Gin is a spirit that is often served chilled or with ice, leading many to believe it should only be drunk cold. However, some gin drinkers prefer their gin at room temperature or even warmed. So can gin be drunk warm?
The short answer is yes, gin can be drunk warm. While chilled gin is common, there are no rules saying gin must be served cold. The choice comes down to personal taste and gin styles. Below we’ll explore the reasons someone may choose to drink warm gin, ideal gins for warm drinking, how to warm gin correctly, and potential concerns about warm gin.
Why Drink Gin Warm?
There are a few key reasons why someone may enjoy gin warm:
Accentuate Flavors
Just as warming brandy is said to unlock flavor notes, warming gin may allow more botanical nuances to come through. The logic is that cooling mutes some aromas and flavors, while gentle warming releases them. For gin high in aromatic botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, warming may accentuate those flavors.
Smoothness
Some argue warming gin creates a smoother, more velvety texture on the palate. The spirit becomes less sharp so it glides over the tongue more easily. This smoothness enhances overall drinkability.
Comfort
A splash of room temperature or warmed gin may simply feel more comforting on a chilly day or night. The gin creates a warming effect rather than a chilling one. Some compare it to the appeal of warmed sake.
Cocktail Building
Warming gin opens up cocktail possibilities, like using it in heated punches and toddies. A bartender may warm gin to better blend with other heated ingredients.
Apéritif
In Europe, gin is traditionally enjoyed as an apéritif before dinner. Serving gin at room temperature or gently warmed can make it more appetizing right before a meal.
Digestif
Just as warming gin can stimulate the appetite, it may also aid digestion after a heavy meal when served as a digestif. The warmth may relax the stomach.
Ideal Gins for Warming
While any gin can be served warm, some styles especially shine:
Juniper-Forward Gin
As mentioned earlier, for gin lovers who savor the piney bite of juniper, warming may boost those flavors. London Dry and other traditional juniper-driven gins are great choices.
Navy Strength Gin
Navy strength gins around 57% ABV were created to withstand ship travel without gunpowder dilution. That high proof makes them ideal for warming without losing impact.
Aged Gin
Aged gins, especially those rested in barrels, develop flavors reminiscent of whiskey or cognac that come through more when warmed.
Spiced Gin
Gins infused with baking spices already have a warming effect. Gently heating them fully blooms the cinnamon, nutmeg, clove flavors.
Bottled Cocktails
Pre-mixed gin cocktails intended for sipping like gin and tonics or Negronis bring out new depths warmed.
How to Warm Gin
If you want to enjoy gin warm at home, here are a few suggested methods:
Room Temperature
The easiest approach is to simply pour a gin at room temperature, around 68-72°F / 20-22°C. This brings out gentle nuances without aggressive heating. Letting a chilled gin come to room temp before drinking achieves the same effect.
Heated Glass
For a quick warm up, rinse a glass with hot water until heated through, then build the gin drink in the warmed glass. The heated vessel gently brings the gin up to temp.
Hot Water Bath
Place the sealed gin bottle in a bath of hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. This gradually warms the gin to a comfortable sipping temperature.
On the Rocks
Adding room temperature polished ice cubes instead of chilled cubes avoids aggressive chilling while still diluting and cooling slightly.
Cocktail Building
When making cocktails, use heated simple syrups, juices, or other mixed ingredients to gently warm the gin through blending.
Slow Warming
For true sipping, slowly warm a gin snifter by cupping it in your hands. This brings up the temperature incrementally without risk of overheating.
Oven/Crockpot
For batched cocktails, gently warm sealed bottles of gin and other ingredients in a low oven or crockpot. Monitor temperature closely and don’t exceed 140°F / 60°C.
Potential Concerns
Is there any downside to enjoying gin warm? A few potential considerations:
Dilution
Unlike whiskey, gin does not benefit from added water. Warming may thin out the spirit in an unappealing way. Mixing with other heated ingredients helps avoid this.
Botanical Cook-Off
Excessive heating runs the risk of the volatile botanical flavors boiling off. Warm moderately and gently.
Loss of Chill Factor
For gin drinkers who enjoy the crisp bite of chilled gin, warming eliminates that desired icy effect.
Masking of Flaws
Warming may smooth out undesirable flavors in a lower quality gin. This can be seen as masking flaws rather than accentuating nuance.
The Verdict
While most drink gin chilled, there are good reasons to enjoy it warm as well. Gently warming a flavorful, aromatic gin like a London Dry can accentuate botanicals. Navy strength and aged gins also shine when heated. For the best results, slowly raise a gin to room temperature or employ other gradual warming methods. This avoids excessive heat that may negatively impact the gin. Caution should be used with lower quality gins where warmth may hide flaws. With the right gin and method, warmth can be revelatory. So don’t be afraid to explore pouring a gin warm sometime soon.
| Gin Style | Flavor Benefits Warm |
|---|---|
| London Dry | Enhanced juniper, citrus |
| Navy Strength | Bolder, maintains punch |
| Aged | Oaky, vanilla notes emerge |
| Spiced | Bloomed baking spices |
| Warming Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Gentle nuance |
| Heated glass | Gradual warming |
| Hot water bath | Moderate warming |
| Oven/Crockpot | Slow, even warming |
Conclusion
In closing, warming gin is an intriguing option for gin lovers. When done carefully with an aromatic, flavorful gin, it can unlock new depth and smoother texture. Just take care not to overheat lower quality gins. Approach warming as an experiment, and try gins at various temperatures to find your personal sweet spot. With an open mind, you may discover a new way to savor your favorite Crisp, dry spirit.