botanical_gin

Gin is a juniper spirit full of botanicals, aromatics, and mysteries. Gin’s renaissance has lasted over a decade, with new local distilleries joining the larger, more established gin maestros — and libation connoisseurs everywhere can’t get enough of it.

Gin is probably one of the world’s most popular local liquors and spirits. It has been a staple in all bars since the 1600s, giving birth to the countless cocktails and drinks you’ve come to know and love. This spirit’s history is more colorful than a gin advent calendar, with gin and tonic crisps, gin candles, a gin hotel, and gin lip balm.

To broaden your horizons, here are five botanical gin facts you (probably) didn’t know:

1. It Is One of the Most Commonly Used Spirits in Cocktail Recipes

This is primarily due to the fragrant nature of gin. The spirit is made with various botanical ingredients, including herbs, spices, and fruits. Drinking botanical gin on its own is not frowned upon, but it can be considered ‘crude’ or wasteful if you don’t take advantage of gin’s best qualities. Gin gets used in more officially recognized cocktails than any other spirit.

Here are a few examples of popular gin-based cocktails:

  • Gin and Tonic (gin plus tonic water)
  • Classic Martini (gin plus dry vermouth, shaken, not stirred)
  • The Gimlet (gin, lime juice/lime cordial, and a dash of simple syrup)
  • Negroni (gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari)
  • Singapore Sling (gin, orange juice, cherry brandy, and soda)

2. The G&T Began in India

This classic bar drink was invented in 19th century India as a malaria treatment. The ‘Indian Tonic Water,’ as the British East India Company’s army dubbed it, contained high levels of quinine, believed to prevent and treat the disease.

Because British soldiers were already given gin regularly, they began adding it to the quinine tonic, along with a mixture of water, sugar, and lime, to spruce up the drink. Quinine, it turns out, does not prevent malaria and is thus a minor, non-curing — albeit highly effective — component in the modern G&T.

3. Gin Has Been Used for Medicinal Purposes in the Past

Aside from the original medicinal purpose of the G&T, gin has been used medicinally since the 13th century. It is primarily due to the existence of juniper, which is the primary and essential botanical in all gins. Juniper benefits your health because it contains antibacterial, antiviral, diuretic, and antiseptic properties.

4. The Philippines Is Known to Consume the Most Gin in the World

Russia consumes the most vodka in the world, the United States and Mexico drink the most tequila, and Australian made gin is also popular. Less obvious is that the Philippines consumes the most gin — and by far, we mean over 22 million cases of the stuff per year, accounting for 43% of the global gin market.

5. Netherlands Invented Gin

While it is one of the most popular drinks among Filipinos and the English national spirit, clear booze was invented by the Dutch. Franciscus Sylvius originated “Jenever” in the 16th century for medicinal purposes. The potent concoction was thought to improve circulation and treat other ailments. During the 17th century Dutch Independence War against England, Dutch soldiers drank jenever to boost morale, which is why it was dubbed “Dutch Courage.”

Conclusion

Many interesting facts about botanical gin that many people are unaware of. Remember to keep all the historical information and facts in mind the next time you order or make your favorite Australian made gin mix to make your drinking experience even more enjoyable.

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