Lockdown garnish ideas to add some sparkle to your G&T
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So lockdown rumbles on and we are only allowed out for essentials and exercise. A first-world problem it may be, but running low on fresh limes means a few of us might be stumped about what to pop in our G&T of an evening.
Our response? It’s time to get creative!
Storecupboard surprises
Gherkins are perfect for a spicy gin. Rinse under the tap and pop them in your glass. Makes a nice crunchy snack when the drink is finished too; we call it the gift that keeps on giving.
Cocktail cherries are ideal for a berry gin liqueur. Add your preferred mixer and let the cherry soak up the sugar while you sip. Then right at the end it cheers you up with a burst of sweetness in the mouth!
Fridge foraging
Cucumber. Chop a thick wedge and pretend your supermarket brand gin is Hendrick’s. Remember to remove the seeds before you drop it in your gin so it doesn’t go all mushy and horrible.
Lemon juice. If you have any lemon juice from concentrate kicking around the fridge, try a splish in your G&T. Perfect for a traditional gin in need of a citrus burst.
Nature’s bounty
Fresh herbs are fantastic in floral and savoury gins. If your neighbour grows mint, be sure and make friends with them over the garden fence.
Scottish gins are world famous because of all the home-grown botanicals we have on our doorstep. So when you take your daily exercise, keep your eye out for rowan berries, pine needles or even a juniper bush. They all work as garnish. Give them a rinse, pat dry, sit back and feel smug.
Plan ahead
A good tip is to check the reduced section of the grocery store for fresh fruit – and grab it. Once home, slice up a mixture of oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries – whatever is on offer – and place them in ice cube trays. Pour over the water, freeze and you’re sorted! Fresh fruit garnish without leaving the house again.
See www.ginclubscotland.com for a selection of comedy cards and coasters to raise a smile when the chips are down.
- Chrissie Fairclough is tastings director for Gin Club Scotland, which runs touring and distillery-based tastings, as well as offering tasting kits for people to run their own events.
