A simple tipple with only two elements to play with, the Gin and Soda will quench your thirst while entertaining your palate.
When I come across tonight’s cocktail, the Gin and Soda, I’m reminded of a few other simple, fizzy drinks. In my travels, and sometimes just walking around the corner to the bar, I’ve experienced just how subtle a single change to a mixed drink can be to alter the whole thing. Sometimes the recipe is exactly the same, but swapping out the spirit can craft something different. In the instances I’m speaking of, however, it’s the addition of lime juice.
A couple of years ago, my girlfriend and I were out, and she asked me to go to the bar and get her a Cuba Libre. When I asked the bartender for one, they said all I needed to do was order a Rum and Coke. I got a little confused. Are they the same? No. Both are made up of rum and dark cola, stirred together and served over ice, but a Libre has the juice of a freshly squeezed lime added in. Honestly, that barkeep should’ve known better. But still, it’s a common mistake.
And then there’s the Gin Rickey. Another classic and stress-free concoction, this drink is gin, of course, mixed with fresh lime juice and topped with club soda, stirred together and served over ice in a highball glass. Some folks will mix their gin together with club soda and say they’re having a Rickey, but like the Libre and Rum and Coke, that’s not the case. You need the lime juice in the mix itself for it to be a Gin Rickey. If it’s just the gin and the sparkling water, then you have a Gin and Soda… which, by the way, is equally as refreshing as those other cocktails.
What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Gin And Soda?
Here’s where you can have some fun with different types of gins. While there are the stalwart, reliable shelf dwellers like Bombay, Tanqueray and Beefeater, all London Dry gins, there are other varieties with some inventive infusions that will give your Gin and Soda some pleasantly surprising flavors. Hendrick’s has cucumber and rose notes in their regular product, but they have also introduced a whole line of other spirits that feature flavors not usually present. From seaside to desert vibes, their Cabinet of Curiosities series is a must-try, especially in this effervescent elixir.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces club soda
- Lemon wedge for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with plenty of ice, pour in the gin slowly.
- Gently pour the club soda over the ice and gin. Stir lightly to mix the flavors without flattening the bubbles.
- Optionally, add a lemon wedge to the rim or float it and enjoy!
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Fill a highball glass with ice, and then garnish with a lemon wedge on top once you’re ready to start sipping.
WHAT OTHER GARNISH CAN WORK WITH THIS COCKTAIL?
You can use a lime wedge, or some fresh strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. I had one once that had a sprig of rosemary popped inside it, which added an aromatic freshness to it that I quite enjoyed.
Other Spirit-And-Soda Drinks Worth Trying
When the weekend rolls around and you’re tired of thinking too hard and making decisions, you might want to have a few of the simplest cocktails that you can think of. And since your brain is taking a few days off, allow Twist & Toast to guide you toward some of the easiest and best cocktails you can quickly mix for you and your friends.
- Scotch and Soda – A classic and quick drink you can pour for yourself right now.
- Vodka Soda – Fresh and crisp, this bubbly drink is a perfect treat on a sweaty and hot day.
- Ginger Shandy – Ginger ale and lager make for a spiced and refreshing beverage.
- Gin Buck – Gin, lemon juice and ginger ale make a tipple with a kick to it.
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