Are you looking for a unique and surprisingly delicious cocktail to impress your friends or simply treat yourself? Look no further! This Gin and Jam recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tart, with a subtle floral hint from the gin. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight drink or a sophisticated addition to your weekend brunch. This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable and delicious cocktail. Get ready to discover a new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin (London Dry style recommended)
- 1 oz Raspberry Jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- Soda Water (to top)
- Raspberry for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedge for garnish (optional)
Simple Syrup Recipe:
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Water
Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Let cool completely before using. This simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it a great addition to your homemade cocktail arsenal!
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, raspberry jam, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
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Shake Well: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
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Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
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Top with Soda Water: Gently top with soda water.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a fresh raspberry and/or a lemon wedge, and enjoy your delicious Gin and Jam cocktail immediately!
Cooking Tips for the Best Gin and Jam:
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Jam Selection: Experiment with different fruit jams! Strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot jam can create unique flavor profiles. The sweetness and tartness of your chosen jam will impact the overall balance of the cocktail.
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Gin Choice: The type of gin you choose will influence the final taste. A London Dry gin offers a classic, crisp base, but you can experiment with other styles to discover your preference.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a little more simple syrup. Conversely, for a tarter drink, reduce the simple syrup or add a touch more lemon juice.
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Chill Your Glassware: Chilling your glass beforehand will ensure your cocktail stays cold for longer and enhances the overall drinking experience.
Variations:
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Spicy Gin and Jam: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Herb Infusion: Muddle a few fresh mint or basil leaves with the jam before adding the other ingredients for an herbaceous twist.
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Sparkling Wine Cocktail: Replace the soda water with sparkling wine for a celebratory twist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories (depending on the jam and gin used)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20 grams
This Gin and Jam recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy(ish) cocktails. It's quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delicious dish and remember to drink responsibly!