Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Liquor Lessons: Hendrick's Gin Cocktail Academy

by Swabreen Bakr on Oct 26, 2012 in Liquor
Liquor Lessons: Hendrick's Gin Cocktail Academy

Hendrick's Gin is holding a series of fêtes called "Voyages Into the Unusual" to celebrate its handcrafted cool-cucumber-and-rose-infused gin. The traveling party, which has been making its way around the country (next up, NYC), is meant to bring the peculiar world of Hendrick’s Gin to life and provide an all-encompassing experience of the spirit. Part of Voyages is a Cocktail Academy with brand ambassador Jim Ryan, something we took part in when the outfit made a stop in Philadelphia.

Upon our arrival at the Academy on a recent Wednesday evening, we were treated to a punch made especially for the event. The drink featured apple brandy and apple slices along with the interesting choice of Moroccan tea, inspired by Ryan's recent vacation there. 

"For every city, we incorporate a local, seasonal ingredient,” Ryan explains, “This being fall in the Northeast, apples were a dead ringer. I wanted to bring the season to life into a gin punch so used apple brandy made just across the border in New Jersey, local apple slices, Angostura bitters — which have rich, deep spice notes — and some fresh lemon juice. And tea, a great ingredient that will stretch out a punch and bring it to life, so you're not over-pouring your spirits."

Ryan regaled the small class with the history of Hendrick's, an award winning spirit produced in a small town in Scotland from a recipe by master distiller Lesley Gracie. Hendrick's was first introduced to America 10 years ago; it's orchestrated with 11 botanicals (caraway seeds, juniper, orange peel, coriander, yarrow, lemon peel, chamomile, ederflower, angelica root, orris root and cubeb berries) and infused with rose petals and cucumber, giving it a very smooth, balanced and subtle flavor.

Ryan led a small contingent of people through making two cocktails and preparing a punch. Guests got to make Elderflower Cooler, Cucumber Lemonade and Tenured Punch over the course of an hour and a half.  "Great drinks made with great spirits beg for — no, necessitate! — fresh ingredients. I cannot emphasize that enough!" Ryan notes, commenting on the recipes used for the lesson.

On whether Hendrick's Gin shines more as a mixer or straight up,  Ryan says, "It depends on the occasion. Iit does mix delightfully well in cocktails, especially more modern styles; cocktails that use fresh muddled fruit or herbs or newer liqueurs. It's a lighter floral style of gin, so the flavor can get masked in classic gin cocktails. However, a Hendrick's gin martini is amazing."

Or keep it simple with a Hendrick's and tonic, garnished with a cucumber spear, of course.

Photos via Hendrick's Gin on Facebook

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

One of the hottest new cocktail spots to hit the Fishtown neighborhood serves cocktails with no alcohol at all...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 11, 2024
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close