19th Jul 2024

A Gin Guide: Answering All Your Questions About Gin

  • gin
  • gin cocktails
  • gin rummy
  • Hendrick's
  • Tanqueray
A Gin Guide: Answering All Your Questions About Gin

Today, it's all about gin.

Gin is one of the most underrated spirits out there. So, let's learn more about the ins and outs of gin. We're answering some of the top-asked questions.

You asked. We're here to answer!

What can I expect from gin?

Gin can be an array of things. The notes are endless. Some gins may be more herbal and earthy. Some gins may lean more towards the citrus notes. Some may have more floral notes. Some may even have a subtle woody undertone if it's aged in wood. It depends on the gin because botanicals may change from brand to brand.

What gin is made with juniper berries?

juniper, berries, plant

In short, all gins contain juniper berries along with many other botanicals.

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe Gin is different than your regular gin. Sloe Gin is technically a liqueur. Sloe gin is an infusion of gin, sloe berries, and sugar. You can expect the taste to be sweet and rich with an empowering berry flavor. It can also be slightly on the tart side with a subtle almond flavor.

What is the most popular gin cocktail?

Gin makes some delicious classic cocktails and among the most popular are the Martini, Negroni, Gin & Tonic, French 75, and Gin Fizz.

What gin cocktail involves a lemon peel?

There are loads of gin cocktails that you can garnish with a lemon peel. One of the most popular would have to be a Gin Martini.

But the lemon peel is not the only citrus peel that's a popular garnish. An orange peel is also a popular garnish used in drinks like a Negroni and an Orange Gin & Tonic.

Can gin freeze?

Pure gin won't freeze in your household freezer unless you have a freezer that can achieve a temperature of -17°F. Be aware that gins that are not pure can freeze at a higher temperature, which may somewhat result in your gin freezing.

What mixers go best with gin?

Gin mixes well with several different things. If you want to stay classic, pair your gin with tonic water, soda water, or ginger beer.

Gin also mixes incredibly well with citrus. Think grapefruit soda, lime, or even lemonade.

If you really want to elevate your gin-drinking experience, get your dry vermouth out and make a Martini.

Can gin get you drunk?

Yes, gin, like any other spirit, can get you drunk. Drink responsibly.

Why is juniper berry important to gin?

You need juniper berries to make gin. In order for a gin to classify as a gin, it must contain juniper berries. Juniper berries are most commonly found in Europe and North America.

Can gin be stored in the freezer?

Gin can be stored in a freezer because the temperature of your average freezer is not low enough to cause your gin to freeze or explode.

Can gin go bad?

Like most spirits, gin won't go bad, technically. Over time, gin will lose that zesty punch it would have earlier. It will lose some of it's complexity.

If the bottle remains unopened and is stored away from direct sunlight, it will last years. Once the bottle is open, the gin will begin to oxidize. The color may begin to change.

When was gin invented?

Gin goes way back. Some say it dates back to the 11th century, while others place it somewhere in the 16th century. Whether it originated in Italy in the 11th century or the Netherlands in the 16th century, one thing is certain. Both locations had the same idea. They used gin for medicinal purposes.

Which gin is best?

Which gin is the best is a subjective question that will change depending on who you ask. But if we're talking about the best-selling gin on the market, Gordon's London Dry Gin takes the cake.

Are gin and vodka the same?

No, gin and vodka are not the same. Sure, they're both clear spirits with a neutral taste, but they have differences.

Gin needs to be made using juniper berries and vodka does not. The distillation processes are also very different, although you may find that many vodkas and gins alike are distilled in copper pot stills.

What are the most common botanicals used to make gin?

The botanicals used may vary between gin brands. Here are the most commonly used botanicals:

  • Juniper berries
  • Coriander seeds
  • Angelica root
  • Lemon peel
  • Cardamom seeds
  • Licorice root
  • Orris root
  • Orange peel
  • Cassia

Are gin and tonics good?

gin, tonic, cocktail

Are they good, and are they sweet? These are two well-searched questions about the Gin & Tonic cocktail. If you're a fan of neutral cocktails that are not overly flavorful, a Gin & Tonic is a great choice.

Whether or not your Gin & Tonic will be sweet depends on the tonic water you're using. Some tend to be sweeter than others.

If you want to spice up your Gin & Tonic, throw in a splash of grenadine to add some flare to your cocktail.

Looking for a gin to make a Gin & Tonic? Wine Enthusiast ranked Tanqueray No. Ten Gin the best overall gin for a Gin & Tonic.

Which gin is purple?

The purple gin in question is actually deep indigo. The unique color of Empress 1908 Gin sets it apart from the rest. It makes beautiful cocktails that will transform your drinking experience.

Learn more about Empress 1908 Gin by reading all about it here.

What is Old Tom Gin?

Old Tom Gin is a gin sweetened lightly with sugar or honey.

They used to sweeten the gin because it was incredibly harsh. Now, the techniques used in the gin-making process are more modern. Gin is much more approachable without having to sweeten it.

Which gin is gluten-free?

Yes, pure gin is gluten-free after the distillation process. Be aware that flavored gins may not be gluten-free. To be safe, visit a brand's website for more information.

Which gin is best for dirty martinis?martini, cocktail, libation

Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin is a popular gin option for a Martini cocktail. Many people lean towards dry gins for martinis.

Will gin give you a hangover?

Yes. Drinking an excessive amount of gin can result in a hangover.

Will gin help with a toothache?

Gin, or any other spirit, is not an effective treatment for treating a toothache. As much as we all hate the dentist, visit your if you're experiencing tooth pain.

Who makes canned gin cocktails?

Canned cocktails have grown tremendously in recent years. They're easy, convenient, and delicious. Here are a couple of brands that make delicious canned gin cocktails:

On The Rocks makes some great-tasting gin cocktails. Try out the On The Rocks White Negroni and The Aviation. If you're looking for more ready-to-drink cocktails, On The Rocks has a wide selection of cocktails made with vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, and more. It may not come in a can, but it's the type of cocktail you'll want to keep stocked in the fridge.

The famous gin brand Tanqueray also makes some ready-to-drink cocktails worth trying. Check out the Negroni Cocktail.

We can't forget the newer brand, Gin & Juice. The brand was launched in February 2024 by hip-hop icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Made with a gin base and delicious fruit flavor, it offers four options: passionfruit, apricot, melon, and citrus.

Browse the wide selection of ready-to-drink cocktails available at Liquorama for more options.

Are gin and gin rummy the same?

The card game, gin rummy, is also commonly known as gin. So if we're referring to the card game, yes, they are the same.