Gin is a distilled spirit based on juniper and has become an indispensable part of modern bar culture. It serves as the foundation for various cocktails and arguably the most famous long drink in the world: the Gin & Tonic.

History of Gin

The roots of gin lie in the Netherlands. As early as the 17th century, Genever (Jenever) was produced there—a malty, aromatic predecessor to modern-day gin. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, William III of Orange-Nassau brought the Genever tradition to England, where it led to the "Gin Craze" of the 18th century.

In the 19th century, the Coffey still process created the possibility of continuously distilling very pure alcohol. This led to the development of the dry London Dry Gin, which is still considered the standard today.

The modern gin renaissance began in the early 2000s. Today, there are thousands of gin brands worldwide—from large industrial manufacturers to small craft distilleries.

Production of Gin

1. Base alcohol — usually neutral agricultural alcohol (grain, potato, molasses)
2. Selection of botanicals — juniper berries are mandatory; plus usually 5-30 other botanicals such as coriander, angelica root, citrus peel, cardamom, licorice root, orris root, and many more
3. Maceration or vapor infusion — the botanicals are brought into contact with the alcohol
4. Distillation — the flavored alcohol is distilled in a copper pot still
5. Blending — the gin is diluted with water to drinking strength
6. Bottling — usually without further maturation, except for Reserve or barrel-aged gins

Overview of Gin Types

• London Dry Gin — the classic, dry style with dominant juniper; botanicals are only added during distillation, no sugar
• Distilled Gin — botanicals are distilled, but aromas and sugar can be added afterwards
• Plymouth Gin — protected designation of origin from Plymouth, England
• Old Tom Gin — a slightly sweetened, historical variety
• Navy Strength — at least 57% ABV
• Compound Gin / Bathtub Gin — flavored by maceration, without distillation
• New Western / Contemporary Gin — modern styles with other botanicals prioritized over juniper
• Reserve / Aged Gin — matured in wooden barrels

How to drink gin?

• Gin & Tonic — a classic, in a 1:3 ratio with tonic water in a balloon glass
• Martini — gin with dry vermouth, a classic cocktail
• Negroni — gin + sweet vermouth + Campari
• Gimlet — gin + lime juice + sugar
• Tom Collins — gin + lemon juice + sugar + soda
• French 75 — gin + lemon juice + sugar + champagne
• Neat on ice — premium gins in particular can be enjoyed neat

Gin and Tonic — the perfect pairing

When choosing the right tonic water, the flavor profile of the gin is decisive. Classic, juniper-forward gins (London Dry) pair well with Indian Tonic, fruity New Western gins with Mediterranean Tonic, and herbal gins with Elderflower or Dry Tonic.

Storage

As a spirit, gin has a long shelf life. Store it in a dark, cool place and upright (not lying down like wine). Opened bottles lose some aroma over time — it is advisable to consume them within 1-2 years.