What is Gin Made Of: A Comprehensive Guide
, by Scott Connor, 9 min reading time
Discover the ingredients & process behind gin, from juniper berries to other botanicals. Learn what makes gin unique.
If you're a fan of cocktails, you've likely encountered gin. This spirit has a long and fascinating history, but what is gin made of? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ingredients and process of making gin, as well as the history of this beloved drink.
What is Gin?
Gin is a clear, distilled spirit that is flavored with botanicals, most notably juniper berries. The term "gin" is derived from the Dutch word "jenever," which means juniper.1 While juniper is the primary flavoring ingredient, other gin botanicals such as coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel are often used to add complexity to the flavor.
The Core Ingredients of Gin
To make gin, you'll need a neutral spirit, botanicals, and water. The neutral spirit can be made from a variety of sources, including grain, corn, or potatoes. The botanicals are added to the spirit during the distillation process, giving gin its unique flavor.
Juniper Berries: The Signature Flavor
What does gin taste like? At the heart of every gin is the unmistakable flavor of juniper berries. These tiny blue-green berries come from the juniper tree, which is native to the Northern Hemisphere. Juniper berries are a key ingredient in gin and are what give it its signature flavor. As we know, the name gin comes from the Dutch word jenever, which means juniper.
Juniper berries are picked and dried before being used in gin production. The dried berries are then macerated or steeped in a neutral base spirit to extract their flavor. This process is what gives gin its distinct piney and slightly citrusy taste.2
Neutral Grain Alcohol: The Base Spirit
The base spirit is an essential component of gin and typically makes up the majority of the final product. Neutral grain alcohol is the most commonly used base spirit in gin production. This type of alcohol is made from grain, such as wheat or corn, and has a neutral flavor and odor.
The base spirit is the canvas on which the other botanicals and flavorings are added. To make gin, the base spirit is first distilled to remove any impurities or unwanted flavors. It is then mixed with the macerated juniper berries and other botanicals to create the unique flavor profile of the gin.
Botanicals: Creating Unique Profiles
While juniper berries and neutral grain alcohol are the foundation of gin, it's the other botanicals and flavorings that give each gin its unique character. These botanicals can range from common herbs and spices like coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel to more unusual ingredients like cucumber, rose petals, or even lavender.
Each gin distiller has their own unique blend of botanicals that they use to create their signature gin. The botanicals are added to the base spirit after the juniper berries and distilled to create a complex and layered flavor profile.
Blending and aging are also important steps in creating a unique gin. Blending allows the distiller to balance the flavors of the different botanicals and create a smooth and well-rounded gin. Some gins are also aged in oak barrels to add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Types of Gin: Distinct Styles and Flavors
While the primary ingredients used to create gin are juniper berries, neutral grain alcohol, and botanicals, the different styles of gin are created through various distillation processes, blending, and aging techniques. There are three primary types of gin: distilled gin, redistilled gin, and compound gin.3 Each type has its own unique flavor profile and is crafted through different methods.
Distilled Gin
Distilled gin is made by redistilling neutral grain alcohol with botanicals. The botanicals are added to the neutral spirit, which is then boiled to create a vapor. The vapor is condensed back into a liquid, which is the gin. The botanicals used in distilled gin can vary, but must include juniper berries as the dominant flavor. Other botanicals commonly used in distilled gin include coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, orris root, and cardamom.
Distilled gin has a strong juniper flavor and is usually dry, with a sharp and crisp taste. Popular brands of distilled gin include Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire.
Redistilled Gin
Redistilled gin is made by redistilling a neutral grain alcohol with botanicals after the alcohol has been flavored through maceration or steeping. This process allows the botanical flavors to be more pronounced in the final product. Redistilled gin also requires juniper to be the dominant flavor, but it can have other botanicals added to create a unique profile.
Redistilled gin has a more complex flavor profile than distilled gin, with a greater emphasis on the other botanicals used. It can have a range of tastes, from floral and fruity to spicy and herbal. Popular brands of redistilled gin include Hendrick’s and The Botanist.
Compound Gin
Compound gin, also known as gin cordial or gin liqueur, is made by steeping botanicals in neutral grain alcohol without redistilling. The botanicals are left to infuse in the alcohol for a period of time, giving the gin its flavor profile. The resulting product is then diluted with water and sugar to create a lower proof, sweetened gin.
