- Leave a review
- Bookmark
- Share
- Report
- prev
- next
Description
World Gin Day – June 14 rolls around, and gin lovers across the globe raise a glass in celebration. If you're someone who enjoys a refreshing G&T on a summer day or loves exploring creative cocktails, then this day is your perfect excuse to sip and smile.
History
Gin traces its roots to the Netherlands in the 17th century. Dutch doctors created a medicinal spirit called ‘jenever’, made by distilling malt wine with juniper berries. People genuinely believed it could cure kidney and stomach problems. Whether or not it worked is debatable — but it certainly made people feel better.
The earliest known recipe for jenever dates back to 1550, found in a Dutch physician’s medical text. This concoction was seen more as a healing potion than a party drink. Still, it didn’t take long for it to move from the pharmacy shelf to the tavern counter.
When the British troops discovered jenever during the Thirty Years’ War, they brought the taste back home. Gin — short for jenever — soon became a hit in England. In fact, during the early 1700s, gin was sold in pharmacies as medicine. Yes, that means people were popping down to their chemist not for cough syrup, but for a cheeky bottle of gin.
By the 18th century, gin had exploded in popularity in London. So much so, that it led to a period known as The Gin Craze. Think of it as the original wild party era. Gin was cheap, unregulated, and everywhere. People were even feeding it to babies — definitely not recommended today!
The government tried to control it, but nothing could slow down the gin juggernaut. Eventually, laws and better quality control made gin safer (and tastier), helping it evolve into the classy cocktail base we love today.
How To Celebrate
1. Host a Gin Tasting at Home
Pick 3-5 different gins (dry, floral, citrusy, herbal), get some tonic water, and try them side by side. Use fancy glasses, garnish with lime, cucumber, or herbs, and take notes on your favorites.
2. Visit a Local Gin Distillery
Many distilleries offer tours, tastings, and classes. You get to see how gin is made and maybe even try a gin straight from the still.
3. Create a Gin-Inspired Dinner Party
Pair gin with dishes that complement its botanical flavors. Think grilled salmon, lemony pastas, or a fresh salad with dill and cucumber.
Amazing Facts
1. Gin is made with juniper berries — which aren’t actually berries.
They’re technically cones from the juniper shrub, but they look like berries, so the name stuck!
2. The word “gin” comes from “genièvre” (French) and “jenever” (Dutch).
Both words mean “juniper,” the core flavor of every gin.
3. Gin started as a medicine.
In the 1600s, jenever was prescribed for everything from stomach aches to gout. It was the original wellness shot!
4. The first known jenever recipe was written in 1550.
A Dutch physician recorded it in a medical book — gin’s early days were all about healing, not happy hours.
5. British soldiers used to drink gin before battle.
Hence the phrase “Dutch Courage” — they got the idea from Dutch troops who drank jenever.
Why We Love
1. It’s a Flavor Playground
Gin is like a blank canvas. While the main flavor is juniper, distillers get creative by adding botanicals like coriander, citrus peel, lavender, cinnamon, and even rose petals. No two gins taste exactly alike.
2. It’s a Mixologist’s Dream
Gin works beautifully in cocktails. From the classic Gin & Tonic to the elegant Negroni, or the playful French 75, there’s a gin drink for every kind of vibe.
3. It’s Light and Refreshing
On a hot summer’s day, few things are more satisfying than an ice-cold gin cocktail. It’s not heavy, it’s not too sweet, and it goes down smooth.
Add a review