Do you really need an excuse to drink gin? With World Gin Day (13th June) next weekend and most countries still awaiting an ease of lockdown, particularly on pubs and bars, there’s still plenty of ways to celebrate World Gin Day. So stock up and prepare to pour yourself a large glass of your favourite gin tipple; sit back and relax. To help you, here are a few gin related facts and ideas from around the world.
Origin of gin
The origin of gin is the Netherlands, unless the rumours of Italian monks using juniper berries in distilled spirits in the 11th Century is worth considering. Known as Genever, the Dutch drink was apparently discovered by the British whilst fighting in Antwerp. It’s calming properties from drinking before battle is where the phrase ‘Dutch courage’ originates.
Over the years English distillers developed their own version, shortening the name to gin. Consumption in Great Britain, particularly London in the 18th Century caused the Gin Craze and perhaps a reason why the origin of gin is sometimes thought to be British.
How to serve gin
The type of glass you choose is down to personal preference, or what you have to hand, but it does make a difference to the experience. Depending on what you choose to drink your gin with your chosen vessel may also vary.
A classic (gin and tonic or Tom Collins anyone?) gin based drink is often served in a long highball glass. Although in recent years the Copa de Balon has emerged as a popular choice. It originates from Spain, who apparently has the largest gin drinkers in Europe. This glass definitely improves the taste, enhancing the flavour and allowing you to enjoy any chosen garnish that little bit more.
Plenty of ice keeps your drink cool, but of course if, like me on occasion, it’s gone as quickly as it’s poured, maybe just a couple of cubes will suffice.
The classic – gin and tonic
Credit for the creation of gin and tonic goes to the British officers in India in the early 19th Century. They mixed gin with water, sugar and lime, to improve the taste of quinine, which was used as an antimalarial. Today this is unlikely to keep the bugs away, but it’s worth a try. Here are some other tips to help avoid mosquitos on your travels and at home instead.
Tonic water today is much less bitter as contains very little quinine, but the popular mixer with gin continues to be a favourite. Which brand of tonic you choose can be a measure of snobbery, in my opinion. I’m personally quite partial to a flavoured gin with my tonic as well. There are so many to choose from, and enough to take a world ‘gin’ tour at home.
Other gin cocktails
Sipping on a world famous Singapore Sling (initially called the gin sling) in the Raffles hotel Long Bar in Singapore is a must do on every visitors itinerary. Personally I find this cocktail a little bit too sweet and the pre-mixed experience was some what disappointing. Read more from my visit to Raffles Hotel. If you want to create this cocktail for yourself, the recipe is well documented including here.
Another classic gin cocktail is the Tom Collins, made from gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water. Or perhaps you prefer a martini traditionally made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or twist of lemon – shaken or stirred.
There are many other gin based cocktails – if you fancy a few from around the world, here are some ideas, with instructions.
Gin on my travels
Today, you will find gin drinkers in every bar in every country. Back in 2016 when I first encountered gin on my travels, it wasn’t really all that popular. However, back then, whilst in the Philippines, I saw gin everywhere, especially in the homes I visited whilst in Banaue seeing the rice terraces. Although to be honest, at the time I initially thought it was beer!
Most people know San Miguel as a beer, and that’s a pale lager from the Philippines. Gineba San Miguel however, is a Filipino gin. I’ve since discovered it remains a very popular tipple in the Philippines today. In fact the Philippines is one of the world’s biggest markets for gin. I’m not sure if those statistics are current, given how the popularity of gin all over the world has grown these past few years.
If you want to drink gin like the Filipinos pour the first shot on the ground with an “alay sa demonyo” (offering to the spirits) 🤨!
Celebrate World Gin Day
Need more ideas of how to spend World Gin Day, then why not consider taking part in or having a virtual event with friends. This year there’s plenty of virtual events taking place, including a gin run. For those that prefer something less liquid, why not try one of the gin kin recipes, including chocolate orange truffles. I hope some readers will share more ideas below.
Pin for later:
