I received a package in the mail a couple weeks ago and with it came an interesting product.  I did a blog search and found many posts and reviews for G-Vine gin and also a little controversy?  G-Vine is distilled from a grape spirit that is infused with green grape flowers.  I had green grapes in the refrigerator, assuming they would play well with the G-Vine, and went to work.
   The Caipirinha is ballooning each year in popularity outside of Brazil of which it is the national drink.  With an explosion of great cachaca hitting the market as well as a thirst for “exotic” drinks, this summer is a big one for the Caipirinha.  The basic recipe is easy:

       Caipirinha
       2 ounces cachaca 
       2 tablespoons sugar
       1/2 lime, quartered
       
   Why did I bring up the Caipirinha when talking about a new (2 years old) gin?  I wanted to do something similar but using the G-Vine and its unique distillation ingredient as well.  I started replacing ingredients from the Caipirinha to shape my cocktail.

 

       G-Pirinha
       2 oz G-Vine Gin
       1 tablespoon sugar
       3/4 oz lemon juice
       5 large seedless green grapes.
       Muddle sugar, lemon, and grapes together in a tumbler.  After the sugar has dissolved and the grapes are crushed add crushed ice to fill glass and then the G-Vine Gin.  Stir to chill and serve.
       
   My picture shows my G-Pirinha with big ice cubes but I got a much better result and look the second time using small ice cubes.  I do like this gin, although not so much in a Martini it does make for an interesting mixer.  Try it, mess around and let me know what other drinks you come up with, Prost.

 

Article and Drink By: Mark Sexauer