Gin’s defining characteristic is the presence of juniper, which must be the dominant flavor. Beyond juniper, distillers add a variety of botanicals, resulting in different styles like the popular London Dry, the sweeter Old Tom, and the earthier Plymouth gin.
A fun fact about gin is its connection to the iconic gin and tonic, which came about when British soldiers stationed in India mixed gin with quinine-rich tonic water to mask the bitterness and prevent malaria. Today, gin’s flexibility and ability to be produced anywhere in the world have made it a favorite for experimentation, leading to an explosion of new flavors and styles.

Gin’s origins trace back to the 17th century, when Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius first created it as a medicinal tonic. At the time, it was believed that gin could treat ailments like kidney problems and gout. The name "gin" itself comes from the Dutch word "jenever," meaning juniper, which is the primary botanical used in gin production. As gin spread beyond the Netherlands, it became increasingly popular in Britain, where it found a devoted following.
In the 18th century, gin consumption skyrocketed during what was known as the "Gin Craze" in England. This period saw a dramatic rise in cheap gin production, leading to widespread overconsumption and social problems. Efforts to curb this epidemic, such as the Gin Act of 1751, helped regulate its production and improve its quality, ultimately laying the foundation for modern gin.
The British colonial era further cemented gin’s place in history. Soldiers stationed in India used gin to make tonic water, which contained quinine, more palatable. Quinine was essential in preventing malaria, and mixing it with gin led to the creation of the iconic gin and tonic, a drink that remains popular worldwide.
During U.S. Prohibition in the 1920s, gin gained a reputation as an easily producible spirit for bootleggers. Known as "bathtub gin," it was often made in home stills due to its relatively simple distillation process. This era contributed to the growth of gin cocktails, as people sought ways to mask the rough taste of poorly made, illegal gin. The popularity of gin persisted long after Prohibition ended, becoming a staple in cocktail culture. Today, gin continues to evolve, embracing both its historical roots and modern craft innovations.