How to Drink Bombay Sapphire

Reviewed by Sander Raav

Last Updated: April 2, 2024 References

Bombay Sapphire is enjoyed by folks who appreciate top-shelf gin. Made from a recipe that dates to 1760, it mixes well in cocktails, lends itself to making pitchers of mixed drinks, and even goes down neat (without mixers or ice) or on the rocks (iced, without mixers).^{[1]
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Research source} Part of its bracing appeal lies in the subtle layering of botanical flavorings, including juniper berries, liquorice, Moroccan cubeb berries and West African grains of paradise, among others. Regardless whether you want to make cocktails for two or pitchers for four, Bombay Sapphire is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Gin and Tonic^{[2]
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1 shot Bombay Sapphire
Tonic
1 lime, cut into wedges
Shot glass
Serving glass, 3/4 filled with ice
Stirring rod (optional) or spoon

Moscow Mule

1 shot Bombay Sapphire
6 ounces ginger beer
3/8 ounce lime juice
1 lime, cut into wedges
Serving glass filled with ice
Shot glass

Laverstoke Sharing Cocktail

12 ounces Bombay Sapphire
1 1/5 ounces vermouth
1 3/4 ounces elderflower liqueur
1 lime, cut into wedges
18 ounces ginger ale
Small piece of fresh ginger, cut into thin slices for garnish
4-5 springs of mint
Four serving glasses
Glass pitcher

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Gin and Tonic

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Adding lime now ensures that it will be well incorporated into the cocktail. If you don't have a lime, lemon provides that citrus tang just as well, and is often used interchangeably.

Tip: If shooting for an elegant touch, try serving your creation in a wine glass, such as one used for burgundy. Don't worry if you don't have "correct" glasses. Medium-sized ice tea glasses work just fine.
If you don't have a good stirring rod and are looking to buy basic accessories for your home bar, consider making it one of your first purchases. If you don't yet have one, not to worry, as even a kitchen spoon can do the job.

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If you know how, pouring the tonic down the stirring rod is an excellent technique to retain the bubbly effervescence of the tonic. If you don't have this technique under your felt, tipping the glass so that you pour tonic down the inner surface of the glass has the same effect. Garnish with a lime slice.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Moscow Mule

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Gin is best icy cold, unlike liquors such as scotch, which are often served at room temperature.

Tip: Rocks glasses are a great choice here. They are short, wide, and have a heavy bottom.
Stir until well mixed. In a pinch, you can substitute lemon juice for the lime juice. Spicier than mere ginger ale, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage found among speciality sodas in upscale grocery stores.^{[4]
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While lime wedges are good because they're so squeezable, you can play with other garnish shapes such as half slices or wheels, or whatever suits your fancy.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Make a Laverstoke sharing cocktail

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Adding ingredients in the right order can be important when making mixed drinks. Add these first to prevent the alcohol from remaining on the top of your drink.
Squeeze 4 lime wedges over the ice. After squeezing, drop the slices onto the ice. Citrus fruit and Bombay Sapphire go perfectly together in this and other drinks, as the sharp citrus taste complements the astringency of the gin.
Stir just enough to combine the ingredients without sacrificing the effervescence of the ginger ale.
Garnish each glass with sliced ginger and a mint spring. The Laverstoke sharing cocktail is perfect to celebrate a promotion, engagement, or any occasion in which dear friends come together to recognize something special.

Common Questions: The Best Ways to Drink Bombay Sapphire Gin

Can you drink Bombay Sapphire straight?

Yes, Bombay Sapphire gin is great to drink straight. Simply sip the gin at room temperature or chill the bottle before you pour the gin into your glass. Or, enjoy it on the rocks with a few ice cubes.^{[6]
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What is the best way to drink gin?

The best way to drink gin and taste all of its complex flavors is to enjoy it neat. This means pouring the gin into your glass without chilling it, adding ice, or combining it with mixers. Just take small sips as you drink.^{[7]
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What do you mix Bombay Sapphire gin with?

Mix Bombay Sapphire gin with all sorts of mixers to create your favorite gin cocktail. For instance, mix it with tonic water and lime juice for a classic gin and tonic. Or, combine it with zesty mixers like lemon, grapefruit, or cucumber for a refreshing cocktail.^{[8]
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Warnings

Bombay Sapphire is for special occasions among friends. However, it is a hard liquor – and there is nothing timid about the mixed drinks presented here. Don't turn your celebration into tragedy by overdoing, driving drunk, or letting friends drive drunk.

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Know how you are getting home and have a backup plan. If out with friends, consider agreeing beforehand on a designated driver. If ridesharing services are available in your area, make sure you have the cash ahead of time. In some areas, mass transit lets drunk passengers ride for free on occasions such as New Year's and the Fourth of July. Always have a plan to get home safely.

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Know your limits. If you don't have much experience drinking, you may be surprised how easily these drinks go down if you're not watching out. Always keep track of how much you've drunk – and take steps to slow down the absorption of alcohol in your system by eating first.

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