Imagine yourself sitting at a cozy bar on a chilly evening, sipping on a delicious cocktail that has a distinct aroma and flavour that you can’t quite put your finger on. As you take another sip, the bartender leans over and whispers, “It’s the juniper berries, my friend. That’s what makes this gin so special.”

Gin is a spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries, both on its own and in a variety of cocktails. While some people may think of gin as simply a clear, juniper-flavoured spirit, the reality is that it can be much more complex than that.

Gin is made up of a variety of botanicals, each with its own unique flavour and aroma, that come together to create a spirit that is both versatile and delicious. So, when buying gin online, it’s important to read the main ingredients in that specific gin, as each type suits a different occasion. You might need one type of gin when you drink it neat, another when you want to combine it into simple cocktails, and a whole other type of gin if you wish to mix up something more complex.

So, what exactly is gin made out of? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients that are often used to create this beloved spirit, and explore how they contribute to its distinct flavour and character.

What is gin?

Gin is a beloved spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries, with a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It can be consumed on its own or as part of different recipes with gin. It is a clear, aromatic liquor that is characterized by its distinct and complex flavour profile, which is derived from the unique combination of botanicals used in its production.

While gin has a reputation for being a quintessentially British drink, it is now produced all over the world, with each region putting its own spin on this classic spirit.

The base of gin is typically made of a neutral grain spirit, which is distilled to a high proof and then flavoured with a variety of botanicals. Although the exact recipe for gin can vary from brand to brand and from region to region, there are a few key ingredients that are commonly used in its production.

What is gin made of?

So what is gin made of originally?

The truth is that no two gin types are the same. The world of gin is so rich and diverse that you can pretty much find a ton of formulas and recipes available to test. However, there are some ingredients that are more popular than others.

Juniper berries

You may be wondering what berry is gin made of. Well, the most popular berry used in gin is the juniper berry.

Juniper berries are the most essential ingredient in gin, giving the spirit its distinctive piney flavour and aroma. These small, dark blue berries are harvested from the juniper tree, a coniferous plant that is found throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.

Juniper berries are typically added to the grain spirit during the second distillation process, which allows the essential oils from the berries to infuse into the alcohol.

Coriander

Coriander is another common ingredient in gin, adding a citrusy, slightly spicy flavour to the spirit. The seeds of the coriander plant are used in gin production and are typically added to the grain spirit during the first distillation process. Coriander is particularly popular in London dry gin, a style of gin that is known for its crisp, clean taste.

Angelica root

Angelica root is a slightly bitter, earthy ingredient that is often used in gin production to balance out the other flavours in the spirit. The root of the angelica plant is dried and then added to the grain spirit during the second distillation process.

Orris root

Orris root, on the other hand, is a fragrant, floral ingredient that is used in gin to add a sweet, violet-like aroma. The root of the iris plant is dried and then ground into a powder, which is added to the grain spirit during the second distillation process.

Lemon

Lemon and orange peel are both popular ingredients in gin, adding a bright, citrusy flavour to the spirit. The peels of these fruits are typically added to the grain spirit during the second distillation process, allowing their essential oils to infuse into the alcohol, similarly to juniper berries.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and is also a popular ingredient in gin. This aromatic spice adds a warm, spicy flavour to the spirit, and is typically added to the grain spirit during the first distillation process.

Licorice

Licorice is a sweet, anise-flavoured ingredient that is used in gin to add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the flavour profile. The root of the licorice plant is dried and then added to the grain spirit during the second distillation process.

Chinese cinnamon

Chinese cinnamon, also known as cassia bark, is a warm, spicy ingredient that is commonly used in gin. This aromatic spice adds a sweet, cinnamon-like flavour to the spirit, and is typically added to the grain spirit during the first distillation process.

Black pepper

Black pepper is a pungent, spicy ingredient that is sometimes used in gin to add a peppery kick to the flavor profile. The peppercorns are usually included in the grain spirit during the first distillation process.

Cucumber

Cucumber is a more modern addition to the world of gin, and is used to add a fresh, crisp flavour to the spirit. Cucumber is typically added to the gin after it has been distilled, allowing the flavour to infuse into the spirit.

How is gin made?

The creation process of gin is a complex and fascinating one, involving multiple distillations and infusions of botanicals.

The first step in gin production is the creation of the base spirit, which is typically made of a neutral grain spirit, such as wheat, corn, or barley. The base spirit is then distilled in a pot still or column still to a high proof, typically around 95% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Once the base spirit has been created, the botanicals are added to the spirit during one or more distillation processes. Some gin producers add all of the botanicals to the spirit at once, while others add them in separate stages to create a more complex flavour profile.

During the first distillation process, the base spirit is heated and the botanicals are added to the still. The spirit is then heated to the point where it vaporizes, and the vapours are condensed and collected as a liquid. This liquid, known as the “low wines,” is then distilled again in a second distillation process, along with additional botanicals.

The second distillation process is typically where the majority of the flavour and aroma of the gin is created. The botanicals are added to the spirit in a basket or suspended in the still, and the spirit is heated and distilled once again. The vapours are then condensed and collected as a liquid, which is typically diluted with water to reduce the alcohol content to a more palatable level.

After the second distillation process is complete, the gin may be aged in oak barrels or stored in stainless steel tanks before being bottled and sold.

Conclusion

Overall, the creation of gin is a complex and artistic process that requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of the botanicals used in its production. By combining a variety of herbs, spices, and other flavourings, gin producers are able to create a spirit that is both unique and versatile, and that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries.

If you’re ready to get a taste of this exciting world, check out our diverse gin products and experience all that this wonderful drink has to offer.