**Best Gin Cocktails for a 4th of July Party Celebration

Gin is a white liquor, flavored with juniper berries, and often other aromatic herbs [examples are angelica root, anise, and coriander]. So there are different gins, depending upon ingredients. The name gin comes from the Dutch word genever, which means juniper. In fact, gin was first made in 17th-century Holland.

Here are the types of gin:

• English/Dry/London Dry gets its flavor from grain or cane [molasses]. This version is excellent for mixing.
  

• Dutch/Genever/Sweet/Holland Gin gets its flavor from juniper berries plus cereal grains [corn,wheat,barley,malt] This type is not for mixing. Best over ice.
• American Dry Gin/Soft Gin less flavorful than English gin; less alcohol [80 proof/40% alcohol]; excellent mixed in cocktails

• Sloe Gin not really a gin, but a gin-based liqueur, gets it sweet flavor from blackthorn plums [sloe plums]; red in color.

The Martini has become the standard gin cocktail. In the last 15 years or so, different flavors of martini have appeared in trendy bars. But the basic martini remains the benchmark of style and elegance. It is a basic martini that James Bond orders, not a chocolate, or fruity one. Here is a recipe for the classic martini:

• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz French dry vermouth
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• olive

In a shaker full of ice, combine liquids and stir. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with olive.

For the semi-purists at your 4th of July, party, the simple gin and tonic

• 2 oz dry gin
• lime wedge
  
• quinine/tonic water

In a 12 oz glass with ice, pour gin and juice of lime. Make a twist from lime rind for garnish. Fill glass with tonic water and stir.

Here are some other popular drinks made with gin

Long Island Iced Tea [make sure there are designated drivers; this drink is potent]

• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz light rum
• 1 oz sour mix
• lemon wedge for garnish
• cola

Pour the spirits and sour mix into a tall glass with ice. Stir well or shake. Top off with cola. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Tom Collins

• 2 oz gin
• sour mix
• soda water
• orange slice or maraschino cherry for garnish

Pour the gin into a tall glass with ice. Fill with sour mix. Shake or mix well. Add a splash of soda water. Garnish with orange slice or cherry.

Salty Dog

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz grapefruit juice
• salt for rimming
• lemon or lime wedge for garnish

Pour the ingredients into a tall glass filled with ice and rimmed with salt. Garnish with lemon or lime wedge.

Gimlet

• 2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz sweetened lime juice

Shake with shaved ice. Strain and serve with a twist of orange peel.

For a gin version of the screwdriver, try an Orange Blossom

• 3/4 oz gin
• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
• 3/4 oz orange juice
  

Pour into a tall glass with ice and mix.

Want some cool places to order Fourth of July decorations for your party? Check out these links:
oriental trading
windy city novelties
seasonal reflections.com

Remember to drink responsibly this Fourth of July weekend. Don't become a statistic. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July

Sources
About.com cocktails guide
Cocktail.com