Enjoying Gin with Two Options: Straight or In a Cocktail

Gin is one of the oldest distilled liquors in the world, with records beginning in the 15th century. It's a distilled spirit that gets much of its flavor and aroma from juniper berries. Gin has experienced a massive renaissance of new styles, flavors, and combinations of new ingredients. Like many other spirits—it can be enjoyed by itself or it can be turned into delicious cocktails.

A Little History of Gin

In the last decade, gin has been enjoying a comeback. In the 19th century, it was the spirit of choice for Americans and Europeans alike. People were drinking it at home and in bars, restaurants, and hotels. Gin was a drink and a prominent part of the culture in both the New World and the Old World. The original juniper-based spirit was said to have been invented by Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius in the 17th century but was probably first distilled in Italy sometime before then. He was responsible for bringing it with him to England— where he began distilling it and serving it in a pub. English soldiers and mercenaries popularized the use of juniper berries in the drink we know today during the Thirty Years' War, who found that gin acted as an effective antiseptic and assisted them in carrying their kits while maintaining military duties.

Enjoying Gin Straight to Taste the Aromas

The smell of juniper. The taste of spice. Whether you enjoy it in a G&T, Martini, or even as a punch, gin has become an extremely popular spirit over the past decade, especially. Refreshing and unique, it's easy to see why gin has become such a hit with drinkers - even those who don't usually like spirits. There are several ways to enjoy gin straight, including:

• Straight
• On the Rocks
• Gin and Tonic

While gin can be mixed with various mixers, including tonic water, fruit, and sodas, many other drinkers prefer to enjoy the spirit on its own. Gin was popular in other parts of Europe as well, and by the 1960s, gin was popular all over the world. Today, gin is distilled in 50 countries and sold in more than 125 varieties. Still, gin is misunderstood.

Enjoying Gin for Delicious Cocktails

The gin palaces in London were replaced in the 19th century by "gin mills" — small, inexpensive neighborhood bars that served gin cocktails, along with beer and spirits. The gin mills were popular because they were inexpensive and, more importantly, they were popular. By the 1920s, gin had become part of the British bar scene. Gin's versatility means that it can be mixed with almost any spirit or mixed in cocktails. Gin is often used as a base for cocktails, but there's also a wide selection of gin-based drinks, including martinis, sloe gin, and negronis. Because gin is such a multi-purpose spirit, it's a staple for bartenders. Here are the best ways to enjoy gin in cocktails:

The Martini

This classic cocktail gets its name from the Martini glass, which was invented in the first half of the 19th century. The Martini consists of gin, vermouth, and (optionally) olives, or cucumber.

The Negroni

The Negroni is a type of Martini originally made with equal parts gin and Campari. Over time, the ingredients were switched, and today it's made with equal parts gin and vermouth.

Sloe Gin

Sloe gin is an alcoholic drink containing sloe berries, citrus fruit, sugar, and spices. It takes its name from sloe berries, which are a type of blackthorn fruit.

The Fizz

Fizz is a type of cocktail that consists of a carbonated beverage mixed with gin or gin and orange juice. The classic ingredients of a gin fizz are gin, orange juice, and soda water, but there are plenty of variations on that theme.

Discover how gin has become a popular spirit for cocktail enthusiasts. This juniper-flavored spirit is a versatile base that lends itself to both classic cocktails and more intricate drinks. Visit Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, NJ, today.