To make a gibson cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 20ml dry white vermouth
- 3-4 cocktail onions, plus additional for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin and dry vermouth to the mixing glass.
- Add the cocktail onions and stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with additional cocktail onions.
- Serve and enjoy!
Note: If you prefer a sweeter gibson, you can use sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth. You can also add a dash of orange bitters or a twist of lemon peel to the cocktail for added flavor.
History of Gibson
The gibson is a classic cocktail that is similar to a martini, but made with gin and cocktail onions instead of olives. The exact origins of the gibson are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the early 20th century.
One theory is that the gibson was named after a prominent financier and patron of the arts named Charles Dana Gibson, who was known for his love of martinis. According to this theory, the gibson was created as a variation of the martini and named in honor of Gibson.
Another theory is that the gibson was named after an artist and illustrator named Charles Dana Gibson, who was known for his “Gibson Girls,” a series of illustrations that depicted fashionable young women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. According to this theory, the gibson was named in honor of the artist and his work.
Regardless of its origins, the gibson is now a classic cocktail that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is typically made with gin, dry vermouth, and cocktail onions, and is served in a chilled cocktail glass.
Variations of Gibson
There are many variations of the classic gibson cocktail that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Gibson with sweet vermouth: Use sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth for a sweeter, more floral flavor.
- Gibson with orange bitters: Add a dash of orange bitters to the mixing glass to give the cocktail a spicy, citrusy kick.
- Pickled pearl onion gibson: Use pickled pearl onions instead of cocktail onions for a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.
- Spicy gibson: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of jalapeno pepper to the mixing glass to give the cocktail a spicy kick.
- Lemon peel gibson: Add a twist of lemon peel to the mixing glass for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Rosemary gibson: Add a sprig of rosemary to the mixing glass for a savory, herbaceous flavor.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other variations that you can try. Experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that you like best!
Best Gins for a Gibson
Gin is the key ingredient in a gibson cocktail, and the best gin for the drink will depend on your personal preferences and taste. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a gin for your gibson:
- Style: Gin comes in many different styles, including London dry, Old Tom, and New Western. London dry gin is the most common type of gin used in cocktails, and it has a dry, juniper-forward flavor. Old Tom gin is a sweeter, more complex style of gin, while New Western gin is more experimental and can have a wide range of flavors.
- Botanicals: Gin is made by infusing a neutral spirit with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and other herbs and spices. Different gins will have different combinations of botanicals, which will impact the flavor of the final product. Consider the botanicals used in the gin and how they will complement the other ingredients in the gibson.
- Quality: Choose a high-quality gin that is made from good ingredients and has a smooth, well-balanced flavor.
Some popular gins that are often used in gibson cocktails include Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Hendricks. Ultimately, the best gin for your gibson will depend on your personal preferences and taste.