Food challenge: gin drink ideas to go with starter, main, dessert

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

We are a group of 4 good friends who cook for each other regularly and have done for years. To mix it up a bit, we have decided this year we'll set each other challenges. Friend who cooked in Jan got 'Mexican theme' (and she did a great job but to be fair it was a fairly straight forward challenge).
Mine is 'serve a gin drink with each course'.
I don't want to buy lots of different gins, otherwise it becomes very pricey very quickly. So I was thinking about buying a Basic gin then mixing it with flavoured tonics/garnishes or making cocktails to match each course. E.g starter - some kind of saladserved with gin mixed with cucumber tonic
I'm not til March so could possibly make a gin version of Limoncello to go with a lemony dessert. Bit stuck for main, any ideas? Would also welcome other ideas for any of the courses. Thank you

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Bump

[RJnomore1]

Is this any help?

static1.squarespace.com/static/53284de0e4b0790f5a8cbce3/t/5c517d704d7a9ca90887f08a/1548844402892/5+Course+Tasting+Menu+Jan+2019+WEB.pdf

So simplify it; salmon with a lemon curd dressing and a lemon based cocktail etc

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Thank you @RJnomore1 - some great ideas. Shame they didn't detail the gin pairings but could probably give it a go

[RJnomore1]

There is a cocktail list on the same website or you could google e.g. Lemon gin cocktail for ideas.

[RJnomore1]

Btw sounds fab any chance you could post your final menu once you decide?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Thank you and yes will post menu . I have found lots of helpful websites. What I'd really welcome is tried and tested gin/tonic/garnish or gin cocktail suggestions that people have had with various courses that work. If possible want to use the same gin or maybe two and vary the mixers etc to keep cost down.

[updownleftrightstart]

What's the main course going to be?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

I don't knew yet @updownleftrightstart, just starting to think about the whole menu. Main seems to be the hardest course to pair. I've seen lamb curry suggested on a couple of sites.

From the research I've done so far, think the starter will be one of: gravadlax, a terrine, or scallops

Dessert something chocolaty with soft berries or a gin & lemon cheesecake

[RJnomore1]

Ooh this might help!

www.thecocktaillovers.com/2016/07/pairing-food-and-cocktails-with-gin-mare-part-1/

[updownleftrightstart]

If you have a fishy starter course - maybe dill or no dill? Amazing with fish of course

50ml gin
15ml elderflower cordial
25ml fresh lemon juice
1 pinch smoked sea salt
2 thin slices cucumber
1 sprig dill
Plus another sprig for garnish

Shake everything in a cocktail maker with ice, and garnish with the dill.

If you wanted to go way out you could do a curry and coconut milk cocktail! Not sure if that would be too much curry for one course though

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

That's a brilliant find @RJnomore1 thank you and love that recipe @updownleftrightstart.
Good old Mumsnet!