Home Bar Must-Haves For Anytime Gin Cocktails
Are you a home bartender or a cocktail enthusiast who loves gin cocktails? If yes, then you know how versatile and delectable this classic spirit can be. You may enjoy a simple and easy gin and tonic, a sophisticated martini or maybe a range of fruity concoctions made of gin! Mixing these drinks at home isn’t as tedious as it sounds. If you have all the essential ingredients to whip a gin cocktail at home, then you are sorted. Whenever a craving hits, you will be able to mix up a delectable array of drinks and sip and savour to your heart’s content! So, we have curated a special list of all things that you will need to craft a gin cocktail at home, anytime.
Home Bar Essentials For Gin Cocktails
1. Bar Tools
If you want to whip up captivating gin cocktails at home, make sure to stock up on essential bar tools. Barware is vital to mix, shake, and stir your drink. This will help in creating well-balanced and smooth cocktails. For example, a cocktail shaker is essential to craft cocktails like Gin Fizz or clover club. Alternatively, you may need a mixing glass for drinks like Negroni. A jigger is a must-have to measure the ingredients and a bar spoon to stir and mix your drink.
2. Gin
The star of any gin cocktail is, of course, gin! This one has to be on top of your shopping list for your home bar essentials. Gin is a wonderful spirit that is derived from juniper berries and infused with an array of aromatic botanicals. If you want to craft a delicious gin cocktail, you will need a top-shelf brand.
We recommend opting for premium gins like Tanqueray No TEN gin or Gordon’s London Dry. Whether you like a juniper-forward gin or one that is bursting with citrusy goodness, these brands have something to suit your taste.
3. Tonic Water
One of the most used mixers for a variety of gin cocktails. If you want to craft a gin and tonic, then this is an essential mixer to have in your home bar. It’s also useful to create other refreshing cocktails as well. Whether you prefer plain, or flavourful, there are plenty of options to choose from.
4. Vermouth
Love Martinis or Negronis? Then this is a must-have ingredient in your home bar! Vermouth is a fortified wine which imparts delicate sweetness and complexity to cocktails. There are two types - dry vermouth and sweet vermouth - we recommend having both on your shelf to experiment and craft flavourful cocktails at home.
5. Bitters
These are used to balance the flavours of drinks. Bitters are essentially alcoholic spirits that are infused with rich botanicals such as herbs and spices. They are used in many cocktail recipes such as gin sour, pegu club, etc. Look for aromatic bitters that match the kind of cocktails you want to mix at home.
6. Simple Syrup
This is the sweetener that is used in cocktail recipes. Simple syrup is super easy to make at home. All you have to do is dissolve equal parts of sugar and water by heating it in a saucepan. You can also buy ready-made sugar/simple syrup from the store.
7. Citrus
Gin cocktails are incomplete with a zesty lime wedge or a juicy grapefruit wheel as a garnish! Citrus is an essential ingredient in your home bar, whether you want to use it as a garnish or as an ingredient to enhance the flavours. We suggest using freshly squeezed lemon/lime juices for your recipes as they have more natural and vibrant flavours than bottled ones. Plus, citruses are easy and delectable cocktail garnishes! Additionally, you can store some dehydrated citrus wheels that you can use to decorate your drink. Make sure you have some lemon or lime, grapefruit (if you can find it), and oranges handy in your home bar to make some amazing citrus-infused drinks such as Gin and Tonic, Gimlets, etc.
8. Ice
Another essential ingredient to crafting delectable gin cocktails at home! Ice plays a vital role in diluting the drink while mixing. Most drinks are also served over ice, so ice is a must-have. Having a dedicated ice tray would be useful. You can use regular ice cubes for your cocktail creations. However, if you are feeling adventurous, opt for some innovative ice trays that have various shapes and sizes to craft some intriguing drinks.
Now that you have enough knowledge about home bar essentials to craft delicious gin cocktails, here is a super easy recipe for you to mix at home.
Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
This super easy and delightful cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are hosting a house party or a girls' night this is a perfect cocktail to serve. The crispy tonic water seamlessly blends with the rich botanicals of gin, creating a gin cocktail that delights the senses. Here’s the cocktail recipe for you to try using Tanqueray No TEN Gin:
Ingredients
- Tanqueray No TEN Gin - 60ml
- Tonic water - 120ml
- Lime wheel/grapefruit slice - 1
- Ice
Method
- Grab a highball glass and fill it with ice.
- Next, measure and pour Tanqueray No TEN Gin into the highball glass over the ice.
- Top up with tonic water.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or grapefruit slice.
