World Gin Day interview with Emma Stokes @ginmonkey

With World Gin Day this coming Saturday 14th June, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to catch up with our friend and gin guru Emma Stokes (aka @GinMonkey) to ask her a few questions about the global celebration of all things GIN!

What does World Gin Day and the world of gin mean to you, personally?

World Gin Day is my opportunity to give a little back to the community that has given me so much over the years. There are no barriers for brands or bars to get involved, simply put on events, promotions or special cocktails that celebrate everyone’s favourite spirit. And in terms of the great gin-drinking public, grab your favourite gin, a glass and some ice and tonic and you’re doing it right. Even better if you head to your favourite bar or local distillery for a cocktail.

What brought you in the world of gin?

When I was working in cocktail bars back in the late 2000s most of the bartenders I was working with were interested in aged spirits and dark, stirred down drinks. When it came to creating a balanced menu for customers there were always gaps to fill for lighter cocktails, or for those containing white spirits like vodka and gin. I guess the science side of my brain was more drawn to gin and the endless botanical options open to producers, so I leaned more towards gin of the two!

Favourite gin cocktail?

Gin martini, dry with a twist (discard the twist after expressing the oils over the surface of the cocktail). Has to be ice cold. Also partial to a Gibson, so definitely in the Martini camp!

How would you describe a Hayman’s London Light?

I love Hayman’s London Light – it gives you an almost indistinguishable G&T from one made with the classic Hayman’s London Dry Gin which makes it super accessible whether you’re pouring a double or wanting to reduce your units but still enjoy a fantastic G&T.

Describe your ideal place to have a gin cocktail.

By the side of a pool or on a beach. Anywhere near a body of water really! After a cooling swim while watching the sun set somewhere lovely and warm sounds pretty perfect.

Did you ever imagine World Gin Day would grow into such a global celebration?

It always amazes me how far the day has travelled, it really is a global celebration. I guess with it just being me behind the day, rather than a company or larger organisation as many of the other global days are, it is incredible to see things happening all over the world every year. The world loves gin, that’s for sure!

Classic gin cocktails are back.  Why do you think this is the case?

Classics are back across the board, but what’s brilliant is that there are so many gin classics to pull from. If you look at iconic cocktail books like the Savoy Cocktail Book where over 50% of the recipes contain gin, there’s such history associated with the spirit. With classics, people can have the confidence that they will like what they order and know it’s basic DNA, as opposed to bar’s house creations which can be a little more tricky to work out. What I love is that through ordering a classic to start with, it can help bartenders work out your tastes a little better, so they can recommend one of their house creations for your next round.

What’s next for World Gin Day?

More of the same, to be honest. Although it just happens to be my 40th birthday next year, so you might find me exploring some gin distilleries around the world on the countdown to next year’s celebrations. Wouldn’t that be something? Truly celebrating the world on World Gin Day with a Martini or two along the way…