With gin, tradition is at odds with fashion. Distillers battle over “what is a gin and what isn’t a gin,” says Eric Johnson, bar manager at Juniper & Ivy. The spirit scares people, he says—maybe it was a bad experience, or they haven’t found one they enjoy. But few liquors play so nicely with other ingredients. Still wary? Try these local libations.
Gaze Hound
Juniper & Ivy
Greyhounds (vodka and grapefruit juice) were so popular at Juniper & Ivy that Johnson created a gin version. The Gaze Hound is made with Beefeater, Crème de Pamplemousse Rose, soda, and Peychaud’s bitters—which provides a nice roundness.
2228 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy
Summer Palace
Polite Provisions
Imagine tom kha soup had a fling with key lime pie. A mix of London dry gin, lime juice, coconut milk, and Thai basil, garnished with a kaffir lime leaf, it’s exotically refreshing.
4696 30th Street, North Park
Skubic Diver
Ironside Fish & Oyster
This cocktail blends Old Harbor’s San Miguel Southwestern Gin, St. George Basil Eau de Vie, lime, simple syrup, celery bitters, sea salt, and a cucumber garnish. It’s sweet, savory, and tart, with a hint of bitterness.
1654 India Street, Little Italy
Cocktail Hour: Sippin’ on Gin & Juice
