Gin

Gin is a spirit with a distinctive juniper aroma, created by distilling a grain base with a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus peels. The juniper gives it its unmistakable taste – dry, refreshing, and slightly bitter.

Origin and history

Gin’s roots go back to 17th-century Netherlands, where Dr. Franciscus de La Boe (Dr. Sylvius) created it as a medicinal tonic to support kidney function and blood circulation. It reached England during the reign of King William III of Orange, where it became a national drink.

Styles of gin

Today, we know several styles – from the smooth Genever, the predecessor of modern gin, to the classic London Dry Gin with its clean, dry flavor. Other popular types include:

Dry Gin – dry, juniper-forward character, perfect for cocktails.
Old Tom Gin – a slightly sweeter style popular in the 19th century.
Sloe Gin – a liqueur-style gin infused with sloes.
Flavoured and Barrel-Aged Gins – experimental styles with notes of fruit, flowers, or vanilla.
Non-Alcoholic Gin – a herbal alternative without alcohol.

How to drink gin

Gin is incredibly versatile – it tastes great neat, with tonic, or as part of classic cocktails such as Gin & Tonic or Negroni. Properly served with ice and citrus, it reveals all its layers of aroma and flavor.

Frequently asked questions about gin:

What is gin?
Gin is a grain-based spirit to which aromatic herbs and spices, known as botanicals, are added during distillation. The main ingredient that defines gin is juniper berries. It is these berries that give gin its characteristic fresh, bitter taste.

How did gin come about?
Gin originated in the 17th century in the Netherlands, where it was known as genever. British soldiers brought it to England, where it quickly became popular. The 19th century saw the beginning of the modern era of dry gin (London Dry Gin), which we know today.

What types of gin are there?
The most common types of gin are:
London Dry Gin – classic dry gin with a clean, spicy taste.
Old Tom Gin – a slightly sweeter style, popular in older cocktails.
Plymouth Gin – smoother, with a citrus profile.
Navy Strength – stronger gin with an alcohol content of around 57%.
Flavored / Pink Gin – modern variants with fruit, flowers, or vanilla.

How is gin drunk?
Gin is very versatile. You can:
drink it neat (especially premium varieties such as Monkey 47 or Sir Edmond),
mix it with tonic water – classic Gin & Tonic,
use in cocktails – e.g. Negroni, Tom Collins, Dry Martini or Bramble.

Which tonic is best with gin?
It is recommended to use premium tonics without artificial sweeteners that do not overpower the taste of gin.
The most popular brands: Fever-Tree, Thomas Henry, Schweppes Premium Mixers.
For milder flavors, try a pink tonic (e.g., with rose, pink pepper, or strawberry aroma).

How to choose a good gin?
It depends on your preferences:
If you like classics, choose Cubical or Beefeater.
For exotic flavors with vanilla, try Sir Edmond Gin.
If you're looking for fruity notes, go for Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin.
Lovers of distinctive aromas will appreciate Monkey 47 or Hyogo Gin.

How to store gin?
Store gin in a dark, cool place and keep it well sealed.
It does not need to be refrigerated, but avoid direct sunlight during long-term storage – light can change the taste and aroma.

What is the difference between gin and genever?
Genever is the predecessor of gin – originally from the Netherlands, it has a sweeter and grainier profile as it is distilled from barley.
Gin is its "lighter" British version, drier and spicier, ideal for mixed drinks.

Can gin be combined with other drinks besides tonic?
Yes!
Gin also goes well with:
lemonade and tonic-free cocktails (e.g., with grapefruit juice or soda),
fruit drinks (with raspberries, cucumber, or elderflower syrup),
sparkling wines (e.g., French 75 – gin + champagne + lemon juice).

Which gin is suitable for beginners?
If you are new to gin, go for the milder varieties:
Cubical Premium Gin – fresh, citrusy, easy to drink.
Sir Edmond – with a hint of vanilla.
Puerto de Indias Strawberry – fruity, ideal for summer.