Every Gin lover will love the Gibson cocktail and its simple twist on the classic Gin Martini. This unique twist has been around for over a century and is incredibly easy to make. Even if you already know that, it will not surprise you. There is a difference in the garnish between a Gibson cocktail and a gin martini. Each cocktail is made with gin and dry vermouth, but it is garnished differently. The martini is topped with an olive or lemon twist; the Gibson is topped with a cocktail onion. Simply changing the flavor of the drink lends it a new undertone, making it taste less olivey and more earthy with onion notes. Adapted from an old recipe, this recipe is fascinating.
Recipe Variations
If you prefer, you can switch from gin to vodka. In a similar manner to the dirty martini, a small amount of onion brine makes a dirty Gibson. The brine from the cocktail onion can be used to flavor the food (more or less to taste).
Tips
Similar to the classic gin martini, consider using a premium gin and vermouth and fitting the proportions to your own taste. The traditional garnish is either one or three cocktail onions. In bars, there is an old superstition that an even number of onions or olives will bring bad luck. Onions in a cocktail sauce usually appear in jars at local grocers, typically next to the olives. Create a Gibson garnish, and pickled onions to go with it. It is best to pick small onions that are no more than 1 inch in diameter.
