Bathtub Gin: A Hidden Gin Gem
I’ve always been fascinated with the Prohibition era, 1920s and 30s. I felt that was when cocktails really came to life.
Standing outside where I was told Bathtub Gin, a gin speakeasy in Chelsea, was located, I was truly stumped. All I saw was an apartment building and a coffee shop. Feeling like a lost soul searching for a good cocktail, I asked the guy behind the counter in the coffee shop where I could find this alleged bar. Before he could say anything, a secret wall opened up, and from inside I could hear the 1920s style music, and ice being shaken vigorously in metal mixing glasses. It felt like finding buried treasure.
Bathtub Gin is a classic New York City speakeasy. Hidden inside another establishment, it exudes secrecy while also being inviting to those who are in need of a satisfying libation, as the crowd definitely seemed to be in need of on this night. But what really puts Bathtub Gin in a different playing field altogether is its emphasis on gin over all other spirits. Dave Oz, owner of Bathtub Gin, found inspiration from the Prohibition-era, specifically the production of gin in people’s bathtubs, hence the name.
“I’ve always been fascinated with the Prohibition era, 1920s and 30s. I felt that was when cocktails really came to life. I really wanted to have that feeling here and really focus on the cocktails. There are speakeasy style bars in other places, mostly on the East Side, but not many in this neighborhood. I really wanted to bring something like this to the West Side.”
The cocktail menu at Bathtub Gin is ideal for the gin lover, not just because of the innovative execution of the drinks themselves, but also because of the extensive selection of gin available. A selection of over 30 bottles sits behind the bar currently, and soon enough they will have over 50 gins, which will give them the largest gin collection in quite possibly the world.
For Oz, it is the Sloe Gin Ginger Sling that is the most representative of the quality of cocktails that are served here. Made with Beefeater Gin, Plymouth Sloe Gin, Cherry Heering, Orchard Apricot liqueur, fresh lime juice, ginger extract, cane syrup, and chilled Perrier, this sweet and bitter concoction is absolutely a crowd favorite. After standing by the bar for only a few minutes, three guests at the bar ordered that very drink, and not once did they put it down. There’s no arguing with that.
Say it with me: Gin is in.
