Irish G&T: Magically Delicious

Above: A sparkling summer drink from Ireland is our writer’s new “go-to,” and she’s working at not having to “go to” the Emerald Isle to get it.

By Wini Moranville

I just spent three weeks in Ireland—my third trip in four years (yes, Ireland is my new France). Every laudatory cliché you’ve ever heard about the Emerald Isle is true: The welcome is genuine, the landscape enchants and the Guinness tastes better there than anywhere else in the world.

What was more surprising (to me, anyway) is that Irish boutique gin is a thing. Once I tasted Dingle Gin served with Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, it became my go-to aperitif. Made in the west of Ireland, the gin brought more of what I love about the spirit: the botanicals, which in this case tasted not stronger, but wilder. The Elderflower tonic simply underscored that herbaceous-floral angle in a lightly sweet/lightly bitter way.

Dingle Gin is not yet available in Iowa, but I’ve rattled the cage of my friends at Ingersoll Wine and Spirits, who are now checking into bringing some our way. I have, however, located that fabulous Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic (which is crafted in Great Britain). I scored it at World Market, where a 16.9-ounce bottle costs $2.99. According to target.com, it is also available at the Urbandale and Mills Civic Parkway Target stores, where four packs of 6.8-ounce bottles cost $5.99.

I’ll let you know if and when Dingle Gin comes our way, but meanwhile, try the tonic with your favorite gin—Hendrick’s from Scotland currently does the trick for me—for an elevated take on your usual summer G&T.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.