What is gin made of?
Gin is an alcoholic beverage that has become a favorite among cocktail lovers worldwide. But what is gin made of? In this post, we will look at the ingredients used to make gin.
Basic Ingredients
The basic ingredients needed to make gin are alcohol and juniper.
The alcohol is often a mixture of grains such as barley, wheat, or rye, which are fermented to create a mash. This mash is distilled to create a pure alcohol that is used as the base for this type of beverage.
Juniper, a medicinal plant, gives gin its characteristic flavor. It is added to the distilled alcohol during distillation.
Botanicals
In addition to juniper, gin contains other botanicals that give it its characteristic flavor and aroma. These botanicals can vary depending on the brand and recipe used. Some commonly used ones include:
Angelica root: Gives gin a bitter and spicy flavor and is also used as a scent fixative.
Coriander seeds: Add a slightly citrusy and spicy flavor.
Citrus peel: Provides a fresh and fruity flavor to gin, commonly using orange or lemon peel.
Cassia: Similar to cinnamon, it gives a sweet and spicy touch.
Orris root: Contributes to giving a floral and sweet aroma to the drink.
Licorice: Offers a sweet and smooth flavor and is often used as a natural sweetener.
Nutmeg: Adds a slightly spicy and sweet taste.
Some gin manufacturers may also use other less common botanicals in the production of their beverage, such as sage, thyme, lavender, or rosemary.
The specific combination of botanicals used in production is what gives rise to the wide variety of flavors and aromas found in the market.
Water
Water is a fundamental ingredient in the production of gin. It is necessary for the distillation of alcohol and is also used to dilute the gin to its desired alcohol strength.
The water used in the production of gin must be of high quality and free of impurities, as any unwanted taste or aroma in the water can affect its final flavor.
Sugars
Some manufacturers may use sugars in the production of their beverage to soften its taste. These sugars can be added during distillation or after it, depending on the recipe used.
Their use can also be an important factor in creating infused gins, as they can help balance the intense flavors of herbs and spices.
It is important to note that some gin purists consider the use of sugars to be an unnecessary addition and that it can distort the original taste. While others argue that their moderate use can contribute to creating a smoother and easier-to-drink gin.
Optional Ingredients
In addition to the basic ingredients and botanicals mentioned, there are other optional elements that manufacturers can use to create more personalized flavors and aromas. Some of these elements include:
Flowers: Flowers can be used to give a delicate and floral flavor. Some flowers that can be used include lavender, rose, and elderflower.
Herbs: Herbs provide an earthy and herbaceous flavor. Some herbs that can be used in production include thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Spices: Spices can be used to give a spicy and warm flavor. The most commonly used include cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
Fruits and berries: These provide a fresh and vegetal flavor. Some widely used fruits and berries include strawberry, blueberry, apple, and pear.
Vegetables: Vegetables can be used to give gin a fresh and vegetal flavor. Some that can be used in the production of the alcoholic beverage include cucumber, beetroot, and celery.
Tea and coffee: Can be used to give a pleasantly bitter flavor. Some types of tea and coffee can be used in the production of gin, such as green tea, Earl Grey tea, and espresso coffee.
Each gin manufacturer has its own recipe and blend of ingredients, resulting in a wide variety of styles and flavors in the market.
Bruni Gin is a Spanish gin that cares about using the best ingredients in its production processes.
