When the happy hour arrives and it's time to unwind from a hectic day, people often have their go-to alcoholic drinks to help loosen their tension. While there are many deliciously intoxicating drinks popular in the world, one of the perennial favourites is gin, an icy, strong liquid that can spice up the night and pack a punch in more ways than one.
As good as it tastes, it is tough to know where exactly the drink came from and how it got to be so popular. Wanting to get a firm grasp on the origins of gin and its journey through time, we dug deep and found out some interesting things about this drink that might surprise you.
A Taste on Different Facts About Gin Through the Years
1. Holland First Created Gin Way Back Into the 17th Century
It's a common misconception that gin is an English invention, but actually, it originated from Holland during the 17th century. In the early 1600s, a Dutch spirit called jenever was being sold and served in the Netherlands. Jenever was juniper-based alcohol that was an amber-like colour and known for its potency. It got to the point where it was so popular that the Dutch began exporting it to the rest of the world.
As it was distributed, the drink got their hands on it and started to alter and adapt it based on their preferences. Some would add other herbs and spices to the mix to make it taste better, while others would add sugar to make it sweeter to the palette. The drink became so popular and widespread that soon, other countries around the world started selling it as the gin people know and love today.
2. Gin Started With Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Juniper
As other countries were experimenting with ingredients and flavour, the English decided to make it sweeter. They added juniper to it, and by the end of the 18th century, it got to the point where it was such a popular drink that one person invented the expression 'Dutch Courage' to describe the way it seems to give people the courage to do anything.
3. Gin and Tonic First Came to Taste the World in India
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the British began to colonize India. They brought with them the drink that was already popular in the country, and because of the heat of the country, they mixed it with tonic water. This is how gin and tonic were invented and first became popular.
4. Gin is Not Just for Drinking
Because it's so potent, there are many people that think that gin can only be consumed by drinking it straight up. But it can actually go well with many things, including certain foods, cocktails, and even sweets.
There are many ways to consume gin, including making it into a syrup, using it as a marinade, using it as a pickling agent, and even using it in desserts. As an example, you can make a gin-soaked cake that is topped off with lime icing. This is a great way to enjoy the flavour and also experience the potent alcohol.
5. Gin Has No Natural Color
Gin is a clear spirit, but it doesn't need to be. When you see gin in a glass, that is simply the beverage's colour because of the way it has been distilled. Because it is distilled using water, the final product doesn't contain any colour, so when you see a glass of gin, it's simply the product of the water you see, not the colour of the liquid itself.
The Wrap: Bottom's Up to the Interesting Facts About Gin
Gin might be a popular drink, but there are still many people who don't know a lot about it or even how to drink it. It's time to take a trip down memory lane and find out the interesting facts about your favourite drink so you can get a better hold of how to enjoy it.
Even though the history of gin can be a bit foggy, you can still enjoy the spirit because of its wonderful taste. Above all, it's a fiery drink that is best enjoyed in moderation so that you can make the most of its benefits.
Are You Craving the Best of London Dry Gins?
Whether you like fruity drinks or something with a smooth taste, you're sure to find a great cocktail with a top-shelf appeal here at Jim and Tonic. If you want to learn more about cocktail making at home, contact us today and see how we can help you whip up the tastiest drinks for any occasion.
We also offer gin and tonic bars for hire in London, so get in touch to find out more about our services.
