Gin is one of the most popular spirits in the entire world, and it is enjoyed all over the world both by itself and as a part of various delicious cocktails.
National Gin Day makes for a great opportunity to celebrate this tasty and interesting spirit with friends while supporting local bars and restaurants.
History of Gin
Gin has been in existence since the middle ages when Juniper berries were originally used to bring flavor and depth to the spirit. The first traces of Gin date back to the 1600s and the first representations were produced in the Netherlands.
While Gin may be Deutch in origin, it was the United Kingdom that truly skyrocketed this type of liquor to prominence and popularity when the spirit was fully embraced by the country. It was in the late 1600s when William the Third enacted certain laws to promote the production of domestic liquor distillation that Lonon went into what is now known as the “Gin Craze.”
During this time, it was common for a pint of Gin to cost less than a pint of beer, and much of London’s population fell into a habit of heavy drinking. This led to a period in the 18th century where Gin developed a bad reputation as much of the population struggled with alcoholism.
In the 1800s, Gin started to shed its image as reserved only for drunkards and lower class citizens, and it was around this time that members of the British Royal Navy began mixing their rations of Gin with tonic water and lime, which helped prevent scurvy.
These are the roots of the Gin and tonic cocktail, and this is how the spirit is most often consumed today. Gin’s reputation has transformed to the point that it is most often associated with high-class bars and upscale cocktails today.
Popular Types of Gin
While high-quality Gin is produced all over the world today, the best and most highly regarded producers are all located in England and Scotland. It is also one of the country’s top exports when it comes to alcohol.
Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin is both affordable and very famous, and it is enjoyed all over the world by Gin enthusiasts. It has received high marks from a number of beverage critics, including a 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast.
A bottle of Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin can often be purchased for less than $35, making it one of the best values in all of liquor in the eyes of many beverage critics and industry professionals.
Black Forest Distillers Monkey 47 ‘Distillers Cut’ Schwarzwald Dry Gin is a high end bottle of Gin that is produced in the country of Germany, and is regarded by many Gin enthusiasts as one of the best options on the market in terms of quality.
This high-quality bottle of Gin can cost up to $200 per bottle, and many people look at it as a luxury brand or status symbol rather than a bottle of liquor. It is very flavorful and balanced with a clean finish that is truly one of a kind in the world of liquor.
Hendrick’s Gin is produced in Scotland, and many people view it as the perfect balance between value and quality as it represents incredibly high quality considering the reasonable price point of under $40 per bottle.
Hendrick’s Gin has competed in and placed in a number of recognizable wine and spirits competitions, including both silver and bronze medals at the 2016 and 2105 International Wine & Spirit Competition, respectively.
Best Gin Cocktails
While the iconic Gin and Tonic is the most famous Gin based cocktail in the entire world, there are many other interesting and delicious Gin cocktails that are perfect for celebrating National Gin Day and great for serving at parties.
One of the best classic cocktails of all time is made using Gin, and Tom Collins has been a favorite among Gin enthusiasts for decades. It is light and bubbly and makes for one of the best ways to showcase this unique spirit.
It is made using lemon juice, simple syrup or sugar, and club soda for a delicious and sparkling Gin based mixed drink that is great for outdoor parties and summer enjoyment, as it is light and refreshing like a lemonade.
For those who are a bit more adventurous and don’t mind taking a few extra steps to prepare their cocktails, the Gin Fizz makes for a fantastic Gin based beverage. It is sweet and bubbly, with a distinct foamy head that comes from whipped egg whites.
This is a high-end cocktail that is served at some of the finest restaurants in the world, and it has become extremely popular among craft cocktail enthusiasts. It can also be made using water from canned chickpeas for an identical vegan alternative.
The Negroni is another classic Gin based cocktail that has become very popular over the past few decades. It originated in Italy and is regarded by many as one of the best cocktails in the entire world.
A combination of Gin, Campari, and Vermouth make for a complex and interesting flavor profile that is rounded out by the aroma and light taste of the orange garnish. It is only for the bold, as it is full of strong flavors that many people can’t get enough of.
World Gin Day
World Gin Day is a popular holiday that celebrates all aspects of this unique beverage on June 11th, and there are many parties and celebrations to commemorate the holiday all over the world every year.
There are many different cocktail bars and high-end restaurants that celebrate World Gin Day every year, and many of them roll out unique Gin-based cocktails that are only available once per year.
While heading out to a bar or restaurant to support your local bartender is a great way to celebrate World Gin Day, many people choose to stay in for a quiet cocktail at home or even throw a party to celebrate.
One of the best ways to celebrate World Gin Day on a budget is to pick up a high-end bottle of Gin and mix up your favorite cocktail at home with family or loved ones. Many liquor stores also celebrate the holiday, and there are plenty of savings to be had.
National Gin and Tonic Day
National Gin and Tonic Day takes place every year on April 9th, and it celebrates the most beloved and famous cocktail that is made using Gin in the entire world. It is widely observed across the United States, and it is a great way to celebrate this iconic cocktail.
Mixing up a Gin and tonic is as simple as mixing tonic water with your favorite type of gin and adding either a squeeze or garnish of lemon or lime depending on your preference. It is light and balanced, and many people find it to be the most refreshing of all cocktails.
There are a number of drink specials that are served at high-end cocktail bars and nightclubs each year on National Gin and Tonic Day, and there are also many unique twists on the beverage that are also served on this holiday.
There is also an International Gin and Tonic Day, which takes place on October 19th of each year. It is also widely celebrated, and some of the largest parties and events take place all across the United Kingdom.
National Gin Day – Conclusion
There are a number of reasons to celebrate gin, as it is one of the most unique and interesting spirits found behind any bar and it makes for a great cocktail.
This historic type of liquor has become so popular that today there are multiple holidays in its honor, and both World Gin Day and National Gin and Tonic day have grown into major occasions.
