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The Negroni is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world, known for its bold, bitter flavor and sophisticated charm

Whether it's your go-to spirit when it comes to a martini or youre more of a gin & tonic drinker, chances are youve encountered gin during your imbibing adventures. A rather polarizing spirit, most people have a hard stance on the popular alcohol category.

Gin is a distilled spirit that is made from grain and flavored with botanicals mainly juniper. It can be made using a few different methods and comes in a variety of styles ranging from London dry to Old Tom (more on that later!) with an array of botanicals that can change the flavor completely making no two gin brands the same. A Dutch creation made popular by the English, read on to learn more about this delicious spirit.

Where Does Gin Come From?

Although gin is known to be Englands national spirit, it actually originates in Holland where it was used as a medicinal beverage for centuries. In 1689, the Dutch Prince William of Orange and his wife Mary became co-rulers of England, Scotland, and Ireland and during the Thirty Years War with France, they outlawed the ability to import French brandy and began to promote local distillation. British troops that were stationed in Holland at the time began drinking genever (aka gin).

As it always goes, the English decided to bring this spirit back with them to their homelands and began creating their own version of the distilled spirit. Suddenly, thousands of gin shops emerged across London in a period known as the Gin Craze during the 18th century. Due to its low prices, it started to be consumed regularly by the poor as a way to forget the hardships they were going through. Eventually, Acts of Parliament were passed to regulate the production and to create a more neutral spirit.

In these times its said that British soldiers in India created the Gin and Tonic cocktail, as they were mixing their gin rations with quinine-rich tonic to fend off malaria, while over in the United States the gin martini was making waves in speakeasies during the prohibition era. In the mid-20th century there was a noticeable decline in the consumption of gin which continued until its fairly recent revival in the last few decades.

How Is Gin Made?

While the English and Dutch are best known for making gin, its a spirit that can be produced anywhere in the world. This clear spirit is made by distilling fermented grain and a number of flavorful botanicals. Juniper is the only botanical that, by law, must be present in the process.

The use of botanicals during distillation sets gin apart from the other liquors in fact, if botanicals werent used it would basically be vodka. Gin's most dominant flavor and aroma come from the mandated use of juniper berries, which are responsible for that pine flavor that makes gin unique.

Every distiller and brand uses its own combination or secret recipe of botanicals. The number of botanicals used in any brands recipe may range from as little as one (just juniper) to thirty or more.

Commonly used botanicals include: chamomile, bay leaf, orris root, ginger, coriander seeds, cardamom, lavender, cinnamon, elderflower, almond, lemongrass, angelica seed, angelica root, liquorice, nutmeg, bergamot, pink grapefruit, lemon peel, and bitter orange.

There are three main type of distillation used for Gin production:

  • Pot Distilled Gin - This process has been used since the early days of gin. It involves fermented malt wine known as the mash made from grains thats distilled on its own first and then is distilled a second time with botanicals floating in it to create the flavor.
  • Column Distilled Gin - This is the most common way to currently make gin (especially when its a London Dry gin). In this form of distilling, a very concentrated spirit is made and then distilled a second time, but during that the botanicals are added into whats referred to as a gin basket thats suspended in a pot still allowing for the flavor extraction to take place as the heat from the vapor rises.
  • Compound Gin - This isnt the most common way to make gin, but it is the least expensive way to add flavoring to a gin. This involves adding the flavors to the base spirit without redistilling it at all.

What Are The Different Types Of Gins?

Just like there are different distilling methods used to make gin, there are a few different types of gin that each have their own unique style.

  • Genever (or Schiedam gin) - This is the Dutch and Belgian version (some may also refer to it as the original style of gin) that was first made for purely medicinal purposes. Genever is distilled from malted grain mash in a manner similar to whiskey and is typically slightly lower proof than those made in England.
  • London Dry Gin - This is the most well-known and most produced type of gin on the market today. London Dry refers to the way the gin is produced and has nothing to do with where its produced meaning it doesnt need to be made in London to fit in this category. By law, London Dry gin must be processed by redistilling the neutral spirit in a pot still in the presence of juniper and other botanicals. These gins tend to be very juniper-forward, very dry.
  • Distilled Gin This is made very similarly to London Dry gins, except other flavors can be added after distillation this is where your flavored gins come into play.
  • Plymouth Gin This style of gin is the only one that comes with an order that states it must be made in Plymouth, on the south coast of England. Its usually slightly fruity, full-bodied gin and very aromatic. Theres only one distillery, Plymouth, Coates & Co., has the right to produce it today meaning its not only a style of gin, but also a brand name. It makes a super solid martini.
  • Old Tom This is the perfect happy-medium for those who are looking for something slightly sweeter than a London Dry, but also dryer than a Dutch Genever. Old Tom was the original gin used when making a Tom Collins cocktail, and was very popular throughout the 18th and 19th century, though its still greatly enjoyed today.
  • "New Western Dry" gin (or "New American" gin) - A term used more in the bartending community, its used to categorize the dozens of more modern gins that have made their way onto the market over the last two decades. Oftentimes, they will have less of the classic juniper flavor to them as they have been produced with the idea of bringing in new gin drinkers who may have typically preferred vodka in the past.

    Popular Cocktails Made with Gin

    Gin is a spirit thats pretty much always used in mixed drinks and is rarely enjoyed on its own. It's the base ingredient in tons of cocktails from tall drinks with bubbles to those that call for fruits or eggs to the beloved martini.

    Negroni

    • Flavour: Bold, Bitter, Complex, Aromatic
    • Era: Classic
    • Occasion: Aperitifs, Elegant Evenings, Cocktail Hours
    • Origin: Italian-Inspired

    Pro Tip

    For a smoother variation, swap the gin with bourbon to create a Boulevardier, a warm, rich take on the classic Negroni.

    Savor the Bold Elegance of the Negroni

    The Negroni isnt just a cocktailits a statement of bold flavors, classic style, and timeless elegance. Whether youre a fan of bitter drinks or looking to expand your palate, this cocktail promises an unforgettable experience. Stir one up, take a sip, and savor the refined beauty of the Negroni. Cheers!