Gin is essential for a bar. “A bar without gin is like an Italian kitchen without pasta” is a saying that has been cited in print since at least 2002. It’s not known who authored the saying.
rootsweb—BELGIUM-ROOTS-L
From: “Ron Bradley”
Subject: Re: [BEL-R] Jenever
Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 15:49:03 -0500
References:
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Gin is an unaged liquor made by distilling grains such as barley, corn or rye. Its bouquet comes from juniper berries, coriander, herbs and spices, usually added to the grain mash during distillation. The gin is stored in glass, earthenware or stainless steel containers, but does not mature in these. The storage time serves only to harmonize the product.
Someone once said that “A bar without gin is like an Italian kitchen without pasta”. No other liquor provides for the creation of so many classic cocktails. Gin is in fact a liquor that is harmonious with almost anything.
Urban Dictionary
gin
Gin is an unaged liquor made by distilling grains such as barley, corn or rye. Its bouquet comes from juniper berries, coriander, herbs and spices, usually added to the grain mash during distillation. The gin is stored in glass, earthenware or stainless steel containers, but does not mature in these. The storage time serves only to harmonize the product.
Someone once said that “A bar without gin is like an Italian kitchen without pasta”. No other liquor provides for the creation of so many classic cocktails. Gin is in fact a liquor that is harmonious with almost anything.
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by KingTT June 21, 2003
Google Books
Beverage Media
Volume 81, Issues 5-6
2005
Pg. 38:
“Someone once said that ‘A bar without gin is like an Italian kitchen without pasta’.”
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“A bar without gin is like an Italian kitchen without pasta”
4:20 PM - 20 Feb 2013
Lincolnshire Echo (UK)
Lincoln hotelier’s drinks guide
By Lincolnshire Echo | Posted: December 25, 2014
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There is an old saying in the mixologist’s world that ‘a bar without gin is like an Italian kitchen without pasta’.