There are countless quotes, cliches, and proverbs about the power of simplicity, from Confucius, “life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated” to Leonardo da Vinci, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” The acronym, KISS (keep it simple, stupid) may not be top of mind while concocting a cocktail, but consider it.
Gin + Soda, for instance, is a no-recipe cocktail consisting of gin plus soda, with an optional garnish over ice. In making a case for the sublime simplicity of gin + soda, it’s paramount to consider the inherent complexity of today’s modern gins. Fundamentally gin has a complicated flavor profile, distinguished first and foremost with juniper, which provides the herbal “pine” flavor. From there, the distilled botanicals are a varied combination of herbs, fruits, and spices as unique as the bottles that contain them.
Look to the botanicals when choosing a gin. Modern gins push the boundaries of the traditional juniper-forward spirits, welcoming fruits, florals, and herbs to dominate the flavor profile. NOLET’S Silver, crafted with real botanicals, features roses, peaches, and raspberries that bloom in combination with the effervescence of soda. The combination is a wonderful way to enjoy the fruit and floral notes without impairing the botanical gin with sugars or other bold flavors. This serve provides a refreshing way to feature a fantastic gin without camouflaging the flavor.
In making a case for the Gin + Soda, it would be remiss in not noting the low-calorie, low-carbohydrate aspect. Many mixed drinks that rely on fruit juices, liqueurs, or sweet mixers can have high sugar content. At 117 calories per serving (approximately 1.5 oz.), NOLET’S Silver Gin is a lower calorie spirit option. Gin + Soda can be elevated with seasonal garnishes and flavored bitters to create beautifully simple cocktails that are as delightful to look at as they taste.
So, let the botanicals in your gin shine through! Try a squeeze of lime, a sprig of mint, a slice of fruit or experiment with any other seasonal herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables that complement the botanicals within.
