A Night in with Kin
There’s a lot of buzz (pun intended) about this alt-cocktail company, so I decided to take a break from my usual boozy Saturday to give it a try.
Kin High Rhode - Photo Credit: Viola Chip
Kin & Tonic - Photo Credit: Viola Chip
I first came across Kin Euphorics on Instagram (@kineuphorics). I’m a sucker for good package and product design and they pretty much killed it - they could’ve sold cat litter and I would’ve bought it (and I don’t even have a cat).
As I read about their proprietary blend of “balancing adaptogens, replenishing nootropics, and nourishing botanics” and talks about “rising in the night” and “decreased stress,” I found my finger straying toward the ‘add to cart’ button. The convenience of their Kin Spritz was appealing, but I chose their High Rhode product so I can craft a mocktail to my liking.
Saturday finally came and I felt like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. Not because I was like a kid at Christmas, but mostly because I felt like all week I had devised this intricate plan of how I would enjoy my first Kin experience and thwart off any potential day-after headache.
I’m normally a gin & tonic guy, so I gravitated toward the Kin & Tonic recipe, naturally. After dinner, I prepped my bar space and got to work.
Kin & Tonic
Pack a glass with ice.
Combine 1/2oz. of fresh lime juice and 2oz. of Kin High Rhode.
Add 1/2oz. of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Classic Tonic Syrup (not a part of Kin’s recipe, but I highly recommend it).
Top with Q Tonic Water.
Garnish with fresh lemon and lime slices.
Set the Mood:
It was a cool summer night, perfect for a bonfire. I took our Kin & Tonics to the fire where the night would ensue. At this point, my curiosity has piqued. I sat down, feet flat on the floor, deep breath, and indulged.
First sip:
-Clean
-Refreshing
Second (and third and fourth) sip:
-Hints of turmeric and grapefruit
-Coats the palette well
-Very hard to put down
At this point I’m not noticing a significant difference. I recalled that a second serving may be in order - back to the bar I go.
Kin & Tonic - Photo Credit: Viola Chip
Second drink in hand. A calming effect is taking place. There’s something about it that takes the edge off.
You can forget about liquid courage with Kin - you may not muster the strength to approach your crush, but you’ll definitely be as cool as a cucumber if they approach you. (Does anyone use that phrase anymore? -Who cares, this is my review.)
The effects start to occur, slowly, which admittedly is strikingly pleasant. There’s a sense of warmth and comfortability that comes over you. Not sure if it was the combination of my terry sweater and the bonfire, but I’m willing to disregard that and give Kin the credit. Again, this sensation doesn’t come by surprise, but if you pay attention, you’ll find yourself there, kind of like when you’re in that final position (I’m a figure four-on-my-stomach kind of guy) before you drift off into REM abyss.
The soundtrack of crackling fire and tree frogs was more than sufficient for a tranquil environment, but if you’re like me and you need music to really transcend you, here’s close to an hour and a half of heat that pairs well:
SwuM