Author(s): LOVE FOOD EDITORS

Wine Beer Spirits

Gin, distinctive for its combination of juniper berries and botanicals such as coriander and angelica, continues to be a main player in the modern cocktail bar, in both classic and modern guises. The recent growth in micro-distilleries and fashionable gin bars has made a significant impact on its profile as a drink with a contemporary vibe. There is even a World Gin Day, the second Saturday in June, an event that sees festivals, cocktail hours, street parties and tastings all over the world. The Bartender's Guide to Gin starts with a thorough guide to equipment and approaches, followed by a heady selection of 100 gin-based recipes. These include old favourites such as Gin Sling and Alabama Slammer, exotic concoctions such as Magnolia Blossom and Bloodhound, and modern recipes celebrating new trends and ingredients, such as Mango and Black Pepper Cocktail and Gin and Matcha Green Tea Cocktail. Selected pages also offer useful practical information about the colourful history of gin, from the early Genever gins to the use of gin for medicinal purposes.