Gin and its surprising friends – 7 tips beyond gin and tonic and Negroni

Gin is a neutral spirit made from grains, primarily barley, rye, or corn, flavored mainly with juniper berries. Its history dates back to the 17th century, linked to the Thirty Years' War and its introduction as a medicinal product in the Netherlands. The English soldiers noticed that their Dutch allies drank gin before battles, which seemed to boost their courage. This led to a surge in gin consumption in England, with thousands of distilleries operating until regulation in 1751. Today, gin must be at least 37.5% alcohol by volume to be sold as such. Despite a slight decline in popularity, the gin market is projected to grow significantly, reaching $16.5 billion this year and potentially $26.4 billion by 2036. Classic cocktails like gin and tonic, martini, and negroni remain popular, with variations depending on local preferences.