Gin
The name derived from the Dutch word Genever, meaning Juniper berries is one of the world of cocktail´s main ingredients.
When it comes to ingredients in cocktails, gin is widely used and has a long history within the trade. Its characteristics come from the use of Juniper berries in the distillation process to give its aroma and taste.
So like vodka, gin can be made out of just about any organic produce. Some use potatoes, wheat, rye, or even grapes as its base. Getting the alcohol strength of 40% alcohol by volume makes it primarily not a gin. Adding Juniper berries and lately, -herbal and botanical elements make it a gin. The Juniper berries give the gin a smell of pine and wood. Botanicals and herbs, give different scents and altering taste somewhat to fit into floral tones.
Gin and drinking habits related to gin dates back to the middle ages and even further. But during the years of 1720–40s, there was a period called “The Gin Crazer” in London where about 30 % of every household produced their own gin.
Gin has ever since been a hit amongst the British and even found itself as a main ingredient in fighting malaria. Gin was namely a great disguiser of the bitter flavors of the anti-malaria alkaloid called quinine. The anti-malaria elixir evolved into what today is known as a Gin & Tonic. And we all know the popularity of this drink.
For the best possible G&T, check out this link. How to Make a Gin & Tonic. Make it your own version by experimenting with the amounts and perhaps read our bartender tips in order to find further ingredients to modify your Gin & Tonic.
There are different styles of gin and some of them might be good to know about:
London Dry. Most common and notably the gin as its name indicates, is dry. This meaning that there is no sweetness what so ever, but not making the drink sour or bitter instead.
Plymouth. It´s a dry gin from the place in England called Plymouth and comes with a characteristic of a more earthy flavor of the gin.
Old Tom. A gin with some sweet flavors. Might resemble the traditional Genever in style, but still a gin.
Navy Strength. Traditional gin, but comes with a sting. High alcohol content makes this noticeable in cocktails if used.
Some gins are made for neat drinking, but it is used mainly inbuilt drinks and cocktails with several ingredients.
Traditional cocktails worth exploring:
The Negroni
3 ingredient high alcohol content cocktail made with the stirring technique.
The Dry Martini
3 ingredient high alcohol content cocktail made with the stirring technique.
The Ginicillin
This is one of the Quenched favorites. Need to look at the ingredients before getting started as they may need some prepping. Also, a pinch of salt should be small instead of large. But try it! We love this drink.
