Gin is an English juniper vodka, a bar classic and a popular cocktail base. For the British, this is an alternative to vodka – medicine, warming drink and aperitif. 'Cold as metal' is what the regulars of English pubs say about him. The strength of the drink is on average 37.5%. As the age-old traditions of distillation and aging have shown, a drink with a lower strength loses its pleasant icy taste over time. What makes gin so popular in Europe? Why is this strong drink part of many popular cocktails?
We warn you – alcohol in large doses is hazardous to health.
Gin is an English juniper vodka that works great in cocktails
Plague cure and Dutch valor
The appearance of the genie is associated with a number of fascinating historical events. The first mention of juniper tincture dates back to the 12th century. It is believed that it was first invented by Dutch monks with the aim of preventing and treating certain diseases – for example, the plague, as well as other 'scourges' that mowed down medieval Europe. The fragrant berries were even planted in the long noses of the plague masks known as Dottore Peste.
However, the monks did not document their invention. They can be understood, in the courtyard of the plague, not to scribble. So the primacy in the manufacture of gin passed to the Dutchman Francis de La Bois, known by the poetic name Silvius. As a doctor working at the University of Leiden, Francis was looking for a remedy for stomach colic (according to another version, he wanted to help those who suffer to get rid of kidney diseases). In those days, juniper berries and cones were known to have diuretic properties. Knowing this, Silvius decided to create a strong infusion on their basis. Thus, the official release date of the first juniper vodka is considered to be 1620.
The name 'Genevier' is still used by manufacturers today
Another Dutchman drew attention to the popularity of the drug – Lucas Bols (his name is captured in one of the old brands of Dutch gin). It was with his light hand that the tincture began to be called 'Genevier' (genever – French juniper). It was believed that it was this invigorating drink that gave the Dutch warriors courage. And since at that time the war in Europe was a common method of spending leisure time, the popularization of alcohol in society took place at a rapid pace.
By sharing, so to speak, culinary experience, 'Genevier' got to the foggy Albion. It was the British who came up with a shorter and laconic name – gin. In England, the drink received a second birth, especially after a series of decrees of William III of Orange, a great lover of alcohol from juniper.
Lucas Bols is an active popularizer of alcoholic beverages, the founder of the brand of the same name
There was a moment in the history of gin when it even bypassed beer in its popularity, which was due to the cheapness of production. Drunkenness swept England like the plague of medieval Europe. The state had to take control of the 'alcohol shop', and restrictions on sales and excise taxes were introduced.
Strict government measures put the European alcohol market in order. In the same period, the most eminent gin houses began their history: Gordon’s, Booth’s and Tanqueray.
Gin and tonic – the history of the legends
The history of the appearance of the gin and tonic cocktail is also connected with gin. It arose during the period of the British colonization of Africa and India. Mosquitoes, which live in large numbers in African and Indian forests, have become a real nightmare for Europeans. The first remedy for these bloodsuckers was quinine, which had a bitter taste and was given to the English soldiers in the form of a soft drink – tonic. To make it easier, more fun and enjoyable to drink, the colonists began to add it to gin.
Gin and tonic – a legendary combination
Over time, the gin and tonic cocktail has become a bar classic. It is interesting that it is in combination with other drinks that gin better reveals its spicy-coniferous taste.
Gin production
The principle of making juniper vodka is similar to the distillation of moonshine. Nowadays, producers use alcohols as a base, obtained not only from barley, but also from malt, rice and other grain crops. The initial strength of the raw material can fluctuate around 80%. Only after distillation, before bottling, the strength of the gin is reduced to 40-37.5%, but not lower, such is the regulation.
The most expensive types of juniper vodka are obtained by distilling alcohol, which is saturated with spices. Not only juniper acts as flavoring additives, but also cinnamon or coriander (each manufacturer uses its own secret spice compositions). Traditionally, the distillation of alcohol for gin takes place in copper tanks. Another method that significantly reduces the cost of production of juniper vodka is mixing. To obtain this gin, 3 main ingredients are used: gin essence, alcohol and water.
Gin comes from barrel aging and spicy ingredients
Only a few types of gin, such as Yellow gin and Seagram's Extra Dry, are additionally aged in oak barrels. The first is aged in sherry barrels, which gives it an amber color, the second is aged for three months in traditional oak barrels.
All of the above methods of producing gin are industrial, the output is a kind of cocktail. Only the artisanal method of distillation allows you to extract traditional juniper vodka from the distiller.
English and Dutch varieties
English dry gin is mainly used for cocktails. Can be used neat as an aperitif. The main distinguishing feature of gins from Holland is their mild grainy flavor. In addition, Dutch producers adhere to the traditional recipe for forcing juniper vodka: the berries are infused with alcohol, and then distilled. At the second stage, juniper berries, purified water are again added to the raw materials and distilled through a distiller.
Dutch gin is softer than English counterparts
Dutch gins are milder – 35-40%. Many of them have an amber color, which is obtained by adding caramel and aging in oak barrels. Most often, it is Dutch gin that is used in its pure form.
Drinking culture – video
If you run your own bar at home, then juniper vodka should be there. After all, a cheerful party without incendiary drinks is like riding a bicycle without a harness.
Gin is a worthy addition to any private collection of alcoholic beverages
How to drink
Distillates, which include juniper vodka, can be consumed in pure form. It is better to cool it beforehand, this will reveal the aroma of the drink. You can also add ice cubes to a glass of gin, which are recommended to be prepared from purified non-carbonated and demineralized water.
Gin is consumed chilled, it is permissible to add ice
Snack
Gourmets who consume pure juniper vodka recommend eating olives, pickled onions, lemon or hot meat. For example, famous English football fans prefer to order game with gin, which is always served with ardor and heat.
English bullies love gin and meat, perhaps the secret of their ferocity
Cocktails
Since juniper vodka has a complex spicy aroma, many people drink it in cocktails. The most famous of these are gin and tonic and martini. You can also drink gin together with cola and juices, adding a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. There are several dozen cocktails based on juniper vodka. It is in combination with other drinks that gin better reveals its taste.
Jin reveals the taste of almost everything it interacts with
For inspiration, grab a vibrant gin and vermouth cocktail recipe.
A few words in conclusion
Gin is in many ways a creative drink. It is appreciated in the world for its coniferous aroma and refreshing taste. But most of all the positive reviews juniper vodka receives from the bartenders, who find in it an almost limitless source of inspiration. Also, gin can be called a real gentleman, adequately revealing the taste and aroma properties of its companions (tonics, juices and other components of cocktails).
