Community Corner

Gin, June and History

On Friday, an event at the Old Stone House takes a historic look at the libation.

At the , cocktails get served up with a side of history.

On Friday, the historic locale hosts “Gin in June,” a fun fundraiser where fans of the juniper-based beverage can sip on historically inspired, gin-based cocktails.

“We’ve found that one of the great ways of bringing in a diverse audience here at the house is through social history,” said Kim Maier, Director of the Old Stone House. “How people lived and ate and drank is always really interesting to people.”

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Gin, of course, was a favorite libation of Brooklyn’s early Dutch settlers – the name “gin” is derived from either the French genièvre or the Dutch jenever which both mean "juniper." The Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius is actually credited with the invention of the stuff.

The concoctions will be crafted by Sarah Lohman, a food historian who runs the historic gastronomy site Four Pounds Flour. Lohman uses sources like old recipe books to reinterpret historical cookery and libations, specializing in 18th and 19th century American cuisine.

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For Friday’s event, she’ll recreate a classic Gin Sling (made with gin, lemons, powdered sugar, water and orange) and the Martinez cocktail (which led to the creation of the martini) among others. Gin will be from Breuckelen Distilling Company in Sunset Park and Haus Alpenz (who will craft a plum gin with Damson plums from Red Jacket Orchards).

The cocktails will be served up, says Maier, with “classic 1880s bar food,” such as pickled pigs feet and mushroom ketchup. Tickets are $45 and going fast.

“It’s all kinds of local and great,” said Maier.

To purchase tickets to Gin in June, visit Brown Paper Tickets.


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