Classic Gin Cocktails for the Certified Sommelier Exam
When you're gearing up for the Certified Sommelier exam, being familiar with a range of classic gin cocktails can be beneficial. These cocktails represent a fundamental aspect of a sommelier's knowledge base.
Here are some key gin-based drinks that you might find helpful to know:
1. Classic Gin Martini
Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 1 bar spoon Noilly Prat
Method: Shake the ingredients and strain them into a Martini glass.
Garnish: An olive or a lemon twist.
2. Vesper Martini
Ingredients: 3 oz Gin, 1 oz Vodka, 1⁄2 oz Lillet Blanc
Method: Shake and strain into a Martini glass.
Garnish: A twist of lemon.
3. Negroni
Ingredients: 1 1⁄2 oz Gin, 1 1⁄2 oz Campari, 1 1⁄2 oz Red Vermouth, Soda water (optional)
Method: Serve on ice in a highball glass.
Garnish: A slice of lemon and orange.
4. John or Tom Collins
Ingredients: 4 oz Gin, 3⁄4 oz Lemon Juice, 1 bar spoon Sugar Syrup, Soda water
Method: Serve on ice in a highball glass.
Garnish: A twist of lemon, topped up with soda water.
5. White Lady
Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 3⁄4 oz Lemon Juice, 3⁄4 oz Cointreau, 1 bar spoon Caster Sugar, 1 Egg White
Method: Shake and strain into a Martini glass.
6. Pink Gin
Ingredients: 4 oz Gin, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Method: Coat a chilled Martini glass with Angostura, discard excess, and top with Gin.
7. Singapore Gin Sling
Ingredients: 2 oz Dry Gin, 1⁄2 oz Cointreau, 1 1⁄2 oz Fresh Lime Juice, 1 bar spoon each of Caster Sugar and Sugar Syrup, 3⁄4 oz Cherry Heering
Method: Shake the first four ingredients and strain into a Collins glass. Top up with soda water and float Cherry Heering.
Garnish: A slice of lime.
8. Bronx
Ingredients: 2 oz Dry Gin, 1⁄2 oz Dry Vermouth, 1⁄2 oz Sweet Vermouth, 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
Method: Shake and strain into a Martini glass.
Garnish: A cherry.
9. Gimlet
Ingredients: 2 1⁄4 oz Dry Gin, 3⁄4 oz Rose’s Lime Cordial
Method: Shake and strain into a Martini glass.
10. French 75
Ingredients: 2 oz Dry Gin, 1⁄2 oz Cointreau, 1⁄2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice, 1 bar spoon Sugar Syrup, Champagne
Method: Shake the first four ingredients and strain into a Champagne glass. Top up with Champagne.
Garnish: A twist of lemon.
11. Gin & French
Ingredients: 2 oz Dry Gin, 2 oz Dry Vermouth
Method: Shake and strain into a Martini glass.
These cocktails offer a glimpse into the rich world of gin-based drinks. Knowing how to prepare and serve them not only enhances your expertise but also enriches the experience you can offer as a sommelier.
EXTRA INFO
Lillet Blanc
Lillet Blanc, often simply referred to as Lillet, is a French aperitif wine. It is a type of aromatized wine, which means it is a wine that has been flavored with various botanicals and fruits. Lillet Blanc is known for its pale golden color and has a slightly sweet and fruity flavor with hints of citrus, honey, and herbs.
The main ingredients used to make Lillet Blanc include white wine (typically from Bordeaux), citrus liqueurs, and a blend of various fruits, including oranges and bitter oranges. It is then aged in oak barrels to develop its flavors and complexity.
Lillet Blanc is often served chilled and is a key component in classic cocktails like the Vesper Martini. It adds a unique and refreshing character to cocktails and is also enjoyed as an aperitif.
Noilly Prat
Noilly Prat is a brand of vermouth, a fortified wine aromatized with various botanicals, spices, and herbs. It is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Martini.
Here are some key characteristics and information about Noilly Prat:
Origin: Noilly Prat is produced in the town of Marseillan in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. It has a long history dating back to 1813.
Production: Noilly Prat is made by aging white wines in oak casks exposed to the Mediterranean sun and sea breezes. It is then infused with a blend of herbs and spices, including chamomile, bitter orange, nutmeg, and more.
Varieties: A few varieties of Noilly Prat, including the Original Dry, Extra Dry, and Rouge. The Original Dry is most commonly used in classic cocktails like the Martini.
Usage: Noilly Prat is primarily used as a vermouth in cocktails. It adds depth, complexity, and a hint of herbal and citrus notes to drinks. In a classic Martini, for example, a small amount of Noilly Prat is often used with gin or vodka.
Flavor Profile: Noilly Prat Original Dry has a distinct taste with a combination of floral, herbal, and citrusy notes. It's slightly bitter and dry, which makes it a versatile ingredient in cocktails.
