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Gibson
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.27 / 5
The Gibson is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century and is known for its simple yet sophisticated taste. This drink originated in the early 20th century as a variation of the traditional Martini, with the added touch of a pickled onion as a garnish. Made with gin and a small amount of white vermouth, the Gibson has a clean and crisp flavor profile with hints of dryness and a subtle sweetness. The choice of garnish, a tangy pickled onion, adds a unique and savory element to the cocktail. Often served in a stemmed glass, the Gibson exudes an air of elegance and refinement, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or a nightcap, the Gibson is a classic cocktail that continues to delight taste buds and stand the test of time.
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Invented
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1908
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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150 calories
Garnish
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Pickled onion
Alcohol content
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36.57% | 2.56 units *
Details
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Classic
Stirred

Tags

Gin ingredient icon
Gin cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Gibson cocktail
Gin
White vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the Gibson cocktail
White vermouth
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Gibson stands as a testament to the elegance of simplicity, marrying a robust 60ml of gin with a delicate 10ml of white vermouth to achieve a crisp and refined flavor that captivates the palate. The pickled onion garnish introduces a surprising twist of savory zest, perfectly balancing the dryness of the drink and enhancing its sophisticated profile, making it a perennial favorite for those who appreciate a classic with a distinct edge.

Method
How to make a Gibson

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Start by chilling a cocktail glass so its nice and cold when served
Then add the gin and vermouth together with 5-6 ice cubes to a mixing glass and stir well
Strain into the chilled glass
Garnish with a pickled onion and serve

Power tips
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Use a quality craft gin with a defined botanical profile for a more nuanced and sophisticated flavor.
Dry stir (stir without ice) the vermouth and gin first, then add ice for a smoother and more viscous texture.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

Ollie Hintz avatar
Ollie Hintz

Just tried this recipe and it's not bad. Easy to make. I stirred it for a bit longer to get it colder. The pickled onion is a nice twist. Definitely strong, so sip slowly. Cheers!

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Gibson cocktail?

The Gibson cocktail's origins are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have been created in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. One popular story credits it to a San Francisco businessman named Walter D. K. Gibson, who believed that eating onions improved his health, leading to the unique garnish choice.

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What makes the Gibson cocktail unique compared to a classic Martini?

The Gibson distinguishes itself from a classic Martini mainly through its garnish. While a Martini is typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, the Gibson is garnished with a pickled onion. This small but significant difference gives it a unique flavor profile and visual identity.

Faq icon

Can I use any type of vermouth for a Gibson?

While the classic Gibson recipe calls for white vermouth, the choice between dry and sweet white vermouth can alter the drink's flavor profile. Dry vermouth is traditionally used for a more crisp and less sweet taste, aligning with the classic Gibson profile.

Faq icon

Is there a specific type of gin recommended for a Gibson?

The Gibson is versatile when it comes to gin selection, but a high-quality London Dry Gin is often recommended for its clean, crisp botanicals that pair well with the dry vermouth and the sharpness of the pickled onion garnish, creating a balanced and refined cocktail.

Garnishing tips icon

How do I properly garnish a Gibson cocktail?

To garnish a Gibson cocktail correctly, you should skewer one or two cocktail onions on a cocktail pick. After stirring the gin and vermouth and straining it into your cocktail glass, simply place the skewered onion in the drink. The garnish is not only decorative but also adds a slight savory flavor to the cocktail.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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