Gin

Gin is a clear, light-bodied spirit that owes its taste profile to a variety of spices (primarily juniper) which are added to the basic grain. Most producers usually avoid distilling their base spirit and prefer to buy supplies of neutral alcohol.

The combination of spices that are added to the base differs, and though juniper is always dominant, other botanicals commonly include coriander, nutmeg, anise, cinnamon, ginger, and citrus zest. Depending on the process of production, gin traditionally comes in three styles: the highly-prized London dry, distilled, and compound gin.

Because of its complex flavor, gin is used in many classic cocktails such as Martini, Gin and tonic, Gimlet, Vesper, Negroni, Singapore sling, Tom Collins, and Gin fizz. Jenever—the Dutch juniper-flavored spirit that was invented in the 16th century—is believed to be a predecessor of all gin varieties.