Tanqueray is a brand of gin that was first produced in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray in London, England. It is made from a blend of four different botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica, and liquorice. The exact recipe for Tanqueray gin is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few individuals within the company.
Tanqueray gin is known for its dry, crisp flavor and strong juniper aroma. It is a popular choice for cocktails, particularly those that feature gin as the main ingredient, such as a martini or a gin and tonic. The gin has a high alcohol content, with an ABV of 47.3% (94.6 proof).
In terms of its appearance, Tanqueray gin is clear and has a slightly oily consistency. It is typically bottled in a distinctive green bottle with a white label.
Overall, Tanqueray is a classic gin that is highly regarded by many cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists. It has a strong, bold flavor that makes it a great choice for those who enjoy the taste of juniper in their gin.
Tanqueray Gin History
Tanqueray gin was first produced in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray, a clergyman’s son who was born in 1768 in England. After studying at Oxford University, Tanqueray moved to London and became a distiller. He established his own distillery in Bloomsbury, London, and began producing a range of spirits, including gin, brandy, and whisky.
Tanqueray’s gin quickly gained a reputation for its high quality and distinctive flavor, and it became popular among the fashionable set in London. The company continued to grow and expand over the years, and in the 1930s, it was acquired by the Distillers Company, a large British conglomerate.
In the decades that followed, Tanqueray gin continued to be a popular choice among drinkers around the world. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected brands of gin in the world, and it is widely available in bars and liquor stores.
Tanqueray Gin Cocktails
There are many cocktails that feature Tanqueray gin as the main ingredient. Here are a few classic recipes:
- Martini: To make a classic martini, combine 2 ounces of Tanqueray gin, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, and a few dashes of orange bitters in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice, and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
- Gin and tonic: Fill a highball glass with ice and add 2 ounces of Tanqueray gin. Top off the glass with tonic water and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of lime.
- Negroni: Combine 1 ounce of Tanqueray gin, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1 ounce of Campari in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice.
- Tom Collins: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of Tanqueray gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup, and a few dashes of grenadine. Shake well and strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top off the glass with club soda and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
- Gin fizz: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of Tanqueray gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup, and a few dashes of orange flower water. Shake well and strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. Top off the glass with club soda and garnish with a cherry and a lemon slice.
Gins similar to Tanqueray Gin
There are many gins that are similar to Tanqueray in terms of flavor profile and ingredients. Here are a few options:
- Beefeater Gin: Beefeater is another classic London dry gin that is made from a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica, coriander, and liquorice. It has a bold, juniper-forward flavor and a high alcohol content (47% ABV).
- Bombay Sapphire: Bombay Sapphire is a premium gin that is made from a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica, and licorice. It is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor and has an ABV of 47%
- Hendricks Gin: Hendricks is a unique gin that is made from a blend of eleven botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica, and cucumber. It has a distinctive flavor that is often described as floral and herbaceous, and it has an ABV of 44%
- Martin Miller’s Gin: Martin Miller’s is a London dry gin that is made from a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica, coriander, and lemon peel. It is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor and has an ABV of 40%
- The Botanist Gin: The Botanist is a gin made on the island of Islay, Scotland. It is made from a blend of nine classical gin botanicals and 22 local botanicals that are hand-foraged on the island. It has a complex, aromatic flavor and an ABV of 46%.
