Days of Lantana – Gin de Cologne Mediterran
When the folks from Gin de Cologne asked me if I wanted to try their new Mediterranean Gin, I gladly said yes. This version of their classic gin seemed perfect for refreshing summer drinks. Well, as it turns out, it was – although the creation is not for the faint hearted!
With basil, rosemary and thyme the Gin de Cologne Mediterranean adds three herbal botanicals. All in all the list includes 15 different herbs and spices etc. After being distilled according to the London Dry Gin style, the Mediterranean is bottled at an ABV of 42 %.
Herbal with hints of juniper
Usually, I am all for the classic London Dry Gins. However, the Mediterranean versions have become so popular, that I am also very familiar with their herbal flavour profile. With the Gin de Cologne you first taste classic juniper forward flavours, before the basil, rosemary and thyme kick in.
White Negroni highball, kind of
For a summery highball using the Gin de Cologne Mediterranean, I went for the White Negroni as an inspiration. Yet, I switched out a few bits and added something here or there. In the end, I used Bonal instead of a gentian liqueur. I also cannot tell you why, but the Bitter End Chesapeake Bay Bitters seemed perfect for this recipe. Instead of gentian liqueur, I used Bonal Aperitif and rounded everything off with some homemade Limoncello.
0,75 cl Freimeister Kollektiv Rosemary Eau de Vie
0,75 cl Homemade Limoncello*
3 cl Bonal Aperitif
3 cl Cocchi Americano
Top off with Soda Water
Built – Highball glass over ice;
Garnish: Lemon Twist – Rosemary Sprig; Song: Ben Howard – Days Of Lantana;
*Peel two organic lemons – add to clean glass container – add 150 ml of 96 % ABV alcohol – let sit for at least four weeks – strain through fine mesh strainer – add 125 ml of water – let rest – filter again – stir in 30 g of sugar – bottle in clean bottle.
If you prefer your Spritzes with Aperol this summery highball definitely is too bitter for you. However, if you are into the bitter flavours, you should give this one a try! All in all, the drink reminded me of a very herbal cola, through its combination of gin, eau de vie, Bonal and bitters.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. The gin was provided by Gin de Cologne.
