The funny thing about my dislike for gin for all those years is that the main flavor in many gins - juniper berries - is something that I like a lot in marinades.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the cocktail is juniper-berry-flavored Dry Soda. The soda isn't dry, that's just the name. It's wet. And fizzy.
I've been a fan of Dry Soda since the very first time I tried it. It's not too sweet, which is great for me - I think most sodas are waaaay too sweet for regular drinking.
Dry is lower in calorie, too, if that's important to you.
The soda is totally clear - so no need to worry about artificial colors - and the flavors are crisp and bright and different. Which means they're ideal for cocktails. I mean, where have you found a juniper berry or a lavender soda before?
Of course they're great for drinking straight, too. I just finished drinking a bottle of their rhubarb flavor, and I'm a huge fan of cucumber. Actually, I like all the flavors I've tried, and I think I've tried them all.
But this time, I decided to use one of them for a cocktail. I hadn't made a gin cocktail for a while, so I decided it was about time.
This is a great cocktail for a hot day. It's light and refreshing and not sweet at all. The lime adds just a little tartness, but if you want more, you can squeeze in a little extra lime juice.
Gin and Juniper Soda
1 ounce Tanqueray 10 gin
1 bottle Dry Juniper Berry soda
1 wedge of lime
Add ice to a glass and pour in the gin and soda. Garnish with a lime wedge - squeeze in as much as you like.
Stir and serve.
I received a selection of Dry soda for my use. I was not required to post.