On the history – and celebration – of gin

The distinctive Juniper infused elixir we know as Gin has had a long and illustrious history, from a crudely produced spirit of the 11th century to being used as a cure for whatever ailed ya’ (my kind of medicine!).

Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius, credited as Gin’s creator, would be a proud papa indeed if he only knew how far his baby has come. In fact, lucky girl that I am, just this past week my taste buds had the pleasure of indulging in two of the tastiest Gin concoctions they have ever had the pleasure of mingling with.

First on the list was a refreshing original created by Karl with a K, the magic man behind the bar at Vail’s renowned Sweet Basil restaurant. Karl’s cocktail, dubbed “Hendrick’s Haze” is a marvelous mix of Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lime juice, muddled cucumber and house made coriander simple syrup, all shaken with ice and served in a martini glass. Yum! Refreshing, layers of flavors each standing out yet complimentary to one another, just a hint of subtle sweetness and a finish that will keep sweet Karl fresh in your memory.

Slightly closer to home, in Glenwood Springs, is restaurateur Mark Fisher’s The Pullman. This place is spot-on and rapidly becoming one of my favorite Western Slope eateries and watering holes. An elegant combination of modern chic and kick-back comfy, the Pullman is an easy place to sit back and relax for a Friday evening unwinder.

Once bellied up to the bar and having requested something Gin-based to keep with the theme of the day, the cute as a button bartender J.P. presented me with something called the Glenwood Drifter. Beautifully presented in a stem-less wine tumbler, this not too sweet, tasty blend was just what I was after. The tasty drink is a mix of grapefruit juice, ginger beer, fresh ginger, Aperol (an Italian bitter orange liquor), Colorado’s own Caprock Gin, and a house special secret called Mole Agave infusion – a unique and tantalizing libation that will be visited by me again, hopefully sooner than later.