, two-ingredient) drink is a wonder on hot days and if you're curious as to how gin and lime work together, this drink is the best way to test it. Nestled on Exchange Street, you might not find parking, but you’ll find Blyth & Burrows. What sets gin apart from its clear spirits counter-parts are the various botanicals used for flavoring that give gin a distinct taste. ¼ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. Hardshore Original Gin is diluted and bottled at 46% ABV. But it is summertime and that means cocktails and sitting on the porch watching the sunset, so here are a few quick and simple cocktails we have been enjoying on the back patio. Fortunately, he photographed the cocktails as well. The mix is of gin, lime, raspberry, and ginger ale and if you have yet to try it you are missing out on a hidden gem of the cocktail scene. It is the cocktail that is the base for countless other drinks, can be made to your exact specifications, and is considered by many to be the ultimate experience in fine drinking. Just ensure that your gin is top shelf. It fortunately goes well in many gin cocktails, but it won’t be hidden. I’ve returned annually to visit friends and family, but I have lost touch with the local food/drink scene. Featuring a menu full of noodles, creative wontons, and Asian seafood fusion dishes, their bar is also worth not missing. Hardshore Distilling Company‘s flagship gin is an exercise in concise botanical selection. SIDEBAR COSMO 9 ... Chinese Long Pepper Infused Tequila, Pear Puree, Lime Juice, Agave. I enjoyed sipping on this rather perfect cocktail, while snacking on my popcorn and talking to some folks at the bar. The Honey Paw was hopping when I got there on a Thursday night. The egg adds to the creaminess and brings all of the flavors together in a lovely, timeless mix. With limited, mostly bar seating, you’ll want to either get there early or prepare to wait. It is, in fact, a personal favorite of all gin cocktails. Oct 14, 2019 | city guides, cocktails, gin, Maine, mezcal, pisco, rum, tequila, vermouth. Availability of products on sale is based on current store inventories while supplies last. Be safe and use Hardshore Gin. The focus on quality means that Hardshore isn't relegated to just being mixed into cocktails, this gin can be poured over a few ice cubes with a wedge of lime and enjoyed. But this gin is equally ready for a martini; Milne would suggest a Negroni. The second point was proven a few years ago when the recipe went viral after being showcased on a technology webcast. Also known as a mojito, gin-style. This is one that is very difficult to screw up and it is always there when you need it, whether that be at the bar or in your own kitchen. Bartenders will find this gin a versatile mixer; however, they should be advised that it will add that bright sweet mint note to anything they mix with it. The couple that owns and operates the establishment even wrote a book about Northern Hospitality (I need to add this to my list). While the original recipe remains unknown and a long list of ingredients have been added and subtracted over the years, we still love the Singapore sling. Other botanicals are often added to the mix (lemon peel, grapefruit, fennel, anise, etc. It was refreshing and delicious. I’m not even a big gin fan usually, but this gin has really lured me in, one of the best of the “new wave” gins I’ve tasted, and several friends agree on that too. Its key ingredient is creme de violette, which was nearly impossible to find until the contemporary cocktail renaissance that brought many classics like this back into the spotlight. 92 Proof. The Singapore sling is one of those great cocktails that everyone loves yet no one can seem to agree on how it's made. Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world. The tonic and gin combination is a fantastic one that is on the drier side of soda highballs, which is great if you're tired of all the sugars in today's drinks. Some cocktails work best with a specific gin, some are for acquired tastes and others are reliable and always there for us when we need them. This goes down very easy, sipping on the rocks. Made with rhum, gin, genepy, apricot, matcha, coconut, citrus, orange blossom foam, and a real, tiny ice cream cone. It is a complicated cocktail that requires dedication and the results are worth it. Hardshore Original Gin also is delightful simply paired with lemonade. See what I mean? It very well could be that last ingredient that gave this classic its resurrecting name. Gin is a fascinating liquor to explore. (I’ve clearly been on a spicy mezcal cocktail kick this trip!) There’s an unmistakable window cleaner quality to this gin that me and my bar mates simply cannot get past. A beautiful medley of flavor with a unique smooth finish. The subtlety of the bottle contrasts with Hardshore Distilling