Angostura Bitters
Angostura Bitters, often simply referred to as Angostura, is a concentrated bitters flavoring and aromatic ingredient used in cocktails and culinary applications. It is named after the town of Angostura in Venezuela, although it is produced in Trinidad and Tobago. Angostura Bitters is a key component in many classic cocktails and is known for its distinctive flavor profile and aromatic qualities.
Here are some key characteristics and information about Angostura Bitters:
Ingredients: Angostura Bitters is made from a secret recipe with a blend of herbs and spices. The exact formula is closely guarded and known to only a few individuals worldwide.
Flavor Profile: Angostura Bitters has a complex flavor profile characterized by herbal, spicy, and citrusy notes. It is both bitter and aromatic, with a slightly sweet undertone. The specific blend of ingredients gives it a unique and recognizable taste.
Usage: Angostura Bitters is primarily used as a flavoring agent in cocktails. It is added in small dashes or drops to enhance a drink's overall flavor and aroma. It can be found in classic cocktails like the Pink Gin, Old Fashioned, and Manhattan.
Culinary Applications: Besides cocktails, Angostura Bitters can be used in cooking and baking. It is sometimes added to sauces, marinades, and desserts to impart its distinctive flavor.
Packaging: Angostura Bitters is typically sold in small glass bottles with a distinctive oversized label and a paper-wrapped top. The label design is iconic and easily recognizable.
Non-Alcoholic: It's important to note that Angostura Bitters is non-alcoholic despite being used as a cocktail ingredient. It is often mixed with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients to create balanced and flavorful drinks.
Overall, Angostura Bitters is an essential ingredient for mixologists and bartenders, contributing to the depth and complexity of many classic and contemporary cocktails.
Cherry Heering
Cherry Heering, often simply referred to as Heering, is a cherry liqueur with a rich and fruity flavor. It is known for its deep red color and is made from a base of crushed Danish cherries, spices, and a blend of spirits. Cherry Heering has a long history and is a key ingredient in several classic cocktails and desserts.
Here are some key characteristics and information about Cherry Heering:
Origin: Cherry Heering was first produced in Denmark in the early 19th century. It was created by Peter Heering and has been made according to the original recipe for generations.
Production: The liqueur is made by macerating crushed Danish cherries with a blend of spices and spirits. The mixture is then aged in oak casks for some time to develop its flavor.
Flavor Profile: Cherry Heering has a sweet, intense cherry flavor with hints of almond and spice. It is slightly syrupy in texture, making it a versatile ingredient in both cocktails and desserts.
Usage: Cherry Heering is popular in classic cocktails, such as the Singapore Sling and the Blood and Sand. It adds a distinctive cherry note and sweetness to drinks. It is also used in culinary applications, often drizzled over desserts or as a sauces flavoring.
Cocktail Use: One of its most famous uses is in the Singapore Sling cocktail, contributing to its fruity and cherry-forward profile. It is also a component in other classic cocktails like Blood and Sand.
Packaging: Cherry Heering is typically sold in distinctive square-shaped bottles with a label featuring cherries. The packaging has a classic and timeless design.
Cherry Heering is valued for its unique flavor and versatility in mixology and culinary arts. It is a favored ingredient among bartenders and chefs for its ability to add depth and complexity to a wide range of creations.
What is the primary spirit used in a Classic Gin Martini?
A) Vodka
B) Gin
C) Rum
D) Tequila
Which garnish is commonly used in a Vesper Martini?
A) Olive
B) Cherry
C) Orange twist
D) Lime wedge
What glassware is traditionally used for serving a Negroni?
A) Martini glass
B) Highball glass
C) Collins glass
D) Shot glass
Which cocktail includes ingredients like lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water?
A) Classic Gin Martini
B) Pink Gin
C) John or Tom Collins
D) White Lady
Angostura Bitters is a key ingredient in which of the following cocktails?
A) Classic Gin Martini
B) Negroni
C) Pink Gin
D) White Lady
Which cocktail features Cointreau as one of its ingredients?
A) Gimlet
B) Bronx
C) Pink Gin
D) French 75
What is the primary ingredient in a Singapore Gin Sling cocktail?
A) Gin
B) Vodka
C) Rum
D) Tequila
Which cocktail contains both dry and sweet vermouth?
A) Gimlet
B) Bronx
C) Classic Gin Martini
D) French 75
What type of cocktail is known for being served in a Martini glass and features gin and dry vermouth?
A) Pink Gin
B) Vesper Martini
C) Gimlet
D) Bronx
What is the primary purpose of Noilly Prat in cocktails like the Classic Gin Martini?
A) Adds sweetness
B) Enhances botanical flavors
C) Provides acidity
D) Adds a smoky aroma
