| Drink | Gin Thai Sour, Asian-inspired gin cocktail |
| Gin | 2 parts Fary Lochan Classic Gin |
| Tonic syrup | 1 part homemade, with basil |
| Ginger syrup | 1 part |
| Lime | 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice |
| Top and garnish | Splash of sparkling water, basil leaves. Served without ice |
Recipe for tonic syrup with basil
Simple and easy to make yourself and it tastes fantastic
Ingredients
- 5 lemongrass stalks
- 7 g cinchona bark - the bark is what gives tonic its distinctive flavor
- 2 organic limes - zest and juice
- 2 organic lemons - zest and juice
- 4 crushed juniper berries, dried
- 3 whole peppercorns, black
- 20 g citric acid
- 1 l. water
Note that sugar and basil are used in the method but are not on the ingredient list, and the amount of sugar is not given.
Method
Cut the lemongrass stalks into three pieces each and then crush them by pressing the flat side of the knife down with the palm of your hand. Peel the zest off the lemon and lime, but be careful not to get too much of the zest as the syrup can become too bitter.
Then add all the ingredients except the sugar and place in a saucepan. Simmer for 25 minutes.
Strain through a coffee or tea filter, then add the tonic water and sugar and place the mixture in a saucepan and bring to the boil. When the syrup boils, remove from the heat and pour into clean bottles.
About Fary Lochan
FARY LOCHAN DESTILLERI A/S was established in 2009. They are one of the world's smallest distilleries, producing a relatively small amount of whisky each year. However, it is of the highest quality and they do not compromise! Everything is handcrafted in traditional Scottish traditions.
The stills are specially designed in Scotland to give their whisky exactly the flavor they want - every time. And their flavor is quite unique, as they are the only ones in the world to use fresh nettles when smoking our malt.
Their whisky comes in four variants. They call them "the 4 seasons". The taste is round and smooth in all variants - even the smoky ones. And they stand 100% behind the taste, quality and good story. They also make lots of schnapps, liqueurs and other exciting products.
Gin Thai Sour and sour drinks
We have not found any documented history for the Gin Thai Sour itself. But sour drinks have one. Wikipedia says Jerry Thomas described sours in his 1862 book How to Mix Drinks, and that a sour is made of a base spirit, lemon or lime juice and a sweetener. A gin sour is described as gin, lemon juice and sugar, and it predates US Prohibition. Add carbonated water and it becomes a gin fizz.
Our Gin Thai Sour and a classic gin sour
| | Our recipe and a gin sour |
| Base | Fary Lochan Classic Gin (ours) / gin (Wikipedia) |
| Citrus | Lime juice (ours) / lemon juice (Wikipedia) |
| Sweetness | Ginger syrup and tonic syrup (ours) / sugar (Wikipedia) |
| Top | Splash of sparkling water (ours) / none (Wikipedia) |
| Garnish | Basil leaves (ours) |
Our version uses two syrups instead of plain sugar and adds a splash of sparkling water at the end.
About the ingredients in your Gin Thai Sour
The gin is Fary Lochan Classic Gin, and you squeeze the lime most easily with a lime squeezer. More from the same house can be found under Fary Lochan. We have no fixed brand of ginger syrup, so pick one you like. Lemongrass, basil and cinchona bark you get from an ordinary grocer or a herb shop.
Tips for your Gin Thai Sour
Make the tonic syrup in good time so it can cool before you use it. Watch the zest from the lemon and lime, as the syrup can otherwise become too bitter. Taste and adjust after shaking. If you lack equipment, have a look at cocktail equipment for the home bar.
My verdict on the Gin Thai Sour
This is a drink for when you want to make something more than a gin and tonic. There is work in it, because you make the syrup yourself, but you also get a tonic flavor you will not find in a bottle. The lime and ginger bring freshness, and the basil rounds it off.
Frequently asked questions about the Gin Thai Sour recipe
What is a Gin Thai Sour?
A gin sour with an Asian twist, made with Fary Lochan Classic Gin, lime juice, ginger syrup and homemade tonic syrup with basil, topped with a splash of sparkling water.
What goes into a Gin Thai Sour recipe?
2 parts Fary Lochan Classic Gin, 1 part homemade tonic syrup with basil, 1 part ginger syrup, 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice and ice cubes. Plus a splash of sparkling water and a few basil leaves.
How do you make a Gin Thai Sour?
Shake gin, lime juice, both syrups and ice cubes hard. Pour into a glass through a double strainer, top up with a splash of sparkling water and serve without ice.
What is tonic syrup?
A syrup that tastes like tonic. Cinchona bark gives tonic its distinctive flavor. Our recipe uses lemongrass, cinchona bark, lime, lemon, juniper berries, peppercorns and citric acid.
How do you make tonic syrup with basil?
Crush the lemongrass, zest the lime and lemon and simmer everything with the other ingredients for 25 minutes. Strain, add sugar, bring to the boil and pour into clean bottles. The full recipe is in the post.
What is the difference between a Gin Thai Sour and a gin sour?
According to Wikipedia, a gin sour is gin, lemon juice and sugar. Ours uses lime, ginger syrup and tonic syrup and is topped with sparkling water. Wikipedia notes that adding carbonated water to a gin sour makes it a gin fizz.
Where do sour drinks come from?
Jerry Thomas described sours in his 1862 book How to Mix Drinks. We have not found a documented history for the Gin Thai Sour itself.
Which gin suits a Gin Thai Sour?
We use Fary Lochan Classic Gin, which has a fresh flavor of citrus and cucumber. We have no other fixed recommendations.
What can I garnish with?
A few basil leaves on top, for aroma as you drink.
Who is Fary Lochan?
Fary Lochan Destilleri A/S was established in 2009 and, according to our text, is one of the world's smallest distilleries. They also make schnapps, liqueurs and other products.
Read more about cocktails
Find more cocktails with gin and all our drink recipes here at Whisky.dk. Also try Gin Fizz or Gin Tonic. You can also read Wikipedia about sour cocktails.
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