The lift of the alcohol ban is here, so what better time to take stock of your gin collection, or lack thereof, and plan the exciting new purchases that will soon grace your gin cabinet.
1. Declutter
Take a good look at your existing cabinet or space that you intend to use and identify what is worth keeping and what needs to go. Maybe you have some chipped glassware, an old bottle of port gathering dust or miscellaneous items cluttering your cabinet. Can you give these to a friend or donate to a charity?
At this stage there are bound to be a few empty bottles lying around. Consider repurposing only the most eye-catching vessels as flower vases or candleholders, or fill with fairy lights to add some flair to your cabinet. The rest can be recycled.
2. Do your homework
Now that your space is decluttered and prepped for your impending purchases, it’s time to research what those will be.
There’s an app for that, search for different gins, tonics and garnishes in the Ginventory app, your spirit guide for finding the perfect serves and top-rated gins around the world. All of the gin brands are rated out of ten by gin enthusiasts, so you will be sure to find some delicious additions, many of which you’ll be able to order online through major e-tailers or through the distilleries themselves.
3. Diversify your collection
There are so many local craft gins on the market so make sure that you have a variety in your cabinet. Here are some suggestions for gin lovers:
London Dry style gin: This style of gin is made in one shot, meaning that the botanicals must flavour the gin during distillation, with no further infusions added afterwards. A staple in every gin cabinet, a London Dry style gin can be enjoyed neat, as a gin and tonic or used to make a dry martini.
Must try: Six Dogs Karoo, Bloedlemoen and Cruxland Gin.
Infused gin: This modern method of gin-making involves the addition of often delicate botanicals after the distillation to further infuse the gin with their flavour or colour. Infused gins are perfect for cocktail making and impressing your guests with their often bold colours and flavour profiles.
Must try: Harmony Honeybush, Inverroche Amber and Six Dogs Blue
Unusual gin: Invest in some eye-catching bottles and unique flavours to ensure your gin cabinet is the focal point of your space.
Must-try: Muti Gin, Indlovu Elephant Dung Gin and Six Dogs Pinotage Stained
4. Choose good tonics and garnishes
A quallity tonic is key to any G&T; invest in some Indian tonics that won’t overpower the delicate botanicals of your gin as well as a couple of flavoured tonics for when you feel like mixing things up. Keep some fresh citrus handy to naturally infuse your gin and add a pop of colour to your cabinet. A selecion of freeze dried and pre-packaged fruit and spices will ensure you always have garnish on hand and give your guests an interactive experience come cocktail hour.
Must-try: Fitch & Leedes, Barker and Quin and Secco Drink Infusion
