The Gimlet of the Galaxy
Contributed by on Sep 08, 2019
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The prominence of Maine's craft beer scene has emerged in the recent years. There are well over a hundred licensed breweries in the state producing some pretty fine ales. Hops can induce some amazing effects in beer. There are only four ingredients to beer: malted barley, yeast, water, and hops. Duration and temperature are in the control of the brewer to help guide the real magic of fermentation.
Hops are extremely bitter. To measure bitterness, IBUs (the International Bitterness Units) scale out at a score of 100. Finding an IPA with an IBU of 50, we know we can expect a pretty balanced brew.
The Gimlet of the Galaxy offers a beautiful representation in finding balance in hop flavor. The steppingstone for beer lovers, in a cocktail form.
Select the correct hops you'd like to showcase. Do a little research in what flavors you're looking for. We chose Galaxy hops; this is a good dual-purpose hop. Its high alpha acid makes it excellent for bittering additions, while high amounts of essential oil make flavor and aroma its true calling. Galaxy is often described as having a passion fruit character along with aromas and flavors of clean citrus and peach. It may also carry hints of pineapple and tropical fruit.
To preserve the striking flavor, take the hops in pelletized form and incorporate into a simple syrup.
Galaxy Hop Syrup
- 3g Galaxy hops
- 500g Granulated sugar
- 1L Distilled Water
Combine all ingredients into large saucepan. On medium-high heat stir until dissolved. Once dissolved, it is important to strain the concoction through a fine mesh strainer immediately. The longer the hops sit, the more bitter the syrup will become.
Gin provides a great foundation to build this fantastic cocktail. It really is subjective to the taster to create some fun flavors. For this gimlet we went with a subtle London Dry. Fresh lime juice is then added to provide our acid counterpart. Served up, and garnished with some locally sourced hop petals, and you truly have created a gimlet that is out of this world.
The Gimlet of the Galaxy
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 oz Galaxy Hop Syrup
- 1 oz Lime Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker, fill with ice, and shake vigorously. Double strain into chilled martini glass and gently float dried hops on top.
The Gimlet of the Galaxy
created by @erikpederhamilton
at the Press Hotel in Portland, ME
