It seems to us there’s one drink which is right at the top of the list at the moment, Gin. Now we can tell all you G&T lovers that the GIN TO MY TONIC SHOW is coming back to Cardiff (Scroll to the bottom of the page for a few, very nice recipes). This is not just any show either, it’s not only award winning but comes complete with unlimited tastings and over 250 varieties of Gin.

The how is actually the largest gin festival in the UK, offering a rare opportunity for gin enthusiasts to meet-the-makers behind over 50 premium gin and mixer brands.

It offers a very different experience to the traditional festival. No other brings together the wonderful world of gin in quite the same way, so for those looking to embark on an exciting journey of gin discovery, complete with unlimited tastings, this is most certainly the show for you.

There are well-stocked gin and cocktail bars, as well as cocktail making masterclasses, taste challenges, presentations from distilleries, tonic and garnish tutorials, and theatrical bartender performances. But the main attraction is the large variety of distilleries, artisan gin makers and tonic manufacturers in attendance, which creates what can only be described as gin heaven!

There’s plenty to keep you inspired and entertained as you work the room and celebrate everyone’s favourite juniper-based tipple. And whilst gin is the primary focus of the show, makers will also be showcasing their other creations including vodka, rum & whiskey.

Like what you’ve tried? Then you can purchase a full-size drink straight from the brand themselves, or even a bottle to take home for your collection.

There really is something for everyone!

There are various tickets, depending on your budget and taste……

• Gin Enthusiasts Package 
• Show Guide
• Unlimited Tastings
• Access to Classes and Workshops
• Shop & Drop Facility
• Tote Bag

• Gin Connoisseurs Package 
• Limited availability
• Fast Track Entry
• Show Guide
• Unlimited Tastings
• Exclusive Access to the ‘Connoisseurs Lounge’ complete with complementary G&T
• Access to Classes and Workshops
• Shop & Drop Facility
• Private Cloakroom
• Tote Bag
• The Gin To My Tonic Branded Copa Glass & Stainless Steel Straw

SESSION TIMES:

• Friday 4th September 2020 6.30pm – 10.30pm
• Saturday 5th September 2020 12.00pm – 4.00pm
• Saturday 5th September 2020 6.00pm – 10.00pm

The GIN TO MY TONIC FESTIVAL is at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff in September (dates above). To get your tickets, just go here. GIN

To get you in the mood here’s a couple of SOUTH WALES LIFE favourites you can try at home. Come back each week for a new recipe to add to your collection……

Blackberry Gin

If you’re looking for an alternative to a sloe gin. This blackberry gin is a cross between sloe gin and a gin liqueur, and of course, makes the most of the glut of blackberries.

• 900g Blackberries
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 450g Golden Granulated Sugar
• 300ml Gin Vodka (Rum and Brandy are fine too)

The method is really simple too, although it will take you around 35 minutes to make and chill.

1. Blitz the berries and 100g of the sugar in a food processor, then press through a metal sieve into a pan.
2. Add the remaining sugar and cinnamon to the pan and cook over a medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in the alcohol. Remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon.
3. Sterilise some bottles and lids, clean and upturn them – lids off – on a baking sheet. Put in the oven for 15 minutes. make sure that the bottles lie on their sides. Strain the gin into bottles, seal, label and chill.
4. Shake before serving in shot glasses, diluted with sparkling water and ice or drizzled over ice cream.

Best of all, they’re only 45 calories per serving (and you should get 8 out of this recipe).

A Clementine ‘5 Minute Cocktail

This one is so easy you can whip it up and serve it within 5 minutes. Perfect if you have people round. Dry gin, Crème de Cassis and Clementine give you the perfect sweet and sour vibe.

All the ingredients you need are……

• Large ice cubes 4-5
• Dry Gin 25ml
• Crème de Cassis 1 tsp
• Clementines 2, juiced

Drop the ice cubes into the glass before pouring over the gin and crème de cassis. Pour in the squeezed clementine juice and stir once, anti-clockwise.

85 calories of pure heaven.

Elderflower Collins

Very easy and really delicious. You’ll need……

• 50ml Gin
• 20ml Lemon
• 10ml Sugar Syrup
• 10ml Elderflower Cordial
• Soda to finish

Shake up the gin with the lemon, sugar and a dash of elderflower cordial. Pour over rock ice and lengthen with sparkling water. Decorate with a sprig of your favourite herb. If you’re feeling like a true vagabond then top with sparkling wine to make an Elderflower Royale. 

Of course, you can buy Elderflower Cordial very easily but it is so easy to make and tastes far better if you do it yourself. So, if you fancy a little go, here’s a recipe which works every time. ELDERFLOWER

Martini 

This one is stirred NOT shaken.

You’ll need……..

• 60ml Gin
• Vermouth to taste
• Your chosen garnish

A Martini is all about personal preference. The key elements to success are ensuring your vermouth is fresh, the gin is good quality (Mr Bond wouldn’t have it any other way) and the garnish is appetising. Stir your required amount of gin (here we suggest 60ml) with however much dry vermouth you like: the more you use the more herbal it will be. Stir to taste – it’s about finding the perfect dilution. Don’t be afraid to garnish your masterpiece with something that might seem peculiar either – you could even go for two pickled onions – trust me, it works. Ensure your glass is frozen and the liquid smooth.

Southside

Also known as a Mojito, gin-style.

You’ll need…..

• 50ml Gin,
• 20ml Lime
• 15ml Sugar Syrup,
• 6-8 Mint Leaves.

Drop the gin, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup and the mint leaves into your shaker then get your arms moving. Fine strain it into a posh Martini glass that’s been chilled. Hold the ice. Garnish with one slapped mint leaf and maybe some finely chopped.

Bookmark this page we have more coming.