Long before shelves filled with sweet, fruit-flavoured pink gins, there was the original Pink Gin. Simple, elegant, and unmistakably grown-up, it remains one of the most enduring gin cocktails ever created.
Unlike modern pink gins, the colour does not come from berries, rhubarb, or added flavourings. Instead, the distinctive blush hue comes entirely from a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
The cocktail is sometimes known simply as Gin and Bitters. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. Only two ingredients are required, yet the result is surprisingly complex and refreshing.
The story begins in South America during the early nineteenth century. A German doctor named Johann Siegert developed a medicinal tonic while living in the Venezuelan town of Angostura.
Created in 1820, the aromatic bitters were originally intended as a herbal remedy. They were used to help treat stomach complaints and were widely marketed as a cure for seasickness.
As trade routes expanded, bottles of Angostura bitters began travelling around the world. One British naval surgeon reportedly purchased several bottles and started mixing them with gin aboard ship.
The combination proved remarkably successful. The bitters softened the spirit while adding layers of spice, citrus, and herbal complexity.
The resulting drink quickly gained popularity amongst naval officers and travellers. By the middle of the nineteenth century, Pink Gin had become a familiar sight in bars across Britain.
Today, the cocktail remains a wonderful showcase for a well-crafted gin. With so few ingredients, every botanical has room to shine.
Explorer's Gin works particularly well in this serve. Its bright citrus character, aromatic herbs, and layered spice complement the bitters without overwhelming them.
The finished cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and beautifully balanced. It works wonderfully as an aperitif before dinner or as a sophisticated evening serve.
Ease of Making: Easy
Glass Type: Martini Glass
Taste: Refreshing, Aromatic, and Crisp
Recipe
- 50ml Explorer's Gin
- 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Method
- Place ice into a mixing glass.
- Add the Angostura bitters and stir briefly around the glass.
- Allow the bitters to coat the inside of the vessel.
- Add the Explorer's Gin.
- Stir for 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of fresh grapefruit peel.
Serving Notes
- For a drier style, increase the bitters slightly.
- Express the grapefruit oils over the surface before serving.
- Serve ice cold to highlight the gin's botanical character and the bitters' warming spice.
