Luxebook June 2022

‘G in is in!’ ... and that’s a fact! A drink that was initially used for medicinal purposes —given the use of the juniper berry for its healing properties — has today become a mainstay behind the bar. Gin, the white spirit that was once synonymous with a 17th- century libation or the chosen tipple of aged aunts everywhere, has re-emerged in the late 2010s and 2020s. Making a glorious comeback in the last few years, gin has become the preferred choice for many millennials and youngsters. Yes, the current gin craze knows no bounds, but the British have been imbibing the gin culture for awhile.The drink that was initially associated as uncool, boring and unexciting has created what we can call a gin-aissance today. India, too, caught onto this global resurgence of gin over the last decade, with G&T’s taking over the bar across the globe. And what better to prove the love for the spirit other than the most recently held event, Gin Explorer’s Club in New Delhi, and Mumbai. India was introduced to the classic Gin-and-Tonic during the British Raj, making the drink a staple for blistering summer afternoons and a standard drink at all colonial clubs and restaurants of the period. However, gin remained a drink that was consumed by the older generation. It was only recently that it transitioned to millennials. With gin being the most favoured drink, hundreds of smaller distilleries across theworld emerged and simultaneously artisanal tonic brands developed. Most expensive gins in the world BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA From juniper to ants as the hero ingredient, these are the highest rated gins in the world. cocktail. Being easy to pair with an endless possibility of flavours; no matter what your preference, there is something for every palate. Various kinds of gin Just like any other spirit, Gin too has various kinds, with London Dry Gin being the most sought-after. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a complete range of gins beyond London Dry that taste just as good (or even better). London dry gin This type does not have to made in London to be called so. Rather, the USP of this gin lies in the use of juniper as the hero ingredient. Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray and Greater Than are examples of the gin. The classic concoction is often infused with fresh mint, lemon, cucumber, a slice of orange or soaked with muddled berries. The freshness of the garnishes seamlessly elevate the flavour and make this a go-to drink for the summer. As the spirit hits the right side of a person’s palate, bartenders, chefs and restauranteurs across the country have begun getting more experimental with their concoctions. Today, we see the development of in-house tonics and flavourful infusions have helped in adding finesse to the drink. Distilleries across India have led to the emergence of homegrown craft gins from Jaisalmer gin to Greater Than, Stranger & Sons to Terai, amongst others. Given its versatile nature, the juniper-infused spirit is today one of the most important building blocks for a delicious 6| L U X E B O O K | J U N E 2 0 2 2 J U N E 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 7 FINER T HINGS