World Gin Day: City mixologists share easy recipes to savour gin cocktails with a twist

Pinjra by The Bombay Canteen. Pic/The Bombay Canteen

Every year World Gin Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of June. Widely popular across the globe, the much loved spirit has legions of fans in India as well. Owing to its growing popularity across the nation, several home-grown Indian gins have sprung up in the recent years.

Even though you might not be able to enjoy your favourite tipples at the bar as you would have liked because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it doesn't mean you can't do it at home. Here are two exciting gin cocktail recipes to try at home to celebrate this World Gin Day:

Pinjra
"Pinjra is our take on a classic gin martini. The flavour of Pinjra is a complex one and has a bright blue colour to it. The vermouth is infused with fresh thyme, citrus peel, and blue orange flowers for an earthy flavour and freshness. A dash of house-made lime cordial gives richness and sourness to the drink," said Rahul Raghav, beverage manager at The Bombay Canteen and O Pedro.

Ingredients

Gin - 45 ml, thyme infused vermouth - 7.5 ml, house-made lime cordial - 15 ml, bluepea syrup - 10 ml

Method
Combine all the elements together in a mixing jar and give it a good stir, pour it in a chilled coupe glass or a martini glass.

Tang Time Fizz
"A trend that has grown over the past few years has been the addition of flavoured shrubs to a gin and tonic. Embracing this, I created a watermelon shrub and added fresh jalapeno to it. The tanginess of the vinegar, the sweetness of the watermelon and the spice from the jalapeno formed a very tasty and refreshing mix. Instead of making it an addition to an everyday drink I decided to make it the core flavour of the cocktail. Gin is perfect to mix with the shrub as it adds botanical elements without overpowering it," explains John Leese, group beverage manager, Bastian Hospitality.

Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice - 20 ml, gin - 50 ml, egg white - 5 ml, sugar syrup - 5 ml, watermelon and jalapeno shrub - 30 ml.

To make the watermelon and jalapeno shrub
Add apple cider vinegar, caster sugar watermelon juice, and several slices of jalapenos - all in proportions to taste and top up with soda water.

Method
1. Mix and shake all the ingredients (other than soda water) together with ice.
2. Top it up with a splash of soda water.
3. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and serve.