Beverages from juniper berries have been produced in Germany since ancient times as remedies, medicines, and cures. Eventually they moved from medicinal products to commercial. In 1766, Hans Werner Schlichte found his distillery in Steinhagen making it Germany's oldest gin. This traditional type of gin is produced exclusively by Schlichte and one other distillery and called Steinhäger gins. This name is protected by EU law just like fine wines. Schlichte is distilled three times from a blend of grain, juniper berries, and grain alcohol. It is sold in earthenware crocks, just as it was hundreds of years ago. Traditionally, Schlichte gin was consumed neat or with beer. It serves as a digestif and of course it can be used in any cocktail calling for premium gin.
Pour 3 oz of cold Schlichte Gin in a martini glass and garnish with an olive. Glare at the bottle of vermouth if one is available.
GimletPour 2 oz Schlichte Gin and 1 oz of lime juice into a shaker and stir. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with lime.
Hans Collins2 oz Schlichte Gin 1 oz lemon juice 1 tsp sugar Combine ingredients and shake well. Strain over ice into a Collins glass. Fill with club soda and garnish with a flag.
Singapore Sling1 oz Schlichte Gin ½ oz Grenadine ½ oz Kammer Kirschwasser or Schladerer Edelkirsch Sour Mix Club Soda Pour grenadine into a Collins glass, fill with ice. Add gin, almost fill glass with equal parts club soda and sour mix. Top with Kirsch and serve.
