Don't Drink That Last Bit Of Gin — Add It To Your Baked Goods Instead
When you see those last few drops of gin at the bottom of the bottle after making a traditional gimlet, gin and tonic, or salty dog, don't simply down it or pitch it if you don't have enough to make another drink. Instead, save it for that next batch of cookies, cake, or cobbler. Gin's floral notes make it a lovely ingredient addition to baked goods, and it doesn't take much for your taste buds to experience all that this alcohol can add to food.
If you need some inspiration, gin pairs perfectly with citrusy flavors, and would be delicious when added to zingy lemon buttermilk pound cake. Add a few shots to the lemony syrup that soaks into the sponge, or incorporate the gin directly into the batter before you bake it. To really amp up the juniper flavor this alcohol will add to your cake, dizzle a tablespoon or two into the icing. You will need to adjust the amount of the other liquid you are adding with a 1:1 ratio.
Gin and lime are best friends, which makes it the perfect addition to a boozy key lime pie. Simply add anywhere from a quarter of a cup to a half cup of gin to the ingredients for the filling. Because this pie is technically not baked, you should consider this an adults-only dessert. That said, the flavor addition will be a game-changer, and separate your key lime pie from all the others.
Just a little gin is all you need to elevate baked goods
You really want to be mindful of how much you use, because alcohol doesn't completely evaporate during the baking process — if you are heavy-handed, your favorite gin could overwhelm the overall taste. However, when added judiciously, it will leave all the piney, botanical, and citrus notes that gin has to offer in your baked good.
You also want to be mindful of your batter's consistency. Add too much gin, and you might end up with a much thinner final product; but, with as little as two tablespoons added to cookie batter, or as much as a half a cup if you are making a jelly-topped raspberry cheesecake, your desserts will be transformed.
Like the idea of adding gin to your baked goods, but want to provide guests with the option of a gin or gin-free dessert? Make a fruit crumble topping or a Southern blackberry cobbler, along with a gin-infused syrup. Those who like the flavor of gin can then drizzle it over their servings.