Gin Mare organized The World’s Best Aperitivo you can still learn from at home

While all of Madrid was turned upside down for the presentation of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Gin Mare put the finest aspects of Mediterranean culture in the spotlight: aperitivo. Especially for this event, Gin Mare brought together a three-star chef and one of the world’s best cocktail bars at Villa Mare, where, glass raised, I experienced for myself just how versatile a premium G&T can be. I say: read on and start stocking up, because at your next dinner party I’d invite Gin Mare as the guest of honor.

Villa Mare Madrid

Look, I can’t offer you Madrid’s sunny autumn weather, but I can offer inspiration. Gin Mare transformed an incredible villa in the city into Villa Mare, where chef Quique Dacosta (14th in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants) and the bartenders from Line Bar Athens (6th in The World’s 50 Best Bars) showed in the fairytale garden how well Gin Mare pairs with food. The gin brand sponsors The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Art of Hospitality award and is therefore just one phone call away from the best bars and restaurants in the world.

A gin to pair with food

After an almost excessive amount of gin in all shapes and sizes, many bartenders are returning to a good foundation these days, with no more than three top choices behind the bar. Gin Mare is one of them, with fine Mediterranean botanicals such as rosemary, basil, thyme, and arbequina olives. These herbs give the gin a savory, refined flavor that is not only delicious to drink neat, but also pairs surprisingly well with food.

Aperitivo by Quique Dacosta

During Villa Mare, three-star chef Dacosta served six aperitivo courses inspired by these botanicals. Think exclusive red Denia prawns cooked in seawater with gin, a stunning rose made in a thousand steps that paired perfectly with the Highball featuring burnt honey and pear and apple vinegar from cocktail bar Line, and ‘stones’ made from Parmesan cheese and cocoa butter, which had been placed so close to truffle during production that no truffle was actually used, yet they had its flavor – a flavor further elevated by Line’s Gimlet with blue cheese, pear, and chamomile.

Gin cocktails from Line Athens

All cocktails with Gin Mare; Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis from Line created a menu of four drinks with the premium gin, which featured a Negroni alongside the Highball and Gimlet, as well as a fortified Apple Why-in with ginger and caramel. The classic Mare Tonic was naturally also present as a warming welcome drink, with a sprig of rosemary. Easier to recreate at home, and just as delicious with a simple plate of olives and charcuterie, light ceviche, or a fresh salad with citrus and herbs as it is with six courses from a top chef.

Mare Tonic at home

Good idea! Here’s what you need for a Mediterranean Gin & Tonic:

• 50 ml Gin Mare Mediterranean
• 150 ml Premium Mediterranean Tonic
• A sprig of rosemary
• A slice of orange

1. Pour the Gin Mare into a large wine or Copa glass
2. Fill the glass with ice and top it up with the tonic
3. Garnish the Gin & Tonic with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of orange, and stir gently.

Read also:

• Recipe: Gin-Tonic cake
• Perfect for the drinks board: this mini cheese fondue is ready in no time
• It’s proven: Gin-Tonic hardly gives you a hangover