Company’s lofty goal, plainly stated on its website: “We are only interested in making spirits that have a purpose on the bar shelf, not just imitating the greats who have already earned their place there.” Eight years into his experiment, Founder/Distiller Jordan Milne has launched exactly one spirit. If you think you have a drinking problem, you should seek professional help. While there are certainly average gin and tonics along with some fantastic ones, it’s hard to have a horrible gin and tonic. With an impressive cocktail menu, the food menu also holds its own. So check out his New England Gin Reviews as well. Though certainly not as numerous as vodka cocktails, there are thousands of great gin cocktails to explore and the list can be quite overwhelming. Gorgeous. In a sea of tall and colorful gin bottles, a small bottle with a simple white label barely whispers, “Try me.” Free advice: Pay attention to the little things. All rights reserved. A note of fresh picked apple mint leaves with a touch of lemon verbena and pineapple sage. When I walked into Vena’s Fizz House, I was pleasantly surprised to find not only a bar but a well-equipped cocktail supply store. It's a delight and the taste of violet is one to be experienced. Amaro Cocktails: What are they and why are they special? The gimlet can be made with lime and simple syrup, with a homemade lime cordial, or, as has become the custom, Rose's lime juice (which is heavily sweetened). Gin Cocktails were at their most popular around the time of American prohibition— … This might become my new summer favorite! Fortunately, he photographed the cocktails as well. But if you like other cooling mint/eucalyptus gins like Botanic Australis or Cardinal Gin— you’ll love Hardshore Original Gin. Since I was returning home to visit (after three years away) in October 2019, I had to find the best cocktail bars in Portland, Maine. Now that the beautiful purple liqueur is available (Rothman and Winter is one brand) we can once again enjoy this very special drink. The selections include gin at its best in the simplest of mixes as well as in the more complicated, often disputed, and finely balanced recipes. The mint fades to a grassy note and the citrus element actually comes from the rosemary. It is that little finishing twist that takes the monkey gland from good to spectacular. Cheers! Spicy and smokey with a kick of fruits and veggies, it was smooth and made we want another. 8 of the Best Nashville Bars and Restaurants for a Cocktail, 30 Best Gifts for Mixologists and Cocktail Lovers, Falling in Leaves: the Apple Cider Cocktail You Need to Make Now, What Is Mezcal And How To Use It In Cocktails [That’s the Spirit], Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 2pm-9pm | Friday, Saturday 2pm-10pm | Sunday 1-7pm | Closed Tuesdays, Hospitality: 5.0, super friendly staff and welcoming environment, Atmosphere: 5.0, cozy with a vintage feel, Drinks: 5.0, great menu and delicious drinks, Hours: Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am | Friday-Sunday 1pm-1am, Atmosphere: 5.0, gorgeous space with a very lively and friendly crowd, Hospitality: 5.0, so nice, very friendly bartender, Atmosphere: 4.8, it’s a historic bar with a rich history in the community, it’s rather bare but the other guests made it a memorable, friendly visit, Drinks: 4.8, very nice, approachable menu with delicious drinks, Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-10pm | Sunday 3pm-9pm, Hospitality: 5.0, despite the restaurant being packed, they fit my right in at the bar and the bartender and host took great care of me, Atmosphere: 5.0, a beautiful, cozy spot to relax and enjoy a wonderful meal, Drinks: 5.0, super unique and delicious drinks and menu, Hospitality: 4.8, very busy bar so not much time to chat with the bartenders but they were attentive, Atmosphere: 5.0, I would literally move into this bar it is so beautiful, Drinks: 5.0, hands down the best cocktails of my trip, Hours: Wednesday-Monday 11am-10pm | Closed Tuesdays, Hospitality: 3.0, this was my only complaint – it’s a busy spot that prefers reservations (which is fine, but as a party of one, you can usually just stick me anywhere) and the host made me feel like I was bothering him for asking if I could sit in an open bar seat after standing for 25 minutes with my drink; the bartender was very nice to me when I sat down, Atmosphere: 4.0, lively place with lovely decor, Drinks: 4.9, my cocktail was definitely the best part of my visit. The resulting distillates are blended and chill filtered. $33.99. This gem started life as a food truck called CN Shwarma and the husband/wife operators found it a brick and mortar location that opened in 2017. The focus on quality means that Hardshore isn't relegated to just being mixed into cocktails, this gin can be poured over a few ice cubes with a wedge of lime and enjoyed.