Must Have This: Liquor

Drinking is definitely one of our favorite activities. As we have stated before we attempt to engage in drinking as often as we can, in as many varied places as we can, with as many different sorts of drinks as we can. (We encourage you reserve your judgement, and if you must, to err on the side of kindness- to call us an 'alcoholic' would be unspeakably rude; to call us a 'lush' would, we think, be a compliment)

We would say, however, that we are more frequently than not drawn to beverages containing one of a select few ingredients- all of which could (and, we are pleased to think upon, will) receive the attention of Must Have This. These ingredients vary wildly in proof and flavor, from delicate and floral to sharp and extremely potent. Chief on the list is the liquor by the name of gin, an essential spirit in a well-stocked bar (especially the ones we tend to frequent) and the variety named Hendrick's gin, in particular, we find to be the gin of our choice.

Gin (from the Dutch jenever) is a clear spirit that is flavored with a number of botanicals (herbs and berries and such). The most notable flavor in gin is the juniper berry (and here is where jenever comes in) giving the alcohol it's sharp, some would say 'piney,' taste.

There is an ever-increasing assortment of gins on the market, several of which we find very satisfactory. The reason Hendrick's is a Must Have, however, is that, aside from the juniper (common to all gins), Hendrick's has a remarkable cucumber note that is quite unlike any other variety of the spirit. Still with a sharp edge, the cucumber lends a softness that allows the liquor to be more than just a one-dimensional flavor.

Because of the uniqueness of it's flavor, we do not recommend attempting to make a martini with Hendrick's. It is served best with soda or tonic, garnished with cucumber. If you were to muddle a cucumber up in the bottom of your glass before pouring the liquor and mixer in OR throw a dash of Creme de Violette in your drink, so much the better. In any event, do not waste the deliciousness of this gin on a drink that will be overpowered by what you mix it with.

Hendrick's is available at most fine liquor stores. We've had a bit of trouble finding it in smaller, less urban markets, but we encourage you to make the search.

Post Script: Hendrick's marketing is delightfully odd and playful. Go here to experience the Curiositorium.