Gin & Juice

In Germany it is more often made with grape juice, a bit of lemon or lime juice to balance the sweetness and some sparkling water for the mouthfeel. The result is, depending on the quality of the grape juice, really delicious.

Ok, I respect the attempt to create something worthy of the classic rap song. But this misses the mark in my humble opinion. Gin and Juice should be well, Gin and (Orange) Juice. So we start from a base of equal parts London Dry Gin and fresh-squeezed Orange Juice. Served over a king-size ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass, with ample time for melting and dilution to work their alchemy. Not bad, good even. But how to take it to the next level without compromising its fundamental nature? Not by adding grapefruit juice. Nope. In my opinion, just a dash or four of Luxardo Maraschino (to taste) makes this something that even Snoop D-O-double-G would approve of.

Used Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit instead of Grapefruit juice and it turned out great! Don't add it into the shaker of course if you do sub it 😉

Better than a screwdriver. The mix of juices seems on point, while the gin adds a subtle juniper note. I felt like this needed a squeeze of lemon/lime and/or a drop of syrup. But the aftertaste made me second guess. Tried it again with Hayman's Old Tom. I liked it better with basic Bombay.

If you want a lighter version, one not so fruity and thick, use a Fresca grapefruit soda or similar…in the states we have Pilar brand carbonated grapefruit/ lemon mixes that are perfect for this drink.
Enjoy