Gin And It

The Gin And It is a foundational cocktail that represents the earlier, sweeter style of the Martini. In this context, “It” is shorthand for “Italian,” which historically referred to Sweet Red Vermouth.

Key Takeaways

• A Historic Martini Style: Far sweeter and richer than the bone-dry modern Martini.
• Botanical Harmony: The gin’s juniper and the vermouth’s spice are in constant conversation.
• ABV: Very high (approximately 32-35%).
• Primary Glassware: Chilled cocktail glass or small coupe.

The History of the Gin And It

Before the “Dry” Martini became the standard, cocktails were often made with sweet vermouth. The Gin And It was the standard way to order a gin and sweet vermouth mixture in both London and New York in the early 20th century. It was standardized by the IBA in 1961 as a fundamental cocktail of the “Unforgettables.”

Ingredient Definition and Selection

Gin

A quality London Dry Gin is the best choice, providing the necessary dry juniper backbone to balance the rich vermouth.

Sweet Red Vermouth (Italian)

Since this is a two-ingredient drink, the quality of your vermouth is paramount. Choose a full-bodied Italian-style vermouth (like Antica Formula or Martini Rosso).

Preparation and Best Practices

1. The Temperature: Like all spirituous drinks, it must be stirred with plenty of ice to serve it as cold as possible.
2. Dilution Strategy: Because it’s a sweet, high-proof drink, a slightly longer stir (30-45 seconds) helps to mellow the sugar and alcohol, creating a smoother profile.
3. The Garnish: A simple lemon twist is traditional, though some prefer a maraschino cherry to complement the sweet vermouth.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 165 kcal per serving.
• Carbohydrates: 4g.
• Sugar: 4g.