Gin Mare Mediterranean G&T

Gin Mare arrived from the Spanish coast in 2008 carrying olives, rosemary, thyme, and basil as its calling card — botanicals pulled directly from the Mediterranean basin that the distillery has called home since the seventeenth century. It is not a gin that works with any tonic and any garnish. It is a gin that rewards a considered approach: the right glass, a Mediterranean tonic with its lighter quinine profile, and garnish that echoes the coast the spirit came from. This is that drink.

Methodology

1. Chill the copa glass for at least five minutes before building the drink — either in the freezer or by filling briefly with ice water and discarding.

2. Add the large ice cubes to the copa glass. They should fill roughly half the bowl.

3. Pour the Gin Mare directly over the ice. Do not stir yet.

4. Add the tonic slowly, pouring down the inside of the glass to preserve carbonation. Do not stir.

5. Squeeze the orange wheel lightly over the glass to release the oils, then rest it on the rim at approximately the two o'clock position.

6. Place the rosemary sprig behind the orange wheel so it stands upright just above the rim. Serve immediately.

Serve Note

The rationale for not stirring is deliberate — the first sip should be lightly botanical and clean, the flavour deepening as the ice melts slowly and the rosemary releases its oils into the drink. A straw, if used, should be placed away from the garnish so it doesn't disturb the orange wheel.