top of page

Let's Begin with Gin!

Writer's picture: Goldie & CelesteGoldie & Celeste

Listen up home mixologists, we're doing our homework! Welcome to a new series of blog posts all about classic and beloved spirits. Are you ready to take a sip into history? Well, put down that glass of chardonnay and pay attention because today we're going to begin with gin.

Gin, also known as "Mother's Ruin," has a long and storied past. But where did it all begin? Back in the day, gin was originally created as a medicine in the early 17th century by Dutch physician Dr. Franciscus Sylvius. It was made by distilling grains and infusing them with juniper berries, which were believed to have medicinal properties.

But let's fast forward a bit, because let's be real, no one wants to drink medicine that tastes like pine needles. By the 18th century, gin had become a popular spirit in England, thanks in part to the heavy taxes on imported spirits and the government's encouragement of domestic gin production.


So, what's the deal with gin cocktails? Well, the first gin cocktail on record is the "Old Tom Gin" which was popular in the 18th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that gin really took off in the cocktail world. The most famous gin cocktail of all time, the Martini, was created in the late 1800s and the gin-based cocktail craze only continued to grow from there.

Now, you might be thinking "But wait, what about the Gin and Tonic?" A fair question my dear reader. The Gin and Tonic was actually created as a way to make quinine, which was used to prevent malaria, more palatable. Gin was added to the tonic water to make it more drinkable, and thus the G&T was born.


So, what have we learned? Gin has come a long way since its days as medicine. From the "Mother's Ruin" of the 18th century, to the sophisticated gin cocktails of today, gin has cemented its place in history as a versatile and delicious spirit. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to mix my friends a gin-based beverage. Cheers!



13 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page