Cocktail Hour with Hardshore Original Gin

Hardshore Distilling Co. is a small-batch gin distiller based in Portland, Maine, and draws its name from the rocky coastline of Casco Bay. Located in the East End neighborhood on the Machigonne peninsula, the distillery has earned a reputation for its ultra-pure small-batch gin. Using 100% natural ingredients without additives or concentrates, the grain is even grown inhouse on the founder’s family farm. The focus on quality means that Hardshore isn’t relegated to just being mixed into cocktails, this gin can be poured over a few ice cubes with a wedge of lime and enjoyed.

But it is summertime and that means cocktails and sitting on the porch watching the sunset, so here are a few quick and simple cocktails we have been enjoying on the back patio.

Hardshore Negroni

Glass: Rocks

1 1/2 oz. Hardshore Original Gin

1 oz. Campari

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

Garnish with Grapefruit Peel

Classic Gin & Tonic

Glass: Rocks

2 oz. Hardshore Original Gin

Tonic Water

Garnish with lemon wheel, lime wedge, grapefruit peel, orange slices, rosemary sprig and/or mintCurrently, Hardshore is only offered in-store at retailers in the North East and a few cities in Florida, however, you can order online with shipping to most states, including here in Texas. You can order online at Caskers.com or you can check to see if there is a retailer near you at HardshoreDistillings.com.

At $36.99 for 750ml, it is a good value for the quality, but it isn’t an inexpensive gin so it’s best reserved for drinks that will let the gin shine through.