Does a drink mixed in your home kitchen not taste quite like the one in your favorite bar? You are not alone, but with the right techniques and high-quality ingredients, a top-level result is within reach. This guide will help you prepare home cocktails with Junimperium gins that are full of flavor and character.
Preparation is Half the Battle
Before jumping into recipes, a strong foundation must be laid, because you don’t need complex laboratory equipment to make a world-class cocktail, just a knowledge of a few basic truths. The first and often underestimated rule is that ice is an ingredient, not just a cooler. Always use the largest and freshest ice cubes possible, as small chips melt quickly, making the drink watery before you can even enjoy it. Equally important is precise measuring – even experienced bartenders use a jigger, or measuring cup, because too much alcohol buries the flavors, while too little turns the drink into a boring lemonade.
For gin cocktails, choosing the right glass also plays a major role, as aroma is an integral part of the taste experience. We recommend using a Copa-style or wide-mouthed glass, which allows botanical scents to stand out better than a narrow tumbler. If you want to dive deeper, our comprehensive book offering a behind-the-scenes look at the gin world will be of help.
A New Take on a Classic: Summer Gin & Tonic
The most common mistake with home cocktails is the belief that a Gin & Tonic is simply pouring two liquids together, although it is actually an art form in itself. In Estonian culinary traditions, exciting combinations have been found where gin pairs perfectly even with lightly marinated herring and dill, offering a refreshing contrast. For enjoying at home, however, we recommend a more classic yet nuanced approach that brings summer into your glass.
Prepare a refreshing drink using 40 ml of summer or dry gin and 120 ml of quality tonic. Fill the glass to the brim with ice, pour over the gin, and then slowly add the tonic so the bubbles last as long as possible. Stir the drink only lightly, lifting from the bottom up with a spoon, to blend the flavors without losing carbonation. A slice of grapefruit or fresh thyme works well as a garnish. When using herbs, here is a professional tip: slap them lightly against your hand to release the essential oils before placing them in the glass.
If you want to make life even easier, ready-made sets are also available where everything necessary is already in the right proportions, ensuring a perfect result every time.
Bolder Flavors and Stronger Character
If you wish to make something stronger and with more character, it is worth looking toward our Navy Strength gin. With an alcohol content of 59.2%, this gin is ideal for cocktails containing many other components like juices or syrups, as its taste does not get lost in the mix but forms a strong backbone. Another excellent way to enrich home cocktails is to use flavored gins. Our Sloe Gin has been crowned the World’s Best Sloe Gin, confirming its quality on the world stage and adding depth to every drink.
For a special taste experience, try making a Cherry Barrel Sour. This is a simplified version of more complex bar cocktails, which you can learn to taste and prepare at our trainings. Mix together 50 ml of barrel-aged cherry gin, 25 ml of fresh lemon juice, and 15 ml of sugar syrup. To get a frothy texture, add egg white. Shake the ingredients in a shaker first without ice and then with ice, then strain into a glass and enjoy the harmony of oak barrel and cherry. Similar elegance is offered by our signature cocktail Cherry Cherry Lady, which is definitely worth trying.
Simple Tips for the Home Bartender
To ensure home cocktails succeed every time, it is worth keeping a couple of simple tips in mind. First, keep cocktail glasses in the freezer before serving, as a cold glass keeps the drink’s temperature stable longer and adds elegance to the serving. Second, avoid using bottled lemon or lime juice; freshly squeezed juice is the indispensable backbone of a cocktail’s sour balance that cannot be mimicked.
Do not be afraid to experiment, as our gins are designed to be versatile. Try replacing tonic with ginger beer or add sparkling water and fresh berries to the gin instead to create a lighter drink. If you feel you need more inspiration or want to see how professionals work, we welcome you to Junimperium. We regularly organize tours where we talk more about the history and production of gin.
Gift Ideas and Alcohol-Free Options
Home cocktails are also a wonderful gift idea for friends and family. A homemade cocktail menu combined with a bottle of quality gin and a pair of beautiful glasses is a gift that will be remembered for a long time. In our selection, you will find various gift sets that fit perfectly for both a beginner enthusiast and an experienced gourmet.
However, if you wish to enjoy flavors without alcohol, be sure to check out our selection of non-alcoholic drinks. There you will find world-class tonics, which are an integral part of every good cocktail, regardless of whether it contains alcohol or not. We look forward to seeing you discover new flavors in our e-shop or on-site at the gin distillery.