Crisp, clean and oh so refreshing, gin is a botanical spirit that has experienced a reawakening in recent years. According to a May report from International Wine and Spirits Research, the juniper-based liquor boasted an impressive international growth rate of 8.3 percent in 2018.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a classic G&T, we found some gin cocktails with a creative twist, be it the addition of fragrant purees or unique herbs.
Find some libation inspiration with these botanical beverages from properties on Forbes Travel Guide’s 2019 Verified List of the World’s Best Hotel Bars.
VINTAGE NEGRONI
This favorite from Four Seasons Hotel Firenze’s Atrium Bar is aged in a wooden barrel to achieve a deeper flavor. The recipe makes 1.5 gallons — perfect for a party.
⅖ gallon Bombay Sapphire
⅖ gallon Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter
⅖ gallon of Carpano Antica Formula
⅖ gallon of Arancia Lunae Essentiae
Combine all ingredients and age in an oak barrel oak for one month. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with dehydrated orange.
BULGARI COCKTAIL
Bulgari Resort Bali’s Il Bar gives gin the Italian treatment with some Campari.
⅔ ounce gin
1⅓ ounce Campari
1⅓ ounce pineapple juice
1⅓ ounce orange juice
⅓ ounce lime juice
Garnish: strawberry
Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice to shaker tin and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into martini glass and garnish with a strawberry.
THE MARTINEZ
The secret to this martini-like cocktail is The Bar at The Dorchester’s own gin, which can be purchased from the hotel here.
1 ounce Dorchester Old Tom
1⅓ ounce Punt e Mes
⅓ ounce Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
A dash of Boker’s bitters
Garnish: orange peel
Chill a martini glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin and sweet vermouth. Add the maraschino liqueur and bitters, then shake. Pour into chilled glass. Cut a very thin ribbon of orange zest and squeeze so the oils drip into the drink — if you wish, you can rub the peel along the rim of the glass.
