Gin is Just flavoured Vodka Infused With Berries...?
Gin is Just flavoured Vodka whaaaaaat?
It's true!
Okay, so last night I had this conversation with a good buddy of mine who "absolute-ly" loves Gin...(see what I did there?)
I ordered a Jameson shot and he ordered Gin at which point I casually mentioned, "Ewwww you do know that Gin is basically Vodka right?" Which apparently blew his god dam mind (for the record I do like Gin, just not straight up!).
Moving on, he didn't quite believe me at first and neither did our beautiful server when I asked her to back me up...
So....
I proceeded to explain to the both of them that Vodka is the base spirit for virtually all Gin and that the process by which Gin is produced, occurs when adding juniper and other aromatics to a base alcohol.
Digging Deeper:
Upon doing some further research, I also found out that Gin is indeed defined as a liquor made up of a "neutral alcohol" as it's base (principally Vodka) and then juniper berries and other aromatics or extracts are added. Then it is distilled, redistilled or compounded to complete the process.
Since vodka can be made from more than just potatoes it stands to reason that initially Gin or something resembling Gin was created from using something other than vodka. Apparently, The Dutch invented Gin (initially calling it Jenever) and in the 1700's the English took the idea home with them after the war using a wine base instead to create their own version of Gin. The Liquor eventually spread to the West during the 1900's and was also popular during Prohibition.
Closing Thoughts -
Gin was and remains the most popular alcohol for an assortment of cocktails & is typically substituted for vodka in a variety of drinks. It is also the only legit alcohol used in martinis. Another fun fact is that the UK is now the Motherland of Gin.
PICTURES:
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielle_scott/5995121247
- https://pixabay.com/en/cocktail-martini-gin-drink-glass-995574/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Assorted_gin_bottles_on_a_store_shelf
SOURCES:
- https://vinepair.com/articles/differences-gin-vs-vodka/
- http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/08/23/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-gin/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gin
[DISCLAIMER]
These stories are partly made in jest and may contain both fact and fiction. In the name of humour and genuine intrigue I am presenting these ideas to the community. I am not an authority on any of these topics and the information presented in these accounts should NOT be taken at face value. Please do your own due diligence before forming an opinion. Thanks for Reading!
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Nice guide! I don't have a taste for gin - tried it once; it tasted like orange rinds - but the trivia is appreciated.
Ya it's not great on its own for the most part lol. It's supposed to be combined with other things. Also, some Gin just totally sucks and some is totally awesome.
Right. I think I'll stick to vodka. ;)
lol...Gin is basically flavoured Vodka
I love gin. Makes me want to make a g & t tonight. Had no idea about the vodka base either.
I love a good G&T. Just too many = hangover city lol.
And apparently not many ppl do, hence why I have brought this important discovery to the community ;)
The ppl deserve to know lol
I was introduced to gin around this time last year (tell a lie, I'd toyed with it for a few weeks in Japan 20 years earlier but that didn't last). 12 months on, I have my very own little gin-and-tonic belly. :)
But I did quit smoking 5 months ago - so that couldn't have helped. And I'm now proactively doing something about it by going to the gym every now and again.
Out of interest, what garnish does one choose for a G/T? Lime is good, but I can have too much lime (in my tequila-based cocktails, say ;) ). I do like the mellow effect that slivers of cucumber have. Anyone else appreciate a little cucumber here?
Great post - I learnt something new today! :)
Definitely the go to is lime for a Gin & Tonic however, cucumber or mint are also prominent in Gin based drinks I believe.