Plain Sailing Cocktail recipe
Rating
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Plain Sailing is a bright, modern gin highball that keeps things deliberately simple: a clean base spirit, a single bold mixer, and a tiny seasoning touch. You won’t find a long, well-documented backstory here; instead it sits firmly in the contemporary “built long drink” tradition, where quality gin and premium soda do the heavy lifting. The result feels crisp and unfussy, designed for easy sipping without sacrificing character.
On the palate, dry gin brings juniper-led structure and a firm, aromatic backbone, while Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda adds lively citrus lift and a gently sweet, sparkling bite. The grapefruit’s tang plays against the gin’s botanicals, keeping the drink refreshing rather than sugary. A couple of drops of saline solution subtly rounds the edges, making the citrus pop and the gin taste a touch more defined and “together.”
You’ll reach for this when you want something tall, cooling, and low-fuss—ideal for warm afternoons, aperitif moments, or a casual catch-up where you still want a proper drink. It suits gin lovers who enjoy citrus-forward profiles, and it’s a smart pick when you want a highball that feels polished without being complicated.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dry gin leads with crisp botanicals, lifted by the tart, slightly bitter snap of Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda, while two drops of saline solution sharpen the citrus and make the bubbles feel brighter and drier. It works because the saline reins in any grapefruit sweetness and pulls the gin’s edges into focus; ideal for highball fans who like clean, bracing refreshment.
Method
How to make a Plain Sailing
- Dry gin 50ml, Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda 150ml, Saline solution 2 drops
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- Add ice to a highball glass
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- Add the gin and the saline solution
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- Top up with the Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda
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- Stir gently, garnish and serve
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Find out more- Use a London dry gin for a more balanced flavor profile that complements the grapefruit notes.
- Prepare the saline solution using sea salt for a more complex mineral taste.
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FAQ's
Can I use a different type of gin for the Plain Sailing cocktail?
Yes, while the recipe specifies dry gin, you can experiment with other types of gin like a botanical or citrus-forward gin to slightly alter the flavor profile. However, dry gin is ideal for maintaining the intended balance of flavors.
What garnish would complement the Plain Sailing cocktail?
A perfect garnish for the Plain Sailing cocktail would be a slice of pink grapefruit or a twist of grapefruit peel, enhancing the citrus notes from the Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda.
What is the best way to prepare and serve the Plain Sailing cocktail?
The Plain Sailing cocktail is best served cold. Fill a highball glass with ice, add the dry gin, saline solution, and top with Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation from the soda.
Is the Plain Sailing cocktail gluten-free?
Yes, the Plain Sailing cocktail can be considered gluten-free as gin and the Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda are typically made without gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the labels of the products you use to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
What food would pair well with the Plain Sailing cocktail?
The Plain Sailing cocktail, with its citrusy and refreshing profile, pairs well with seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, ceviche, or oysters. It also complements light appetizers like goat cheese crostinis or a fresh salad.
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