The short answer to what does gin taste like
You might be wondering, what does gin taste like? Gin is a vermouth-like distilled spirit that contains juniper berries in its main flavoring ingredient. Those berries give gin its distinct pine-like flavor. Gin typically has a much higher alcohol content than vermouth, making the drink a bit more potent, but it’s also usually mixed with tonic or other ingredients.
What does gin taste like?
Gin used to be something that only old ladies drank but in recent years, this drink has become one of the features of many trendy bars. With huge numbers of flavors being launched, even the newest of gin drinkers will be able to find a taste that suits them.
However, traditional gin is considered to be the best and yet, many people are still unfamiliar with its taste.
If you have been invited to a gin tasting or an evening out at one of the many gin bars around the world, you might be wondering what to expect. Well, wonder no more; our guide to what does gin taste like will soon have you as knowledgeable as a gin connoisseur- well, almost!
Does Gin Have A Taste?
Gin is a distilled alcoholic drink, commonly referred to as a spirit. Traditionally, gin is made from juniper berries and while it was originally made for medicinal purposes in Europe, most notably parts of France, it is now enjoyed as a social drink by people all around the world.
In the EU, there are laws and regulations surrounding what a gin must taste like and how it must be made. If a beverage doesn’t comply with these rules, it simply cannot be considered to be a gin.
Typically, gin is made with grains which are fermented and then herbs, most traditionally, juniper berries are added to give the drink flavor. However, in modern times, other flavors are being created – more on this later!
How would you describe the taste of gin?
A lot of people have asked, does gin taste like rubbing alcohol? There are, indeed, some people who would compare it to this taste.
While this drink does have a very strong, sometimes burning taste, the more educated palette will be able to pick out the subtle flavors contained within it.
For example, many gins will have a piney flavor and this comes from the juniper berries used in its production. However, depending on the brand, there may be other botanical ingredients that alter the flavor significantly.
What Is A Contemporary Gin?
If you have been paying attention in the last few years, you will have noticed that there has been an influx in the number of flavored gins being released onto the market. These are considered to be contemporary gins and come in overwhelming numbers.
For some people, the strong taste of traditional distilled gin is far too overpowering and a fruitier, herbier, even spicier alternative is preferred. Whatever your preference, you’ll likely find a gin to suit this. Berries like strawberry are popular ingredients, as is rhubarb and ginger.
There are also many floral gins being released with rose being an incredibly popular flavor. However, if you prefer something a little tangier, there are many citrus gins such as those featuring lemon, orange peel, and grapefruit, among others.
In the UK, sloe gin has become very popular. This drink is made using sloes which are a type of plum. The deep red colored liquid has become a common choice at Christmas and many people are now creating their own sloe gin at home.
This type of gin also typically has a lower alcohol content than traditional dry gin.
What Does Gin Taste Best With?
Gin can be drunk on its own but many people would find the taste too overpowering for this. One of the most common mixers for dry London gin is tonic water. Tonic water has a slight sweetness and a noticeable bitterness which is the perfect complement to the fruity and spicy notes found in the gin.
This mixer dates back many hundreds of years to the British colonies that settled in India who would use Indian tonic water to take the edge of the strong gin.
However, tonic water does have something of an acquired taste and as such, gin is also popularly mixed with lemonade if you like something very sweet. Furthermore, this drink can be mixed with fruit juices such as lime, pineapple juice, and even cucumber for a fresher, more summery drink.
Finally, if you want a very traditional and iconic drink, you might mix gin with vermouth to create a Martini; one of the most well-known and loved drinks on the planet!
Is Gin The Healthiest Alcohol?
Owing to its very low calorie count, gin is considered to be one of the healthiest spirits in the world. For people who are looking to lose weight, stay healthy, and avoid high calorie intake but still want to enjoy an alcoholic drink, gin is a good choice. That being said, the gin is only as healthy as what you mix it with.
What is the healthiest mixer for gin?
Tonic water is considered to be one of the healthiest mixers for gin. It contains just 34 calories per serving and so is ideal as part of a calorie-controlled diet.
Does Gin Get Your Drunk?
Gin has an alcohol content of around 40% so is considerably strong. This means that, if you drink enough of it, you will likely end up getting drunk.
However, the amount you can tolerate will vary from person to person. This may depend on factors such as how much you have eaten, your weight, your health, and the type of gin you are drinking.
A lot of people associate drinking gin with negative feelings with a lot of drinkers reporting that they begin to feel sad or will cry after drinking gin. In other people, gin can bring on aggression and even violent behavior.
Of course, we would always advocate drinking gin responsibly and enjoying a glass or two rather than indulging in copious amounts which could be bad for your health.
Summary
Gin is a strong alcohol drink that has been around for a long time. In modern times, there is more focus on flavored gins. In addition to the array of gins available, there is also an incredible selection of mixers.
This allows drinkers to create a beverage that is unique to their tastes. While gin does have a strong, fruity and spicy taste, it can be counteracted depending on what it is mixed with.
