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We have spoilers for the January 2023 Shaker & Spoon box! The box theme is Ginspirations!
For seemingly forever, those seeking diversity in the gin category would’ve had to choose between the London dry, slightly sweeter Plymouth, and even sweeter Old Tom varieties—but that all changed once producers outside the UK began to tinker with the juniper-forward gem.
In just the limited sample of our recommendations this month—bottles from Japan, the Philippines, and Africa—the flavors jumping out in front may include sakura (cherry blossom), pomelo, and Zambian baobab fruit, respectively. And that’s just one small plot in the garden of the modern New World gin movement. With juniper still in tow, the spirit is zooming forward by the day, and cocktails that call for it would do well to keep up with this breakneck pace.
Luckily, the three popping up on the other side of the New Year are crackling with the same bold, creative energy. A clean slate full of promise and endless potential is coming in the Ginspirations Box, and sips like these (including an adaptation of Suzu’s signature drink from the show Drink Masters!) are quite an inspirited way to kick it all off.
Trevor Frye’s Worth Three in the Saddle is an understated range-rider, boasting the soft flavors of gin, honey, and hops, the latter swinging into town thanks to the zero alcohol Hoppy Refresher from California craft brewery Lagunitas. In this shimmering shandy-style cocktail, even lime and apple cider vinegar keep their loud sharpness to themselves and fall back in support of the softer main trio.
Fancy a dance between two botanical behemoths? Where gin’s bundle of flavors begins and chai’s spices end in Matty McGee’s Cha-Cha is anyone’s guess. Especially when the floor fills in with the hot and trendy two-step of tonic water and cold brew, delivering on the promise of the pair’s irresistibly refreshing bright and dark duality. (The tonic arrives from our friends at Betty Buzz, a maker of yummy mixers founded by Blake Lively.)
It ends as all great performances do—with flowers!—as a spritz of lavender bitters provides the perfect fête for such fantastic footwork.
And the Emmy for captivating and charismatic performance in a reality competition series goes to . . . Christian Suzuki-Orellana (Suzu)! It was impossible not to fall for the S&S alum and San Francisco bartender on Netflix’s Drink Masters this fall. And soon you’ll get to know Suzu even better with this warm hug of a sipper inspired by the moment-savoring nature of tea ceremonies in Japan, where he spent time with his family throughout his childhood.
Combining gin with genmaicha tea, yuzu, ginger, and nori, the Ichi-Go-Ichi-E (“savor the moment”) is an adaptation of his signature drink (featured in one of the show’s challenges as the Furusato), and it offers a loving lesson on taking bold flavors and presenting them in demure, delicious style.
Coupon Code
Subscribing for the first time? Don’t forget to use code GINSPO for $15 off!
What is Shaker and Spoon?
Shaker & Spoon is a cocktail is a monthly cocktail mix subscription. Each month you’ll get 3 unique recipes by top bartenders + everything you need to make 12 drinks (4 from each recipe) other than the liquor—syrups, bitters, mixers, garnishes & more. You’ll be exposed to new flavors & combos, and look at your liquor cabinet in a whole new way. Subscribe today & be your own bartender + the tastemaker in your circle!
Cost: $50/month
Category: Coffee / Tea / Cocktail
