7 Surprising Facts You May Not Know About Gin

Gin has long been a favorite of cocktail enthusiasts for a good reason. Gin is versatile and can be used in various cocktails. But what you may not know is that gin has a fascinating history, and there are some surprising facts about it. This blog post includes some of the most interesting facts about gin. So, if you're curious to learn more about this popular liquor, keep reading!

1. Juniper Berries are Actually Not Berries

Juniper berries, despite the name, are fleshy cones that grow on juniper trees. These cones are used to make gin, giving the liquor it's signature botanical flavor. They are also used in cooking, such as making pickled vegetables.

2. Gin Was Once Used as a Medicine

Gin was first distilled in the Netherlands in the early 1600s. It was used as a medicine to treat various ailments such as gallstones and gout. It wasn't until the mid-1700s that gin became famous as a drink.

3. Gin Was Popularized by the British

The popularity of gin as a drink can be traced back to the British. In the 1700s, London was amid a "gin craze." At that time, gin was cheap and easy to obtain, so it became very popular among the working class. This led to problems such as public intoxication and crime, which eventually led to laws being passed to regulate the sale of gin.

4. Gin is Named After Juniper Berries

The word "gin" is derived from the Dutch word for juniper berries, jenever. This is fitting because gin is made with juniper berries. The word "gin" can also be traced back to the Latin word for juniper, juniperus.

5. Gin Was once Considered a Woman's Drink

In the early 1800s, gin was known as a "ladies' drink" because it was thought to be less intoxicating than other liquors such as whisky. In the mid-19th century, this perception changed when gin became associated with the working class and poverty.

6. Gin is the Main Ingredient in a Martini

A martini, made with gin and vermouth, is popular among cocktail enthusiasts. The proportion of gin to vermouth varies, but it is typically two parts gin to one part vermouth.

7. There are Many Types of Gin

There are many different types of gin, including London dry gin, Old Tom gin, and Plymouth gin. London dry gin is the most common type of gin. It is made with juniper berries and other botanicals, and it is typically dry and light-bodied.

Conclusion

Gin has a fascinating and rich history. It is made with juniper berries, which are actually not berries. It was once used as a medicine and was once considered a woman's drink. It is also a common ingredient among cocktail enthusiasts.