You can't fight fire with fire, but you might be able to stifle fiery gin with a fiery mixer. I've spent the better part of a week trying to figure out what to do with Most Wanted Gin from High Plains.
The liquor from Atchison, Kansas, has a hot finish, meaning it's a bit harsh on the rocks or in a martini. While gin and tonics are always a safe option, I thought we could do better for a local spirit. And we can.
High Plains Inc. is a micro distiller that has grown to three stills since Seth Fox started making vodka in 2005. I've known about Most Wanted vodka since moving to Kansas City three years ago -- it's hard to ignore a spirit with a billboard on I-70. But it was impulse that led me to grab a bottle of Most Wanted Gin at Lionsgate Wine & Spirits (14465 Metcalf in Overland Park) for $12.99.
High Plains has gained some national attention, thanks to its distinction as the first distillery in Kansas since Prohibition. The distillery produces whiskey and gin but is likely most known for its vodka -- which Fat City taste-tested in 2008. The Night Ranger also experienced Most Wanted vodka in a moment of inspired cave drinking the previous year. In addition to its Most Wanted line, High Plains has a higher-end vodka called Fox.
But back to the gin. Making cocktails is like golf -- you just need one good drink to make you forget all your failures on the front nine. Either that or by the tenth time you step up to the tee, you're simply buzzed enough to not take yourself as seriously and success is more likely.
The Ginger Gin is a basic cocktail -- one that has traveled with me from Boston. You'll likely need to buy only one ingredient: ginger beer. I opted for Fentiman's because it's not too sweet, but there's a wide variety of choices, at least one of which is available at nearly every grocery store.
The hot finish of the gin combined with the sharp bite of the ginger beer has the same effect as spicy food. It leaves the lips tingling after a few sips and it will be gone before you know it.
The Gin Ginger
Crushed ice.
3/4 to 1 1/2 ounces of gin.
Lime juice.
Freshly grated ginger (optional).
Fill a tall, skinny glass one-third full with crushed ice. Add ginger beer, leaving room for the alcohol. Start with 3/4 ounce of gin. Stir and add more to taste. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a bit of grated ginger (optional).
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