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  • Emily Wilson
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What Is Gin Made From? How To Make Gin From Scratch

There’s a reason why gin is such a popular drink, and has been so for many years. Whether you like a classic G&T or enjoy using the spirit as a base for fruity cocktails, gin is as versatile as it is delicious, with numerous variations available on this stylish tipple. Impress your friends and family by making your own gin from scratch – with the opportunity to experiment with fruits and florals to create your own bespoke flavour. 

What Is Gin Made From? 

Gin is a clear spirit made from distilling grains, such as rye or barley, with juniper berries – giving gin its distinct taste and scent. Other botanicals are included and infused within the process to create the fragrant drink, with many gins also including the flavours of spices, florals and fruits in their ingredients, too.

Multiple different types of gin are available with exciting and exotic flavours infused – from fruity aromas to smooth classics, there’s a gin to suit every tastebud. 

How To Make Gin From Scratch 

Ready in just 24 hours, gin is surprisingly easy to make, with the overall flavour and fragrance being easy to adapt depending on your tastes.

You could try using more or less of the dried ingredients mentioned below to create a gin that suits your own preferences, or you could even add additional flavours and fragrances such as pink peppercorns or liquorice root.

With no expensive equipment or ingredients necessary, here’s how to make basic gin from scratch. 

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients Needed: 

  • A 700ml bottle of good quality vodka
  • 2 tbsp of juniper berries 
  • 6 cardamon pods 
  • 1 tsp of coriander seeds 
  • A pinch of dried rose petals 
  • A strip of lemon peel 

Method:

  1. Using a muddler, gently bruise the cardamom pods and juniper berries to release their pungent flavour and fragrance, before putting all of the ingredients into the bottle of vodka. 
  2. Screw the lid down on the vodka and leave it in a cool, dark place for 24 hours. 
  3. Using a sieve lined with coffee filter paper, strain the infused vodka into a jug, before pouring the liquid back into the bottle. 
  4. Continue to store the bottle in a cool, dark place – the gin will keep well for months if stored correctly.
  5. Serve your homemade gin in cocktails, with tonic water or neat over ice if that’s your preference.

Is Gin Liqueur Different From Normal Gin? 

 

Gin liqueurs are growing in popularity in the current market, and they don’t seem to show signs of slowing down any time soon. There is a big difference between normal, standard gin and gin liqueurs though, and this comes down to the number of juniper berries included within the products.

Juniper berries are the primary ingredient that makes gin what it is, and therefore standard gin will include the addition of these berries within its process. Many gin liqueurs, however, have such a small amount of actual gin within their ingredients, it would be extremely hard to detect the flavour of the juniper berries, due to the minimal amount of gin included. 

Though great products, gin liqueurs generally take on the main flavours they’re advertising, as opposed to the flavour of berries and botanicals. 

Try This Delicious Twist On The Standard Gin Recipe! 

Gin cocktails can be easily adapted to ensure you never grow bored of the same old tipple. By using fruit syrups and cordials in your cocktails, you can make a vast array of gin drinks without spending a fortune on multiple bottles of the spirit itself – which can rack up a bill over time. Here’s how to make our delicious peach and elderflower gin and tonic – it’s summer in a glass. 

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients Needed: 

  • 50ml of good quality gin 
  • 15ml of peach syrup 
  • A small bottle of elderflower tonic water 
  • Grapefruit slices (optional) 
  • Ice 

Method: 

  1. Pour the gin into the glass, using the juggler to measure the correct amount. 
  2. Add the peach syrup, and then add cubes of ice. 
  3. Add the elderflower tonic water to fill the glass and using a bar spoon, stir well to ensure all the syrup is thoroughly mixed in. 
  4. Add the grapefruit slices to garnish and serve immediately. 

Gin can either be the star of the show poured over crushed ice and drank straight, or used as a base for cocktails and mixers – however you drink it, it’s a great item to have on your bar cart. Whether you choose to make your own gin from scratch following our recipe, or would like to have a go at our fruity and fragrant gin and tonic, we hope you love all the concoctions that are possible with this on-trend and stylish spirit.