Hendrick’s Gin Really Does Taste Like Rose and Cucumber
I was at the grocery store the other night for a little fun family outing. It was pretty late, so I thought the in-grocery liquor store was closed, but it was not, and I ended up getting my first bottle of Hendrick’s.
Somehow I had never knowingly tasted Hendrick’s. And for some reason I did not believe that it would actually taste like cucumber and rose. It does, and it is delicious. It is a great warm weather gin, refreshing, and delightful on ice. Or in chilly weather, it exists as a respite from pumpkin spice. Despite its light flavors, this gin tasted strong— stronger than it is.
My tasting notes:
Clear, oh my goodness this actually tastes like cucumber. I taste the rose too— slightly floral but nothing outrageous. This is still a gin. On first tasting Hendrick’s, I was so amazed that it tasted like what it was supposed to taste like, that I was unable to focus properly on other flavors.
I started with a G&T, which I of course liked, as I like G&Ts. I do not think that a G&T is the best use for this gin, though. I like it better as a simple martini (even without the bitters) or as a fizz with a bit of citrus, maybe a splash of simple syrup. It’s fun to play up the cucumber too, as in the fizz idea below. This is not quite a recipe.
The Hendrick’s Cucumber Lime Fizz Idea
2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
1/4-1/2 oz lime (to taste)
2 thin cucumber slices
1/2-1 oz simple syrup (optional, balance out your lime)
2 oz sparkling water
I’ll admit this is very tart without the simple syrup, but I like it that way, and it has a very clean and clear line. For people who like to squeeze citrus juice on everything, this is not a problem. It is fun. For people who detect the tiniest hint of citrus juice in a vinaigrette and wonder what went wrong, well. You know yourself, right? This is not for you.
As for the range in lime juice, again, this is a decision you need to make for yourself if you’re following this idea. A recipe version would call for 1/2 oz lime juice and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
