Ring in the New Year with Bathtub Gin: A Prohibition-Era Classic
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, many of us raise a glass to toast the arrival of a new year. While champagne is a traditional choice, why not add a touch of history and intrigue to your celebrations with a classic cocktail from the Prohibition era - bathtub gin?
What is Bathtub Gin?
Bathtub gin, also known as "hooch" or "jake," was a popular spirit during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). With the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal, enterprising individuals turned to homemade liquor, often produced in bathtubs or other makeshift stills. The term "bathtub gin" was coined due to the unsanitary conditions in which these spirits were often produced.
Safety First: Modern Bathtub Gin
While the term "bathtub gin" may evoke images of dangerous, bootleg liquor, today's bathtub gin is a far cry from its historical counterpart. Modern bathtub gin is typically produced by distilling neutral grain spirits with a variety of botanicals, such as juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, to create a unique and flavorful gin. This process is often done at home, following safe and sanitary practices, making it a fun and engaging hobby for many.
Ingredients for Modern Bathtub Gin
- Neutral grain spirits
- Juniper berries
- Corriander seeds
- Citrus peel (lemon, lime, or orange)
- Other botanicals, such as cardamom, angelica root, or orris root (optional)
Creating Your Own Bathtub Gin for New Year's Eve
If you're interested in creating your own bathtub gin for your New Year's Eve celebrations, here's a simple recipe to get you started:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Neutral grain spirits | 1 liter (4 cups) |
| Juniper berries | 2 tbsp |
| Corriander seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Citrus peel (lemon, lime, or orange) | Zest of 1 fruit |
| Other botanicals (optional) | 1 tsp |
To make your gin, combine the neutral grain spirits and botanicals in a large jar or container. Seal the container and let the mixture steep for 24-48 hours, shaking it occasionally to ensure even extraction. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. The resulting liquid is your bathtub gin!
Classic Bathtub Gin Cocktails for New Year's Eve
Once you've created your bathtub gin, it's time to mix up some classic cocktails to celebrate the New Year. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Gin and Tonic: Combine 2 oz of bathtub gin, 4 oz of tonic water, and a squeeze of lime in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel.
- Martini: Shake 2 oz of bathtub gin, 1 oz of dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
- Tom Collins: Combine 2 oz of bathtub gin, 1 oz of lemon juice, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, and a dash of club soda in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with additional club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel.
As you raise a glass of bathtub gin this New Year's Eve, remember the rich history and culture behind this unique spirit. Whether you're toasting to the past or looking forward to the future, bathtub gin is sure to make your celebrations a little more interesting and a lot more flavorful.
