If Black Button Distilling’s Citrus Forward Gin is the “official gin of summer” then the Spanish Gin & Tonic is definitely the official cocktail for the summer. So cool and refreshing, they are just what we need for a cool cocktail on hot summer nights, days or really anytime you want to quench your cocktail thirst.
After a virtual zoom call happy hour with the owner and head distiller Jason Barrett featuring his Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey, I placed an order (from their website) for bourbon and my favorite spirit – gin. I was intrigued and delighted by Jason’s new and refreshing rendition of the ever popular classic gin.
Jason’s ingenuity has created a new dimension in the usual and expected flavors of gin.
My favorite cocktail: The Spanish Gin & Tonic
Spanish and Mediterranean food and drink have always been my forte as a boutique paella and tapas caterer. As a gin lover, one of my most favorite cocktails to drink (and serve) is the Spanish Gin & Tonic.
Gin and Tonics are outrageously popular in Spain. Leave it to the creativity of Spanish bartenders to create a cocktail beloved by all of Spain’s cocktail crowd. The beauty of a Spanish G & T is in it’s simplicity as the flavors are elevated by the addition of fresh herbs and spices.
Black Button’s Citrus Forward Gin has an affinity for fresh citrus forward cocktails so it was a perfect match for my Spanish G & T’s.
Black Button’s Citrus Forward Gin is clean and crisp on the palate, and as expected citrus forward with the first sip and continued flavors and aromas of sweet & bitter orange and lemon peel. Your palate will pick up local Cascade hops as well as more classic flavors of juniper, coriander, grains of paradise, cardamom, angelica root, star anise, and cinnamon bark.
Following the lead of Spanish bartenders, pack the cocktail with orange and grapefruit zest and wedges, edible flowers, herbs and spices that reflect and highlight the botanicals, spices and herbs distilled in the gin.
Make the best Spanish G & T’s
Spanish Gin & Tonics are so easy to make and a recipe is not necessary. Just follow the lead of the botanicals and spices in the gin.
The best and most appropriate glass to create the best drinking experience of a Spanish Gin & Tonic is copa de balon, also known as a balloon glass. If you are a Spanish G & T cocktail enthusiast, then you must get these glasses! But, really any wide-mouthed balloon-shaped stemmed glass will do.
Chill your favorite tonic ( mine is Fever Tree Mediterranean) and mix 4 to 6 oz of tonic with 2- 3 oz of Black Button’s Citrus Forward Gin with a drop or two of Angostura Bitters. (orange or original)
A combination of herbs and spices (fresh and dried) will give you the best flavors.
- Juniper Berries
- Whole Black Peppercorns
- Pink Peppercorns
- Star Anise
- Fresh Rosemary stems
- Cinnamon sticks
- Zest of lemons, oranges, grapefruit
- Wedges of oranges, grapefruit
- Lots of colorful edible flowers
- Orange or Grapefruit Bitters
History and Background of Black Button Distilling and Jason Barrett
Since 1922 Jason’s family has provided some of the finest men’s suit buttons available. For four generations these buttons have closed suits worn by Presidents, Popes, Kings, and Businessmen the world over. At a young age Jason went to work in his grandfather’s factory, but he took a different path. Jason broke tradition and decided to make whiskey.
ROCHESTER’S FIRST AND FINEST GRAIN-TO-GLASS DISTILLERY SINCE PROHIBITION
Founded by owner and head distiller Jason Barrett in June 2012 at only 24 years old, Black Button Distilling tasting room and retail store opened to the public in January 2014, offering spirits tastings, distillery tours, craft cocktails and a unique venue to host public and private events. Every batch of world-class spirits is distilled from local NY grains, bottled, labeled, hand numbered and aged in Rochester.
Cheers to summer and citrus forward gin! Check out the products and order a bottle or two for your next cocktail.
