by Kris Mulkey
I had the pleasure of meeting Joseph Karakas, Spirits Ambassador with Old World Spirits recently. It was great fun seeing the hand hammered copper still and learning how they first started making gin in a still in the backyard in Croatia. Now here they are today making amazing, award-winning,small batch gin, just outside San Francisco.
Blade Gin is a single batch California style gin which is organically certified, using only local ingredients. It’s bold, complex, balanced and refreshing; made from California Zinfandel Eau de Vie, American wheat spirits and fresh local herbs and fruit. The taste has notes of citrus, fresh cilantro, ginger and grape.
Mix with ginger ale, tonic or enjoy straight in a martini with orange and a lemon twist. Or use it in your favorite cocktail.
Joseph’s favorite is the Aviation. Legend has it WWI pilots used to enjoy this cocktail because the color reminded them of the sky. It must have been stormy skies, because it definitely has a bluish-purple hue. It has just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the perfect cocktail to sip on the patio on a nice sunny day. You’re going to love it.
The Aviation
2 oz Blade Gin
1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Generous squeeze of lemon
1/4 oz Rothman Winter Creme de Violette
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled. (do not shake.) Strain into a coupe cocktail glass. Enjoy the floral, sweet, and citrus flavors.