As soon as you hear the word Gin, Tonic follows right after. Gin and Tonic or G & T is a classic cocktail combination that is enjoyed by a lot of people during parties. Gin, for those untouched by the phenomenon, is a type of spirit that is made from juniper berries. The word gin is derived from the Latin words genever or juniperus which mean juniper. The alcohol base is made from grapes and berries which are fermented and distilled or redistilled. The process involves mashing grains and obtaining a neutral spirit. It is this neutral spirit that is then mixed with botanical or floral flavours like juniper to give it a tantalizing aroma and taste.
Did you know that Gin and Tonic were actually invented for medicinal purposes? The much-famed drink was a solution to spread of malaria in India during the British rule. It was the East India Company that devised a concoction that would be suitable for taste while doing its medicinal job. The large-scale malaria epidemic in India during the British rule was quite common and quinine was introduced as a potion to cure it. From this distasteful and bitter drink in the 18th century to a delicious cocktail made with gin, quinine, sugar, lime and water, Gin and Tonic emerged as a preventive measure for ailments like malaria for the soldiers in the army and gave way to a popular drink that was here to stay.
While there is so much talk about food and wine pairings, this World Gin Day, we talk about all the foods that you can pair with your glass of Gin and never regret.
Gin And Food Pairings
1. Cured Meats
When you’re planning on having a Gin night at home, it is best that you set up a cute charcuterie board. For the unversed, the board is filled with breads, cheese, nuts, berries, cold cuts and more. Cured meats like salami and chorizo fit in well and they taste great with Gin. Meats which are infused with herbs fare well with the citrus undertone of gin.
2. Seafood
The texture of seafood is such that it blends well with the sharpness of gin. Salmon can be smoked and served with the cocktail in the form of a blini along with some cream and lemon juice. Prawns are also a great option. The ginger, garlic and coriander marinade bring out the floral and earthy flavour of Gin and lead to a delicious explosion in the mouth.
3.Indian Curries
This may come as a surprise to you but Indian food goes really well with Gin. The hot and spicy curries from the rich Indian fare work well with the crisp texture of Gin and Tonic. If you’re having something like a Murg Masaledaar, be sure to have a glass of G & T by your side.
4. Cheese, Nuts And Berries
While cheese adds a creamier and earthy flavour to the Gin and Tonic, it is nuts and berries that take it a notch higher. Nuts are commonly eaten with all kinds of alcoholic beverages and it is true for Gin too. Similarly, berries are used in making Gin and cannot be skipped for a healthy munch during a drinking session. Seasoned goat cheese, with herbs, dunked into a tart is a crispy and cheesy affair complements Gin.
5. Lamb Kofta
The kofta is a ball of minced meat that is popularly eaten in the Middle-East. The meaty balls made of lamb work well with Gin because the red meat’s flavour is often enhanced with the same spirit. The juniper’s floral flavour is a treat to eat with flatbreads and a glass of Gin.