Gin Recipe
Spirits 101
Everything you need to know about gin
Everything you need to know about Gin. Learn what is gin and how it's made, the different types of gin, the best ways to serve it, top brands and more!
Words: The Bar
Gin and tonic is a timeless drink that’s having a moment right now. But have you ever asked yourself, "what is gin, anyway?" Do you want to learn more about how it's made or what botanicals are used? Are you looking for cocktail inspiration? You came to the right place! Let's dive right in…
What is gin?
Gin is a clear, unaged spirit made by distilling neutral grain with a selection of carefully picked botanicals, with juniper being the star of the show. Lots of other spices and herbs like coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peel (primarily lemon and orange), cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg (to name a few) can also be added. The aroma and flavor profile for gin has become more experimental and varied as the number of botanicals used has increased – especially as locally sourced botanicals are now used in gin production. Gin is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed into classic cocktails, such as the iconic gin and tonic, Martini and Negroni.
Why is gin so popular?
While for some, gin is nothing new, it’s definitely having a moment! The quality has stepped up, the choice is huge, and thanks to its highly adaptable flavor, gin makes the perfect base for pretty much any cocktail. As it's so versatile, the flavor can be easily transformed by experimenting with adding botanical infusions such as spices, herbs and fruits.
You know how to drink it, but do you know how gin is made?
Gin is made by distilling a neutral grain or, in some cases, potatoes with juniper and other botanicals, like herbs and spices. The distilling process involves using a pot still, which heats the liquid to vaporize the alcohol and then condenses it back into a liquid form. Gin can be made in any country, but England has always been known for their gin production. London was home to many distilleries during their golden age; today, there are over 200 brands available worldwide. The "London Dry gin" category can be made anywhere and is in reference to the style of gin rather than the location in which it is made.
Who invented gin?
Gin has a long history, but its origins go back to Holland. It got its name from the Dutch word genever and was created by a Dutch chemist, during the 16th century who wanted to create something that would cleanse the blood of those suffering from kidney disorders. He named his creation genever and that's the beginning of the story of gin.
What does gin taste like?
Most gins are dry with a noticeable pine flavor because juniper dominates traditional recipes. Some gins tend to be sweeter – typically, classic gins and modern styles tend to have an herbal, fruity or spicy flavor, as there's less emphasis on juniper.
What are the different types of gin?
London Dry
Most people think of London Dry when they think of gin. It's the gin most likely to be used in your G&T or classic gin cocktail of choice, with Tanqueray being a great example. Despite its name, it doesn't have to be produced in England and it's a style of gin that is more juniper-centric than other gins. It's called a "dry" gin because no artificial flavoring or sweeteners are added – the flavors are naturally derived from the botanicals.
Old Tom
Originally a sweetened style of gin produced in the mid-18th century, Old Tom has had a total update since its bathtub gin origins. The sweetness in its flavor profile is largely from liquorice, and its richer than London Dry. It works beautifully in mixed drinks and pre-Prohibition-styled cocktails, especially anything with a hint of bitterness. While some Old Tom gins are sweetened with added sugars, others rely strictly on botanicals.
Distilled (Flavored) Gins
Distilled gins are gins that have been flavored after distillation with a signature botanical. They often have a hue from the added ingredients and are technically gin liqueurs – made with distilled gin, infused, and typically sweetened and colored. Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla is a perfect example of a distilled gin used to make crowd-pleasing cocktails that taste as good as they look. It's easy to get creative when using distilled gins in cocktails, as the distinctive flavors are easy to work with.
The best ways to serve gin
The best glass for a gin and tonic
The debate about the best gin glasses to serve a G&T or gin cocktails will always be a topic of conversation. From classic highballs, tumblers and balloon glasses, there are many ways to serve gin, but is there a right or wrong way? Not really! It's really down to personal taste and the occasion. The Copa glass is often used when serving a G&T, as the shape of the glass concentrates the odors of the gin as they emerge, adding an extra dimension to the drinking experience. Also, the glass size allows more room for bigger ice cubes. We recommend always choosing a highball for gin and tonics so there’s less chance of over-dilution.
Gin & tonic
There are many ways to enjoy gin, but a gin & tonic is the ultimate choice for many. A G&T sounds simple to make in terms of its ingredients – after all, it's gin, tonic water, ice and a wedge of lime. But it's actually pretty easy to get wrong. What's the secret to nailing a great one at home?
The biggest thing everyone gets wrong with a Gin & Tonic is the lack of ice. Less ice will dissolve much faster and dilute your drinks. Big ice cubes are always better as they take longer to melt, meaning your drinks are fresher for longer." If you want something lighter than tonic water, but don't want added sugar in your cocktail, try mixing gin with soda water and a healthy squeeze of lime. Tonic water can be quite polarizing, and many people think they don’t like gin simply because they don’t like tonic so why not try a flavored tonic or lemonade to mix things up.
Gift a personalized bottle of Tanqueray
We believe gifting a bottled drink as a gift is always a good idea, and a personalized top-shelf bottle of Tanqueray is the perfect choice for your gin-loving friends or someone special who wants to try something new.
Creative gin garnishes
A good garnish can transform your gin cocktail from simple to Instagram-ready. We eat with our eyes first, so anything visually appealing will always taste better and make us more excited to drink. Garnishes serve another purpose too. They add aromas of subtle flavors to your cocktail or give a hint to the flavors within the gin.
Mix a gin cocktail
Here are our favorite gin cocktails that are easy to recreate at home.
What food pairs well with gin?
What makes a good gin cocktail and food pairing? One that complements or subtly contrasts the flavors of the food. Think about the flavors that naturally complement the dish you want to serve; your gin of choice shouldn't overpower or compete with the food.
Gin is great with seafood like oysters or lobster and it also pairs well with sushi. Are you a fan of smoked salmon? Try serving it with Tanqueray Sevilla Orange for a splash of refreshing citrus. Anything salty can also pair well with a gin containing citrus and floral flavors for a great contrast, so consider serving G&Ts alongside a charcuterie board full of cold meats, or keep it simple with bowls of salted nuts, olives and crisps.
Cheese is another really good pairing. Soft and creamy cheeses, like camembert and brie, go great with a G&T, as the gin brings out the floral notes in the cheeses and the bitterness of the tonic rinses the palate. Aviation Old Tom is a great gin choice if you're after something different, as it can bring a tart taste to contrast against soft, smooth cheeses.
Stronger cocktails like the Martini work better with rich, fatty and milk cheeses like feta or pecorino. If you're pairing gin with a main meal and want something meaty, lamb is an excellent choice. Lamb recipes often contain juniper as the botanical enhances the meat's flavor, so the juniper within the gin will match your meal perfectly.
In good taste
Enjoy gin at its finest in striking hand-blown glassware and barware from the finest luxury brands and designers.
So, there you have it. Gin is a delicious, versatile spirit that has been around for many years. It's pretty much loved by everyone due to the endless cocktails you can whip up with it.