Bols Genever

The predecessor to gin, Bols Genever is the classic white spirit for cocktails. Inspired by the original 1820 recipe, it is touted as the world's most authentic spirit. Containing 50% maltwine, it has a very rich and smooth flavor. In its modern re-birth, this was actually awarded the AOC status (Appellation d'Origine Controllee), and that's pretty impressive in my book.

An essential cocktail ingredient for nearly two centuries, Genever was featured in the Jerry Thomas's "The Bartender's Guide" (the world's first cocktail book). I adore the artisan care of the brand's font design - it's an authentic Amsterdam handwritten typography. The smoked glass bottle is also very elegant.

Try the following recipes:

The Holland House

Glass: A small pre-chilled martini-cocktail glass.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 shots of Bols Genever
1/4 shot of Noilly Prat dry vermouth
1/2 shot of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 shot of maraschino liqueur

Technique: Shake the ingredients with large, hard, cold ice cubes and double-strain into the glass.

Garnish: Spray and rim a zest of lemon.

(This strong, dry, complex cocktail was the signature drink of the Holland House, once one of New York's finest cocktail bars.)

The Collins

Glass: A large long-drink (Collins) glass.

Ingredients:

2 shots of Bols Genever
1 shot of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 shot of rich sugar syrup (2 parts sugar: 1 part water)
soda water.

Technique: Shake the Bols Genever, lemon juice and sugar syrup with large, hard, cold ice cubes, double-strain into an ice-filled Collins glass and top with soda water.

Garnish: A lemon wedge, dropped in but not squeezed.

(The original Collins was made with genever, not gin; genever brings a pleasant depth and slight fruitiness to the Collins.)

www.bolsgenever.com