If you’ve got a bottle of gin in the cupboard, what’s the first mixer you think to pair it with? Probably tonic water, right? But what if I told you there’s another great, easy to make co*cktail you can mix yourself in less than 2 minutes? You probably have all the ingredients you need as well, so no need to go searching through the supermarket for ingredients that are difficult to come by or expensive. This co*cktail is super simple – Gin and co*ke!
Time to Try a Gin and co*ke!
Much less requested than the more traditional Rum and co*ke, and Gin and co*ke could be the perfect summer drink. It’s got the citrusy, fruity flavours that remind you of a tropical island, and something a little zingy to brighten up even the sunniest of long summer days.
Gin and co*ke – Our Recipe!
Getting just the right combination of floral gin with sweet co*ke makes this co*cktail really sing. An extra addition that works really well is a dash of lime juice. We all know how well lime and co*ke go together, and the lime works really well with the gin in this co*cktail too! Without further ado, here is our recipe for the perfect Gin and co*ke!
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 100ml co*ke
- ¼ lime
Method:
1. Pour the gin into an ice-cold tumbler glass (keep a couple of ice cubes in if you like!)
2. Tip the glass slightly and pour the co*ke so that it hits the inside of the side of the glass first before mixing with the gin at the bottom of the glass. This will help to minimise the development of foam on the top of your drink, preventing any overflow!
3. Squeeze the ¼ lime through a sieve into your drink to prevent any unwanted seeds getting into your drink.
4. Stir gently a couple of times to incorporate the lime with the co*ke and gin.
5. Serve and enjoy!
The great thing about this co*cktail is that you can make a really tasty drink using just a few fairly cheap ingredients. So, if you’ve got a bottle of gin sitting at the back your cupboard that isn’t your favourite, try it in this co*cktail – co*ke is great for pairing with alcohols that you’d like to mask the flavour of a little! The botanical flavour will come through just the right amount, and pairs so wonderfully with the fruity co*ke and lime.
In fact, co*ke pairs really well with a number of different alcohols, due to its fruity, sweet flavour. The most commonly paired alcohol with co*ke is rum. The classic rum and co*ke is actually a variation on the classic Cuba Libre co*cktail, which is made from co*ke, rum and lime juice, and dates back to the early 1900s. Thought to have been invented in Cuba, hence the name, its popularity quickly spread, first to the USA, and then globally!
Where did Gin and co*ke originate?
The exact origin of the less well-known Gin and co*ke is unknown, although some people think it may have originated in Spain, where gin is generally preferred over rum. The fruity co*cktail gained popularity in Europe, and only recently spread to the rest of the world.
How is Gin made?
Gin is a spirit made from fermenting and distilling wheat, barley, potatoes, or grapes. The flavour of a traditional gin must predominantly come from juniper berries. The plant-based nature of gin makes it the perfect accompaniment to co*ke.
How is co*ke made?
Also known as cola, co*ke is a carbonated drink that is flavoured using a variety of flavours including citrus oils, cinnamon, and vanilla. It is a very sugary sweet beverage that is very popular all around the globe and is the mixer of choice for many people. Its strong and sweet flavour is great for calming down the burn of spirits such as rum, tequila, and whiskey.
More co*ke based co*cktails
There are other co*ke-based co*cktails that are less well known even than Gin and co*ke. Here are a few you could try:
Kalimotxo
This Spanish co*cktail dates back the 1920s and was first invented in the Basque region of Spain.
Ingredients:
- 75ml Dry Red Wine (Good options are Rioja Tempranillo, Malbec, or Priorat)
- 75ml co*ke
- Wedge of Lemon
Method:
1. Mix together the wine and co*ke in a glass with some ice cubes
2. Add the lemon wedge before serving
Piscola
A twist on the more traditional Brandy and co*ke, the Piscola is native to Chile.
Ingredients:
- 75ml Pisco
- 75ml co*ke
- 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Wedge of Lime
Method:
1. Pour the Pisco, co*ke and bitters into a glass filled with ice and mix gently.
2. Top with a wedge of lemon and serve.
Long Island Spiced Tea
A modern twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, this is a more complex co*cktail that has a multitude of spirits tied together with co*ke.
Ingredients:
- Bacardi – 15ml
- Dry Gin – 15ml
- Vodka – 15ml
- Tequila – 15ml
- Cointreau triple sec liqueur – 15ml
- Freshly squeezed lime juice – 30ml
- sugar syrup – 15ml
- co*ke – 50ml
Method:
1. In a co*cktail shaker, shake the Bacardi, Dry Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and sugar syrup with ice.
2. Pour over ice in a glass and top up with co*ke.
As you can see, co*ke is a very versatile mixer. One of the reasons why it is such a good mixer is that it is an almost universally loved drink, mixing sugary sweetness with fruity flavours to create a unique taste. The bubbles fizz and seem to elevate the flavour, bringing a freshness to the drink that makes it work so well with spirits.
A Summer Favourite!
Gin and co*ke is a great drink to serve at parties this summer – it embodies the warmth of the season. It will also probably be a new drink for most of your guests, who are most likely more familiar with a Cuba Libre, or pairing gin with tonic. Suggest they try a Gin and co*ke and watch as they become pleasantly surprised by the combination. You may well end up introducing them to their new favourite co*cktail, so be prepared to keep them coming! Make sure to have a good ice supply to keep everyone’s drinks cool. The ice-cold temperature makes the flavour of this drink extra fresh and refreshing for a hot summer’s day. You can also put glasses in the fridge before serving to ensure the drink stays colder for longer, emulating the luxury of a tropical retreat.
Adaptations of the classic Gin and co*ke
You can try some adaptations on the more traditional “Cubata” style of Gin and co*ke, which has a dash of lime, and swap the lime for a dash of orange juice, garnishing with a cinnamon stick, or choose a flavoured gin for a different taste. A great choice is cherry gin – everyone knows how well cherries and co*ke go together, and this co*cktail is no exception. You can even mix yourself and gin-based version of a Cuba Libre by mixing white rum, gin, lime juice and a splash of aromatic bitters with co*ke.
With more unusual combinations such as Gin and co*ke you are always going to come across gin snobs who say that it shouldn’t be paired with co*ke. They think that co*ke overpowers the gin, which usually has a very subtle, botanical flavour. This is why it is important to get the right balance of flavours, and why it is hard to get a good flavour with just gin and co*ke. You can try varying the ratio of gin to co*ke, but you will likely need to add one of the extra
ingredients we talked about earlier such as lime or orange. Alternatively, you can choose a flavoured gin to give you that flavour you’re after.
Make it kid-friendly!
Another great thing about a Gin and co*ke is that you can easily hold the gin for a non-alcoholic version. Play around with the same flavours to create a unique, kid-friendly drink that will make them feel included. Make it low calorie by choosing a diet co*ke drink, which often has lower sugar content too, making it a healthier option.
So, next time you find yourself reaching for the tonic, think about reaching instead for the co*ke! You may surprise yourself! Remember that your first shot at mixing this co*cktail may not provide you with the flavour you like best, so do try adapting the ratio of gin to co*ke until you find the flavour you like best. As gin is a fashionable drink at the moment, impress your friends by introducing them to this new combination of Gin and co*ke. Easy and quick to make, it will quickly become one of your go-to drinks! Get ahead of the curve and revive this almost-forgotten drink with its foundation in early 1900s Spain. One thing’s for sure, once it is properly introduced to modern society it won’t fade away again!
Read more of our blogs and co*cktail recipes here – https://spinandshake.co.uk/co*cktails/english-garden-co*cktail
