Drinking In This New Love For An Old Spirit
Years ago, in my just-beginning-to-drink days, I had a nasty introduction to gin and pretty much swore it off at that time as an alcohol choice.
So off I went in the tequila and rum world, occasionally mixing in vodka for Bloody Marys and Jello-O shots. (Primarily, I am a beer drinker.)
For the longest time, I did not think I was missing anything, but my mind changed recently when Tanqueray sent a couple bottles to James Hills of ManTripping.com, and myself to feature on our “Virtual Happy Hour” live streaming show.
We were highlighting #GinAndTonicDay, and it only made sense to have these cocktails on the show. And while reviewing the Tanqueray website, I came across a few other gin recipes, including ones involving fruit juices, which form the base of the rum drinks I love so much.
Of those, I chose to make the the Neva Left Gin & Juice because I all the necessary ingredients on hand: orange juice, cranberry juice and an unspecified juice (I used guava).
Well let me say it only took one sip for me to go from skeptical to a fan. I used Tanqueray 10 for the gin and tonic and was quite surprised to learn it has a citrusy flavor. Mixed with the tonic water and a twist of lime, it had a very refreshing taste.
The Neva Left Gin & Juice was awesome. Refreshing and with a I-wish-I-were-on-an-island touch to it.
The drinks also had an air of sophistication to them. It’s a more mature type of spirits than I normally drink. I sat up in my chair straighter, straightened my hair and tried to sooth out the the wrinkles in my shirt. I felt as if I should go to the closest and put on a sportcoat.
And I thought to myself, “when I drink rum or tequila, I’m a boy. When I drink gin, I’m a man!”
The result of all this is that I now have a new appreciation for gin, as well another couple of cocktails to drink while out on the town.
When I’m at a beach bar I’ll stick to the rum but when I’m in a more upscale setting – say a nice restaurant at Happy Hour while trying to impress a businesswoman seated within earshot of me – then I will say words I’ve never said before in a bar: “I’ll have a gin and tonic please.”
Cheers!
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