Even Queen Mum, also known as Elisabeth Bowes-Lyon, appreciated a glass of gin and tonic from 18:00 ("gin o'clock"). We're not averse to a glass of gin and tonic, either. You can even make gin yourself and it's surprisingly easy!
Interesting facts about gin
It’s hard to believe, but the origin of gin, Jenever, is already 400 years old. This drink originates from Amsterdam and is also known as the Dutch national drink, which is still popular today. Jenever is a grain-based spirit (wheat, corn and rye). The malt flavour of Jenever is undesirable in today’s gin. Jenever came to England in the 17th century. Gin, as we know it today, originated in the 18th and 19th centuries and is based on a clear spirit flavoured with various herbs, the so-called botanicals (various spices).
Varieties of gin
The variety of gin we know today has only existed since the late 1980s. Bombay Sapphire was developed at that time. In the late 1990s, Hendrick’s Gin was added, which had a much weaker juniper flavour and is known for its cucumber note. In addition, peppercorns and cucumber slices began to be added to the gin and tonic at this time. The starting signal was given for the countless gin and tonic variations. Now things went from strength to strength and countless types of gin with the most incredible botanical additives were developed and launched on the market, such as The Botanist or Monkey47 from the Black Forest, which has 47 botanicals added to it, hence the name.
How to make Gin at home
In principle, every gin production process begins with the distillation of neutral alcohol. Only then are various botanicals added. However, not everyone has a still at home. No problem, because you can also simply use grain or vodka as the base for your homemade gin. This is then called “compound gin”. Various spices are added to it. For example, juniper berries, cinnamon, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom, coriander or nutmeg. There are no limits to the joy of experimentation. The resulting gin tends to be honey-coloured. If this were then distilled again, the drink would be clear.
Gifts with gin
A fun gift for friends of gin could be a homemade “gin kit”. Place a bottle of neutral alcohol and a selection of different spices in the kit. You also pack a coffee filter (for straining). The quantities of botanicals are purely a matter of taste and invite you to try them out. Packed in a beautiful cardboard box, the “Gin Kit” is sure to bring joy to a wide variety of occasions.
How to enjoy it
You can enjoy your homemade gin after a week. Whether pure, as a gin and tonic or as a gin and tonic cocktail, you will be surprised by the flavour of your creation. So take your time and do as Queen Mum does. Relax for a few minutes and enjoy your homemade gin!
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