I'll Have a Science & Tonic, Please...
When is a lemon not a lemon?
When you add a slice to a drink of course! It becomes a garnish, obviously, but there's more to it than that. So here's a little lesson in molecular chemistry.
No, stay there, honestly it won't be that bad I promise! OK? Want to carry on? Good, here goes:
Adding a small slice of lemon (or lime, orange, cucumber, thyme sprig etc) changes a drink on a very basic level. What we actually add is some water, fruit sugars and citric acid in the case of lemon. Due to the shape of the molecules involved, different actions take place. Alcohol's molecular structure for example, allows H2O to fit inside, thus by adding a little water you smooth the alcohol burn in a spirit. The sugars and acid bring sweetness and a sharpening edge to your drink. It's for this reason we shouldn't always use the same garnish for every gin or vodka or rum. Each individual spirit has a unique recipe and will be complimented by a corresponding addition. On the other hand, adding a contrasting garnish can alter your drink so much that it can become undrinkable. Each producer will have their recommended perfect serve but as we all have different tastes, I urge you to experiment for yourself.
That's why, at a Drinks Magician spirit tasting we try all of our spirits neat at first. Just a little sip or two to understand the essential flavours and aromas. Next we add a small garnish as this WILL alter the drink in a significant way. Finally we add a mixer to further explore the depth and complexity of each spiri and get to enjoy it fully.
You'll see such huge changes along the way with these subtle additions that next time you go to a bar and order your usual G&T you will want to ask for a knife and fork to remove the salad they've put in your drink as a 'garnish' so you can actually taste the gin you've paid a daft amount for!
When you add a slice to a drink of course! It becomes a garnish, obviously, but there's more to it than that. So here's a little lesson in molecular chemistry.
No, stay there, honestly it won't be that bad I promise! OK? Want to carry on? Good, here goes:
Adding a small slice of lemon (or lime, orange, cucumber, thyme sprig etc) changes a drink on a very basic level. What we actually add is some water, fruit sugars and citric acid in the case of lemon. Due to the shape of the molecules involved, different actions take place. Alcohol's molecular structure for example, allows H2O to fit inside, thus by adding a little water you smooth the alcohol burn in a spirit. The sugars and acid bring sweetness and a sharpening edge to your drink. It's for this reason we shouldn't always use the same garnish for every gin or vodka or rum. Each individual spirit has a unique recipe and will be complimented by a corresponding addition. On the other hand, adding a contrasting garnish can alter your drink so much that it can become undrinkable. Each producer will have their recommended perfect serve but as we all have different tastes, I urge you to experiment for yourself.
That's why, at a Drinks Magician spirit tasting we try all of our spirits neat at first. Just a little sip or two to understand the essential flavours and aromas. Next we add a small garnish as this WILL alter the drink in a significant way. Finally we add a mixer to further explore the depth and complexity of each spiri and get to enjoy it fully.
You'll see such huge changes along the way with these subtle additions that next time you go to a bar and order your usual G&T you will want to ask for a knife and fork to remove the salad they've put in your drink as a 'garnish' so you can actually taste the gin you've paid a daft amount for!
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