But what is gin and why is it so popular? Gin is made from a neutral alcohol. Its main ingredient, which gives it its characteristic flavor, is juniper. The colorless spirit is distilled from grain or molasses; only then does the flavoring with juniper take place. Depending on which gin it is, other botanicals are added. The range is extremely diverse, so that everyone should find the right gin for themselves. Whether angelica, aniseed, citrus peel, cardamom or coriander: the taste of the gin changes depending on which additional botanicals are used. There is now even gin with gingerbread, honey or vanilla flavor. It is precisely this diversity that characterizes gin and makes it the trend drink par excellence. By the way: Gin can only be called a drink that has an alcohol content of at least 37.5 percent. Connoisseurs drink it pure; for most, however, it serves as the main ingredient in the well-known gin and tonic .
What is gin made from?
In principle, gin can be made from any neutral alcohol. Pure alcohol with a strength of up to 96 percent is usually used. As a rule, grain or potatoes serve as the basis. Therefore, the gin is basically nothing more than a kind of vodka. However, some types of gin are now also made from grapes or other types of fruit. In addition to the numerous botanicals such as fruits and herbs that are placed in the high-proof alcohol, one ingredient should not be missing: juniper is an absolute must in a classic gin, because the juniper berries give it its typical slightly bitter taste. The question "What is gin made of" cannot be answered in general, because each variety has its special and mostly secret ingredients. In some well-known gins, no less than 120 botanicals are added.
You have to distinguish between different types of gin. The most famous gin is certainly the London Dry Gin, which is dry. The Dry Gin is also dry, but it is less juniper-heavy. Do you prefer it sweeter and more aromatic? Then choose the Genever variant. This is a juniper schnapps that has an alcohol content of at least 35 percent. This juniper schnapps originally comes from France or the Netherlands. Today's gin owes its name to the Jenever, which was created around the 17th century. The Plymouth Dry Gin and the Old Tom Gin are a little sweeter and spicier than the normal Dry Gin. So you see: Gin is a very versatile drink and available in many variations.
What's the best gin?
As already mentioned, there is now such an inexhaustible variety of gin varieties on the market that it is easy to lose track. There are top gins from Germany, Scotland or the Scandinavian countries. Real classics, however, which should not be missing in any well-stocked house bar, are for example :
- Gin mare
- elephant gin
- Nobody gin
- Tanqueray Gin
- Monkey 47 Gin
What is the best gin cannot be answered in general, because tastes are known to differ. In fact, gin is probably the most diverse drink in the world. Reliable sources say that there are currently almost 5,500 different types of gin. New ones are added almost every day. In Germany alone there are around 700 different gins. Well-known are the Berlin Spree Gin, the Knuth Hansen Gin from the Hanseatic City of Hamburg and of course the Windspiel Gin, which is made on the basis of potatoes. The Monkey 47, on the other hand, is probably the most well-known gin from the Black Forest, with aromas of cranberries, spruce and elderflowers. But the gins from France, England and Italy do not have to hide from the German gins either. Be sure to try the Gin Mare, one of the most famous gins from the Mediterranean. The gin from Spain scores with Mediterranean ingredients such as rosemary, citrus fruits, thyme and basil. But the Tanqueray Gin is also one of the most popular types of gin and is available in many variations. This gin has been voted the best in the world several times and impresses with its clear taste, its liveliness and spiciness.
How do you drink gin?
The classic way of serving the gin is the gin and tonic . What is gin and tonic? With the gin and tonic, the gin is topped up with tonic water and served with either a slice of lemon, a slice of cucumber or a sprig of rosemary. You can vary your gin garnish to your heart's content, because whatever you like is allowed. Gin Tonic is a classic aperitif that goes well with many occasions. Characteristic is its slightly tart and at the same time refreshing note, making it the perfect summer drink. The mixing ratio for the gin and tonic is up to your own preferences. Variants from 1:1 to 1:4 are possible. However, we do not recommend a 1:1 mixture, because then the alcohol is too dominant. A mixing ratio of 1:3 is common, because then gin and tonic harmonize perfectly. Incidentally, real connoisseurs do not use just any tonic water, but also select this to match the gin. Tonic Water is sparkling water that gets its refreshing note from the citric acid. Numerous other natural flavors, water, sugar and quinine are other components of a good tonic water. In fact, not all tonic water is the same. Here, too, one differentiates between different taste nuances, such as:
- bitter
- lemony and fresh
- fruity and sweet
- spicy and tart
- floral
The amount of carbon dioxide, which makes the gin and tonic sparkling, also varies. A good tonic water is characterized by fine, long-lasting carbonation. If you prefer a classic dry gin with a clear juniper note, it is best to combine it with a dry or bitter-tart tonic water. If, on the other hand, you like very spicy, floral or herbal gins, it is best to combine them with a tonic water that is very similar in taste. In principle, however, the same applies here: The proof of the pudding is in the eating and it is best for you to find out for yourself which combination you like best.
So what is gin and tonic is now answered. But there are numerous other interesting cocktail creations that can be made from gin. The best known include:
The gin fizz in particular is a real alternative if you want to try something other than gin and tonic. Similar to the gin and tonic, the gin fizz is also very refreshing. In addition to gin and soda water as the two main ingredients, a classic gin fizz definitely needs some lemon juice and sugar beet syrup. It gives the gin fizz its pleasant sweetness. You should also try a Clover Club: the combination of gin and raspberries is simply irresistible. For this drink with protein you need a shaker, because this is the only way to create the delicious foam. James Bond's favorite drink, the dry martini, can't do without a good gin either. Served in combination with vermouth and with lemon and olives, the taste of the gin comes into its own.
So what is gin and tonic is now answered. But there are numerous other interesting cocktail creations that can be made from gin. The best known include:
- Gin Basil Smash
- dry martini
- gin fizz
The gin fizz in particular is a real alternative if you want to try something other than gin and tonic. Similar to the gin and tonic, the gin fizz is also very refreshing. In addition to gin and soda water as the two main ingredients, a classic gin fizz definitely needs some lemon juice and sugar beet syrup. It gives the gin fizz its pleasant sweetness. You should also try a Clover Club: the combination of gin and raspberries is simply irresistible. For this drink with protein you need a shaker, because this is the only way to create the delicious foam. James Bond's favorite drink, the dry martini, can't do without a good gin either. Served in combination with vermouth and with lemon and olives, the taste of the gin comes into its own.
You should now have answers to questions like "What is gin made of?" and "What is gin anyway?" have received and are now certainly curious to try one or the other gin. By the way: numerous manufacturers now also offer non-alcoholic gins. So if you're invited and still have to drive, you don't have to miss out on enjoying a gin and tonic.