Hello and happy Friday yet again. The theme of this week is ‘simplicity’. Mainly because it was a short week and somehow time got away from me. It’s a good thing that I keep a running list of recipes I come across that are easy, either in one of my books or various places online. This week’s recipe comes from the latter source. Of which, I kind of feel a little guilty using. I have a plethora of sources in the books I have but using online sources somewhat seems like a bit of a cop out. I know it isn’t but it kind of feels that way.

Regardless of source, this drink can’t be any easier. It’s called Pink Gin. Because it’s just gin and bitters. The bitters giving it a pink(ish) hue.

2 ounces gin
3 to 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
Lemon twist, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, combine the gin and bitters Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve and enjoy.

Of note, the gin is from a small batch distiller from Kennebunk Maine. I snagged another bottle of their gin when I was in Portland last week, and thought it would be a good one to use here.

It’s definitely got a good gin aroma going for it. The bitters and the lemon are also quite noticeable here as well and add a nice touch.

With little to no surprise here at all, this drink is strong. I mean it’s literally just gin with a few dashes of bitters. The gin of course is the main attraction and it stands out. All the various plants and herbs that go into this gin are detectable. Though this gin is a bit less on the drier side, which makes sense because it’s not a London Dry gin. One ingedient that surprised me was the addition of the lavender. I think I would have missed some of the aromas and taste had I not looked up what goes into their gin. Knowing that I think I can pick up on some of the additions it brings that say a Gordons or a Beefeater does not have.

I will say the colder you can drink this the better. Chill the glass if you can. Unfortunately my freezer space didn’t allow for that. So it got warmer than I would have preferred, but it didn’t really affect how I felt about this. Of which, I did enjoy. However, I don’t know how often I’ll be going back to this. I do enjoy a good stiff drink, and gin especially. But, I think there is much more that can be done with this. Gin and bitters is a good base, but I think it can be improved upon. In a pinch it will do, but it seems like just the gin and the bitters keeps it too basic.

(Banner image courtesy Matthew Tetrault Photography)