Have you seen our new gin-making kit? Developed by Eric Prum and Josh Williams — the guys behind the Mason Shaker and the mixology book Shake — the kit makes it easy to create high-quality, small-batch gin at home in just 36 hours. The secret: infuse regular vodka with a hand-selected blend of spices and aromatics for a delicious, complex flavor.
Inspired by the kit, we turned to Eric and Josh for a deeper dive into the world of gin: how it’s made, what makes it unique, and how to use it at home. Read on, and start mixing!
How is gin made?
Gin is essentially a flavored neutral spirit. A blend of juniper berries, spices and aromatics is infused into a neutral base spirit either during or after distillation to create the complex flavors of gin that we know and love. That infusion recipe generates the flavor profile of the gin being made and is what really sets one gin apart from another.
How was gin popularized? What’s the most traditional use?
The origins of gin can be traced back to a 17th century Dutch physician who used an early form of gin for medicinal purposes, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that gin became a popular (and respectable) spirit. Gin first gained popularity in Great Britain and the outlying British colonies, where it was famously paired with quinine-based tonic water as a cure for malaria, eventually making its way to the United States. During prohibition, gin was a popular speakeasy offering, given how easy it was to produce (often times being made in actual bathtubs, hence the term “Bathtub Gin”). In today’s cocktail world, gin has made a big comeback and you can find numerous gin-based cocktails on any respectable bar menu.
The most classic uses for gin are the Martini, which combines gin and vermouth, and the Gin & Tonic, both of which showcase the unique aromas and flavors of gin.
What are the different styles of gin? How are the profiles/flavors of each distinct?
There are a few different styles of gin, each with their own unique characteristics:
- London Dry: The most prevalent style of gin made today and what most of us would identify as typical “gin.” Very dry and light on the botanicals, with a pungent aroma of juniper berries, London Dry gin makes for a great base spirit for a classic martini.
- Plymouth: A regional gin, made only in Plymouth, England, Plymouth gin is similar to London Dry but slightly more aromatic and sweeter. Plymouth gin pairs up well with a citrus-spiked cocktail like a French 75.
- Old Tom: Old Tom Gin is sweeter and more full bodied than most other gins and can be used in a Tom Collins cocktail.
- New Style: Because there are so many different ways to infuse gin, you have a wide variety of craft distillers making everything from floral to smoky gins on the market today.
What do you look for when selecting a gin?
We love small-batch gin for the unique flavors they present. Ultimately, the best way to select gin is to taste it (because it all looks the same from the outside!). Many small wine and spirits shops do tastings with the distillers present, so we encourage people to get out, taste and see what flavors and aromas they like best.
What are the best uses for gin?
We love gin for classic cocktails, including the Dirty Martini, the French 75, the Negroni and, of course, the Gin & Tonic.
What are some creative ways you’ve found to use gin, beyond the classic cocktails?
We like to infuse gin with fresh ingredients, and then use it to create fresh takes on cocktails like the Gin and Tonic. One of our favorite infusions is spicy cucumber gin. Beyond cocktails, gin can also be used in cooking! For example, we’ve used it to make gin-cured gravlax or even glazed venison.
Any favorite flavor pairings for gin (herbs, fruits, seasonings, etc?)
Gin pairs best with citrus and savory flavors. Classic pairings include lemon, lime, cucumber, mint, thyme and even hot chile peppers. We love getting creative and trying new combinations!
What’s the best glassware for gin cocktails? Any other serving suggestions?
The best glassware depends on the type of cocktail you are making: carbonated cocktails are traditionally served in a Collins glass, cocktails that are served up (no ice) go in a classic cocktail coupe, and cocktails that are served over ice typically will go in a rocks glass.
Tell us about the Homemade Gin Kit. What was the inspiration?
We wanted to demystify the process of making gin, educate gin lovers like ourselves and bring the process of making gin out of the distillery and into the home. With the right blend of infusion ingredients, gin really isn’t that hard to make at home, and we wanted gin lovers to see how easy it is to turn generic vodka into delicious gin.
Why should people make gin at home? Any advantages?
The process of making gin at home is interactive, creative and just plain fun. Plus, it’s pretty cool to be able to say you made gin yourself! You can also go one step further and add your own tweaks to the infusion. This adds new flavors so that you can create your own unique batch of gin.
Any tips for people using the kit?
The kit provides everything you need to make a basic gin, but you can always add your own twist to the recipe by adding other ingredients. We suggest you try citrus zest, cucumber spears or fresh herbs to create your own signature gin to have on your home bar.
1 comment
I lost the directions for the gin making kit. How can I get another one. Thank you!