Gin is no ordinary drink. Made popular by James Bond, it has recently been revived as a favourite. Heralded as a cocktail drink, making gin has also become a common home project.
A Brief History of Gin
Did you know that the term ‘Dutch courage’ originated with gin? During the seventeenth century, the Dutch fought in the Thirty Years’ War and were observed by the British to drink gin before battle to give them courage. The British soldiers returned to the UK eager to make and drink their own gin.
Coates & Co. gin, later to be renamed Plymouth, is the oldest gin made in the UK. Produced in the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, which lies behind the Royal Navy, this gin has acquired a distinctive reputation in the UK. Its unique taste has been attributed to being blended with Dartmoor water from Devon.
Gin is made with vodka that has been distilled with various botanicals, which are natural ingredients. The key botanical used in gin is juniper, which first came from Scotland. Other items used to flavour gin are liquorice, citrus peel, ginger, cardamom, angelica root, coriander, and cinnamon, to name a few. However, some gins are artificially flavoured, so you want to watch out for this.
Health Benefits of Gin
The main ingredient in gin, juniper, is a berry that contains vitamin C and flavonoids – the latter is also an ingredient in red wine. Flavonoids fight inflammation, cancer, allergies, and viruses. Juniper berries are also anti-microbial and anti-fungal and fight off the flu. The antioxidants in juniper berries promote younger-looking skin. The juniper berries in gin are also a powerful diuretic. They reduce water retention and bloating and can prevent urinary tract infections.
Flavonoids can reduce neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Drinking gin (in moderation) may assist in improving blood circulation and, by doing so, increase your lifespan. If you stick to neat gin, you will also be keeping the calories down.
Gin contains citrus peel which is a bitter. These botanicals increase digestive enzymes and stomach acid, aiding digestion.
Luxury Gins
While gin can be made with vodka and a few botanicals, this specialised drink has acquired a market of its own. If you are looking for a luxury gin that is not available in supermarkets, then you need to look no further than distoo.co.uk. A big plus is that you’ll benefit from door-to-door delivery of your chosen products.
Luxury gins make great gifts or can simply be enjoyed at home with a few special friends. Unusual flavours such as raspberry and rhubarb or spiced honey tempt the tastebuds. The old flavours like black pepper, citrus peel, and juniper can be obtained from top distilleries with pedigree quality.
Whether you are simply enjoying a gin and tonic, using it for medicinal purposes, or distilling it yourself, this drink has been revived as a firm favourite for many. The variety is astounding. So, whether you consider yourself an expert on gin or simply someone who enjoys a cocktail with friends, you will find much to explore on the topic.
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