Gin is one of those spirits that I always thought of as a “Piney” in a very in-your-face way. A bit too astringent, usually. I almost never drink gin…I’ve had it with tonic, in a martini once or twice, on the rocks once or twice, but in GENERAL I usually drink wine, beer, various whiskies (not smoky, peaty ones), and occasionally vodka. I must admit, when I had the opportunity to try Gin Mare, I wasn’t excited about it.
I looked at the bottle: “distilled from olives, thyme, rosemary and basil”, it read. Hmm…It sounds like my favorite focaccia is in there and yes I was intrigued. I read the recipe for a “Mediterranean Gin Tonic” with a sprig of rosemary and a touch of Spanish olive oil. I opened the bottle and was surprised that the aroma was rounded and, while it smelled like gin, was more delicate and had more finesse than most others. More interested now, I tried just a small taste on the rocks and it proved to be very smooth indeed! This could grow on me, I thought a twist of orange could be nice, BUT there’s that TONIC sitting right there…and again, not something I usually drink…only had enough for one glass so I harvested a sprig of rosemary from the garden and waited until my wife could join me.
She entered, looked at me and the booze and knew she’d be a fellow guinea pig. I poured ice into a glass, followed the recipe exactly using “Seventeen” brand tonic, and added an extra drop of olive oil for good measure… I tasted it and thought it couldn’t possibly be enough alcohol, I thought I had misread the recipe…it was…REFRESHING! Cleansing! Not too sweet or alcoholic tasting…, just refined, refreshing and wonderfully clean – something I think I’d sip at a beachside veranda with some hors d’oeuvres on a warm day. I set it in front of my wife thinking “she won’t like it”…she DID! Even my WIFE, who likes things like sangria and “girlie” drinks that taste like frapuccinos, liked it!
In short, Gin Mare is a more delicate and refined gin that will appeal to a larger audience and I, for one, will offer it to guests the next time I entertain! Along with some good focaccia.
Anthony Ottomanelli a talented writer who possesses an insatiable passion for covering the realms of food, travel, and culinary wonders. With his pen as his guide, Anthony fearlessly delves into the intricacies of global cuisine, unearthing the hidden stories behind every dish. From bustling street food markets to luxurious dining establishments, his eloquent words transport readers to the heart of each culinary adventure. But his talents extend beyond food, as he traverses the globe, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and traditions, crafting vivid narratives that transport readers to exotic locales. With his captivating storytelling and unwavering curiosity, Anthony Ottomanelli brings the world of food, travel, and culinary exploration to life in a way that leaves readers yearning for more.
