Gin

Gin is a distilled liquor that gets its flavor from juniper berries.

Popular brand names: Tanqueray Gin, London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin

Top cocktails: Gin Fizz, Gin and Tonic, Tom Collins, and Best Gin Cocktails

Gin is a distilled alcoholic spirit flavored primarily with juniper berries, though other botanicals such as citrus and herbs are commonly added.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Base Spirit: Gin is typically made from a neutral spirit distilled from grains, such as wheat or barley.

Juniper Berries: To be classified as gin, a spirit must be flavored predominantly with juniper berries, giving it its distinctive piney or “ginny” taste.

Other Botanicals: Besides juniper, gin can also be infused with a wide variety of other botanicals, including citrus peel (like lemon or orange), herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and spices (like coriander or cardamom).

Production Process: The botanicals are added to the neutral spirit either through steeping or distillation.

Styles of Gin: There are several different styles of gin, each with its own unique flavor profile, including London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, and Genever.

Gin vs Vodka: While both are neutral spirits, gin’s defining characteristic is the addition of juniper berries, distinguishing it from vodka, which typically does not have a defined flavor profile.