Compound gin has a more pronounced sweetness than other types of gin, with a range of fruit and herbal flavors. It is often used as a base for cocktails due to its sweeter profile. Popular brands of compound gin include Plymouth and Old Tom gin.
The Gin Production Process
The production process of gin can be divided into three major steps: steeping, distillation, and aging/bottling. These steps involve different techniques and processes that are carefully managed to produce the desired flavor and aroma.
Steeping: Infusing the Botanicals
The first step in gin production is steeping, which involves soaking the botanicals in neutral grain alcohol to extract their flavors and aromas. Juniper berries, which give gin its signature flavor, are usually added first and left to steep for several hours. Other botanicals, such as coriander, angelica root, citrus peels, orris root, and cardamom, are then added and steeped for varying periods of time depending on the desired flavor profile.
Distillation: Refining the Flavor
After steeping, the botanicals are ready for distillation. The steeping mixture is heated in a still, and the alcohol vapor is collected and condensed back into a liquid. This process refines the flavor and aroma of the gin, separating the alcohol from the botanicals and creating a more concentrated and complex flavor profile. Distilled gin must have a minimum of 96% ABV, and the final product must be distilled at least three times.
Aging and Bottling: The Final Touches
The final step in gin production is aging and bottling. Not all gins are aged, but some are rested in barrels to give them a unique flavor profile. Most gins are blended to create a consistent flavor and bottled at 40% ABV. Some distillers also add water to reduce the alcohol content and balance the flavor. The gin is then bottled, labeled, and shipped off to consumers all over the world.
Popular Gin Cocktails: Mix and Enjoy
Gin is one of the most versatile spirits that can be used to create a variety of cocktails. From the classic gin and tonic to the elegant martini, there is a gin cocktail for every taste. Here are some of the most popular gin cocktails:
The Classic Gin and Tonic
The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that has been around since the British colonial era. It is made by combining gin, tonic water, and a slice of lime. The quinine in the tonic water gives the cocktail its characteristic bitter taste. The gin and tonic is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
The Martini: Shaken or Stirred
The martini is an iconic gin cocktail that has been around for over a century. It is made by mixing gin and dry vermouth, and is traditionally garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon. The martini can be either shaken or stirred, depending on personal preference. Shaking the cocktail makes it colder and slightly diluted, while stirring it creates a stronger and smoother drink.
The Negroni: A Bitter Delight
The negroni is a popular gin cocktail that has a bitter and complex flavor. It is made by mixing gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, and is traditionally garnished with an orange peel. The negroni has a unique flavor that is both sweet and bitter, making it a great drink for those who prefer a more complex taste.
The Gimlet: A Lime-Infused Classic
The gimlet is a classic gin cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It is made by mixing gin and lime juice, and is traditionally garnished with a slice of lime. The gimlet has a sweet and tart flavor that is both refreshing and delicious.
The Tom Collins: A Refreshing Summer Staple
The Tom Collins is a refreshing gin cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days. It is made by mixing gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, and is traditionally garnished with a slice of lemon and a cherry. The Tom Collins has a sweet and sour taste that is both refreshing and satisfying
Explore the World of Gin with Barbank
Explore the world of gin with Barbank online liquor delivery and experience unparalleled convenience and selection. With our exclusive deals and discounts, you can discover new and rare gin flavors while staying within your budget. Barbank's flat-rate shipping ensures that you never have to worry about the weight of your order, and you can shop for your favorite gin from the comfort of your own home. Our incredible selection of gin ranges from bundled bottles according to brand or flavor profile, to rare and exclusive alcohols, to all your favorite liquor cabinet staples. Whether you're looking for a classic London Dry Gin or a unique artisanal gin, Barbank has everything you need to satisfy your gin cravings. So why not try something new and exciting? Order your gin online from Barbank today!
Sources:
- Wikipedia Contributors. 2019. “Gin.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. December 1, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gin.
- “Understanding Gin Botanicals.” n.d. Spiritsbeacon.com. https://spiritsbeacon.com/guides/spirits/understanding-gin-botanicals.
- “Vol 2 CHAPTER 4 CLASS and TYPE DESIGNATION GENERAL FEATURES.” 2007. https://www.ttb.gov/images/pdfs/spirits_bam/chapter4.pdf.