Relatively new to LCBO shelves 3 Lakes Blood Orange Gin ($42.90) comes to us from Quebec. Readers will know my appreciation for Quebec-produced spirits. There's a level of invention and general excellence that’s hard to ignore.
When first nosing this gin, the word “pretty” came to mind. You do get both strong citrus notes, but also something floral. No surprise, as rose petals are evident in the recipe.
Drinking it straight, you’ll be aware that this will double as a sipping gin. At 41% alcohol, there’s a little more oiliness to the texture. You certainly feel and taste the citrus oils yet there’s no burn on the palate.
Gin has been on a victory lap for more than a decade. There’s something for every taste in the market. Some prefer more herbaceous gins, some prefer fruit and others like a straight down the middle classic London Dry gin.
I’ve had 3 Lakes neat as well as a gin & tonic and a Negroni. It’s easy enough to drink straight, but as a G&T it’s downright memorable. The sweet citrus oils make for a harmonious fusion with the bitterness of the tonic, and it’s a keeper for the summer.
It also makes a memorable Negroni with the blood orange naturally standing in for any orange bitters or orange slice garnish you might wish to add. I made mine with Cocchi Vermouth rather than the usual Martini & Rossi. It was the right choice as this Negroni, by accident, became one of the nicest I’ve had.
As a summer sipping alternative, you may also want to try the 3 Lakes Rosa cocktail.
