by Wendy
If only we could have a virtual cocktail party, featuring amazing gin and tonic drinks like the ones they serve in Spain. For those who do not drink alcohol, might I suggest the incredible fresh squeezed orange juice they serve in Spain. Yes, the theme is Spain. We’ll have plates of snacks too, of course.
Photos from a recent and delicious lunch at Toki Eder in Donostia/San Sebastian
Back to the gin and tonics. Trust me, the ones in Spain are unlike any I’ve sipped. Exceptionally delicious. This is not a watery G&T in a college dive. It’s not the $20 version with the witty name in your town’s hippest restaurant. The ones we’re having at this party are made with skill – but they are distinctively different than what I’ve seen served by mixologists in the States. Let me know if you’ve seen otherwise, as I would love for the Spanish style gin and tonics to start showing up in bars here.
Jack and I have studied the drink’s creation but are still not quite sure of all the steps. It looks like the inside of the large glass is rinsed first, possibly with vermouth. Giant ice cubes help ensure the drink is refreshingly cold. The bartenders take the rind of a lemon or lime and using two sets of tongs, pull the oil from the skin of the citrus fruit, which adds a refined concentrated flavor to the drink without the sourness. The ratio of gin and tonic blends perfectly and is complimented by various combinations of garnish such as cucumbers and rose petals, or grapes.
Some of our favorite spots to enjoy these drinks during our recent visit to Spain were:
El Corte Ingles Gourmet Experience in Madrid – this is like the best Mall food court you’ve experienced. There are many El Corte Ingles department stores in Spain, but the one near Gran Via in Madrid is special. Go for the shopping, stay for the gin and tonic. Go for the rooftop view and lively scene, stay for the gin and tonic. Go browse the food stalls and aisles of foreign products (the American aisle features items that may be hard to find in Spain such as peanut butter, pancake syrup, cake batter, Pop Tarts). But stay for the gin and tonic.
Museo Chicote in Madrid – Cool art deco bar where Hemingway and tons of other celebs have enjoyed a cocktail? What’s not to like?
Drinka in San Sebastian/Donostia – the place you wish you had in your neighborhood. A friendly, cool atmosphere. A crackin gin and tonic. The best cod fritters I’ve ever tasted – perfect batter with light, pillowy filling. A bartender who nodded approvingly when Jack asked for a little Angostura bitters in his bourbon. Yes, Spain is into bourbon as well – Four Roses seemed to be a particularly popular brand.
Here’s to Spain. Here’s to travel. Here’s to drinks with friends and family after stressful weeks. Here’s to you! Cheers!