BEFORE IT WAS GIN - Genever and The Dutch Trade Winds Martini

Before it was Gin it was Genever! Genever (also spelled Jenever and Genievre, pronounced jen-E-fer) is the predecessor of Gin. Made from a blend of grains including malted barley, brewed into beer, distilled into malt wine, then kicked up with juniper berries and other botanicals and distilled for a third time. Also known as Holland Gin, this liquor is served by the Dutch in small aperitif glasses - filled right up to the rim so you must sip it first without ever touching the glass. You'll find a several references to Holland Gin in Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide - now you know just what he was talking about! Here's a classic cocktail using Genever: Dutch Trade Winds Martini 2 oz Dutch Genever Gin 1/2 oz Curacao Orange Liqueur 1/2 oz Lemon Juice 1 tsp Simple Syrup Orange Twist Chill your martini glass in the freezer. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well then pour into your chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist and serve. Follow me on Twitter as PopArtDiva Follow me on Twitter as TheMartiniDiva Friend me on Facebook PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY & DRIVE RESPONSIBLY