Pink Gin

Pink Gin is a cocktail made predominantly from gin and a dash of Angostura bitters, a dark red bitters that makes the whole drink pinkish. The cocktail is typically served in a small glass without ice.

History

The Pink Gin cocktail originated in the mid-19th century in England. It was first used by the Royal Navy to make the consumption of Angostura bitters more enjoyable. The bitters were used as a treatment for sea sickness and stomach issues. The addition of gin made the medicinal bitters more palatable.

Preparation

To prepare a Pink Gin, a few dashes of Angostura bitters are added to a glass and swirled around to coat the inside of the glass. The excess is discarded. Then, gin is added to the glass, and it is typically stirred although some prefer to shake it with ice. The cocktail is traditionally served without ice, garnished with a twist of lemon peel.

Variations

There are several variations of the Pink Gin cocktail. Some bartenders add a splash of water or soda water. Others add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice. The Pink Gin Fizz is a popular variation that includes an egg white and is shaken to create a frothy top.

In popular culture

Pink Gin has been mentioned in several novels and films. In the James Bond series, the character has been known to enjoy a Pink Gin on occasion. The cocktail is also popular in the United Kingdom, particularly in naval towns.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Gin
• Angostura bitters