The Gin Act of 1751 was the start of the gin revolution for taste palates of sophisticated drinkers. Prior to 1751, gin was available to every man – poor and wealthy. The London government attached the libation as a disruption; a catalyst for crime and disorder. Following multiple regulations against the social spirit, the Gin Act of 1751 banned the sale of gin in prisons and workhouses. Bars could sell the spirit with high taxes and regulations. What would have been a disastrous end for the spirit turned to an opportunistic endeavor, in which gin distilleries advanced the quality of gin to appeal to the wealthy.
What was once a libation for paupers has evolved into the tasteful blend of juniper and citrus. And since 1751, gin manufacturers have perfected not only the contents of the liquor, but also the presentation; a sight to be seen in a cocktail glass as well as on a bar cart. Now we can indulge in Gin Lane 1751, the prettiest bottle of gin we’ll ever buy.
Among four Victorian expertly-distilled gins, the full-bodied pink gin embraces juniper at the forefront with a harmonious balance of herbal and spiced bitters. The gin is finished with a hint of Mediterranean citrus.
Try mixing these cocktails:
VICTORIAN GARDEN
Ingredients
2 parts Gin Lane 1751 ‘Victoria’ Pink Gin
1 part St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
2 dashes Cucumber Bitters (if no bitters, replace with ½ part Lemon Juice)
Top with Club Soda
Lemon wedge garnish
Method
Serve in a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wedge.
PINK BRAMBLE
Ingredients
2 oz Gin Lane 1751 ‘Victoria’ Pink Gin
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar
1 oz Creme de Cassis liqueur
1 Strawberry
1 Mint Sprig
Crushed ice
Method
Add the gin, lemon juice and sugar to cocktail shaker and stir. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Drizzle the berry liqueur over the top and watch it ‘marble’ through the drink. Top up with more crushed ice and garnish with fresh strawberry and mint sprig. A modern classic.
PINK FITZGERALD
Ingredients
2 parts Gin Lane 1751 Victoria Pink Gin
1 part Lemon Juice
1 part Simple Syrup
Lemon twist garnish
Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini or coup glass. Garnish with Lemon twist.
NEGRONI
Ingredients
1 part Gin Lane 1751 Victoria Pink Gin
1 part Campari
1 part Sweet Vermouth
Orange wedge garnish
Method
Combine all ingredients in glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with orange wedge.
Strawberry Cooler
Ingredients
2 parts Gin Lane 1751 ‘Victoria’ Pink
1 part Cointreau (or other Triple Sec)
7 -10 fresh strawberries cut in halves
Method
Muddle the strawberries in the base of a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients, fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a ice filled highball glass and garnish with a strawberry.
