Incredibly refreshing on a hot summer's day. First time I used old soda water and it was like drinking a polo mint. Not bad, but when I made a second one with freshly opened bottle of soda water it was completely transformed. You mouth actually feels chilled before you can taste anything and I don't mean from the coldness of the ice. The bubbles from the soda seem to leach warmth from the mouth and dull any taste sensations. Then the mint comes through - actually after a few sips you notice that it is there at the beginning, but hidden in the freeze. Then it grows, starting at the tip of the tongue, then moving backwards.
To be honest, I am not sure I can taste the gin, but you would certainly miss it if it wasn't there. The sweetness of the crême de menthe completely disappears, partly dilution by the soda, but more by blending with the gin I suspect.
And the colour is to die for - pure emerald green
This is definitely one to try in the summer.
Recipe
2-3 ice cubes
1 measure Birkdale Gin
1 measure Green Crême de Menthe
Soda Water
Put ice in large goblet or tumbler with Birkdale Gin and crême de menthe. Stir and top up with soda water. Serve with a straw.
