Recent years have seen what can only be described as a gin revolution. The standard gin and tonic combination has ballooned into a veritable smorgasbord of choice, with bars and restaurants often boasting gin menus longer and more complex than the food menu or the wine list! A Mobile Bar Hire Stroud company included on sites like https://www.wearethemoversandshakers.com/mobile-bar-hire-gloucestershire/ might even hold it when they go out to a clients house or wedding. As the gin trend shows no signs of slowing down, we thought we would take a look at the next big thing in the world of gin: flavoured syrups to add another level to your G&T. These are perfect for sipping during those lazy, hazy summer evenings.
Flavoured syrups: the basics
What exactly is a flavoured syrup and where does it come into the gin and tonic ritual? In its basic form, mixologists the world over are shunning the traditional tonic water for a dash of syrup with sparkling water as the mixer for gin-based drinks.
These post mix juices don’t shift the flavour palette into the realm of the sweet or sickly; instead, they adhere to the slightly bitter flavour of the once medicinal quinine yet supercharge the gin-based drink into a contemporary and altogether more experimental cocktail.
Syrups to try
Where shall we start with this exciting new way to drink gin? We had a taste test of some of the best syrups on offer and here are some of our favourites. If you like your gin and tonic to taste traditional, opt for a syrup with a base of lemon and lime to keep those sour notes. If you want to keep the traditional sour but bring it up a notch, go for syrups that develop the flavour with orange peel, lemongrass and allspice. These are perfect for expanding your post mix juices horizons.
For the more experimental gin connoisseur, try the botanical-based syrups that topped our taste charts. With juniper, rose, blackberry and hibiscus, these flavours take your G&T to places it has never been before. For extra spice, try syrups that combine clove with the lemon.
Next time you are ordering a gin and tonic, ask the bartender about flavoured syrups. A good bartender will be able to make some suggestions and we promise that a whole new era of the gin revolution is about to begin.
