The Pink Gin, as the name half implies and half does not—is a stout cocktail. Composed of just gin and bitters, it’s not for the faint of heart. Simply uttering the words “gin” and “bitters” tends to send novice drinkers running for the hills, but the Pink Gin marries the two ingredients into a synergistic concoction worth sampling.
The Pink Gin was—according to Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails—a favorite of the British Navy. Dash some bitters into your daily ration of gin, and voila! Happy sailors less likely to mutiny.
Plymouth Gin is the way to go in this cocktail. Its velvety nature works wonderfully with the generous pour of Angostura Bitters, and it was likely the gin of choice by the drink’s original fan base – sailors. That said, feel free to experiment. With a slew of interesting gins and bitters on the market, you may find favor in a different combination.
Pink Gin
3 ounces Plymouth Gin
6 dashes Angostura Bitters
Stir with ice until very cold. Then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Alternatively, you can serve in a rocks glass, if that’s your preference.
I’d love to try this combination with other gins and some of the exotic bitters on the market.
Perhaps a bluecoat gin + bitter truth orange?
Lots of great potential in this drink.