Another Barrier Has Fallen: Gin Kosher for Passover

Gin and Passover: No Longer Contradictory

Except for matzo, anything that’s made with grain is prohibited during Passover. That means the usual spirits distilled from rye, corn or wheat are off limits.  So Distillery No. 209 in San Francisco, the gin company owned by Leslie Rudd, who also owns Dean & DeLuca, is making a kosher gin with neutral spirits distilled from sugar cane (like rum).

Under the Orthodox Union’s supervision (a fancy version of their hechsher, or label, is on the bottle), Mr. Rudd’s distiller and a kosher winemaker have created a fragrant gin with a whisper of sweetness that’s very like the regular No. 209.   

Put it to use:

The Seder Sour
Created by Jordan Mackay

“In addition to being kosher for Passover, this cocktail incorporates several of the flavors and symbols of the seder meal.”

1½ oz. Distillery No. 209 kosher gin
½ oz. warmed honey
Dash of horseradish (many canned horseradishes contain cream and corn syrup, so make sure to get a kosher-for-Passover version, or simply buy a whole root and grate no more than 1/8 tsp.)
1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of kosher salt
Soda water
Parsley, for garnish

Combine the gin, honey, horseradish, lemon juice, and salt in a cocktail shaker. Either shake or stir the contents without ice to make sure the honey dissolves. Add crushed ice, then cover and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a glass, top with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of parsley.

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