Four Local Gin-Based Cocktails

Gin is one of those spirits people either love or hate. Made from berry-like botanical juniper, gin has a very distinct flavor and aroma and can be slightly intimidating for people unfamiliar with its many delicious pairings. Lucky for me, I thoroughly enjoy drinks mixed with this liquor and have noticed a growing presence of it on local cocktail menus.

Gin, which has been around for centuries and boomed in America during Prohibition, has experienced what many are calling a “gin renaissance” in recent years, with the growth of craft distillation. I personally fell in love with gin when I first tried a London Mule, a gin-based take on the classic Moscow Mule made with lime and ginger beer and vodka. With its floral flavors, gin can go well with a number of flavor combinations. By no means am I an expert, but here are four local drinks that I think are worth a try.


High Desert Revival at Velvet
Simple, yet effective, the $12 High Desert Revival from downtown Bend’s Velvet caught my attention as I quickly eyed the cocktail menu at the crowded bar. It was a Friday night, and while I normally wouldn’t order a complex cocktail with a line of other thirsty patrons behind me, I really enjoyed this drink. The drink mixed muddled cucumber and mint with fresh squeezed grapefruit with Portland-based Aria Gin – a dry gin with hints of citrus and spices. The easygoing drink was flavorful with just a hint of sweetness, served in a highball glass with ice and mint leaves.





A History of Violets at The Flamingo Room
I decided to wander into the Flamingo Room on a snowy afternoon and had the whole bar to myself. They had just opened. I sat down and ordered A History of Violets, a $13 cocktail with Seville Orange Gin, Lillet, Crème de Violette and fresh lemon juice. While I didn’t know what most of the drink ingredients were, I will confess that this was one of the best drinks I have ever had. I had to give my thanks to the bartender who crafted this, who validated my choice by informing me it was one of his favorites, too. I will definitely be back in soon to order another.






Autumn Apple at McMenamins
I strolled into McMenamins for a quick lunch and was greeted by a cozy and flavorful choice, the Autumn Apple. Who doesn’t love a seasonal drink? With Gables Gin, apple cider, cinnamon, Angostura aromatic bitters, honey and fresh squeezed lemon, this $12 drink had a lot of ingredients that surprisingly meshed well together. A drink called Autumn Apple may sound like heavy dessert-like beverage, but it was actually very subtle, which I liked. The drink came in a martini glass with a lightly sugared rim, a welcoming surprise. This wintery drink paired well with my Reuben sandwich on a cold day.





Supa Chus at Rancher Butcher Chef
While I wouldn’t initially think of Rancher Butcher Chef for its cocktails, I was wrong to assume. My parents were in town, so I took them here for dinner and enjoyed a drink or two. I ordered the Supa Chus, pronounced, “super juice.” The boozy pink drink was sweet, tart and refreshing. A more complex version of an Aperol Spritz, the drink consisted of Tanqueray gin, Aperol, grapefruit and honey. I was happy with my choice as the drink went down easy and balanced out the heavy, large steak I ordered. It didn’t hurt that it was pretty, too.