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All About Gin Table Magazine

Leo Migdal
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all about gin table magazine

In the 1700s, people went crazy for gin. No, really. The “Gin Craze” was a historical event, when suddenly common people were drinking liquor, which was previously only enjoyed by the upper classes. Daniel Defoe, a British author at the time, commented that “the Distillers have found out a way to hit the palate of the Poor.” British paupers made gin in bathtubs and sinks. Wheelbarrows clattered across the cobblestones of British cities, herbaceous liquor sloshing in rusted metal. Dutch leader William of Orange’s soldiers got drunk on it.

Middlesex magistrates called it “the principal cause of all the vice & debauchery committed among the inferior sort of people.” Many died. But the cat was out of the bag, so to speak: aqua vitae, liquor infused with herbs, could be made by anyone. Gin, more so than perhaps any other spirit, is emblematic of class history and how those in the direst of situations will seek relief from suffering. Had internet memes existed at the time, drinking gin would have been a great answer to the meme “What’s classy if you’re rich, but trashy if you’re poor?” To be clear, the British poor... In some cities, beer was safer than drinking water because the brewing process killed off germs. In other parts of the world, liquor like vodka was enjoyed by everyone.

But in Britain, the wealthy drank wine and brandy and the poor drank beer, until gin came around. However, people of all stripes have gone on to enjoy versatile gin as one of the most versatile cocktail mixers. We’ve set out to break down the basics of gin and why it’s remained so beloved over the years. In the broadest possible definition, it’s a neutral spirit infused with botanicals. What separates it from other herbal liqueurs like amaro is that the dominant botanical is juniper. “Some people say it tastes like pine, or like ‘Christmas,’” Vance Henderson, a brand ambassador from Hendrick’s Gin told TABLE.

Henderson noted that people often love it or hate it. “Gin’s nucleus is the juniper,” he said. Its origins come from genever, a Dutch spirit from the 11th century still made today in the Netherlands. Like vodka, gin gets its qualities from the container the distillers use and how many distillations it goes through. Each brand and style has its own process, but a basic distillation process looks a little something like this, from York Gin: Looking to elevate your gin cocktail game beyond a gin and tonic?

TABLE has curated eleven essential gin cocktails that are both simple to make and guaranteed to impress. From refreshing classics to beloved favorites, these gin cocktails are your ticket to home bartending success. Plus, if you’re looking to learn all about gin, we have your complete guide to this clear liquor here. The first thing to know is that all gin contains juniper berries. It’s a law: a neutral distilled spirit must be infused with juniper to be considered gin. The next thing to look for is the list of herbs, roots, spices, flowers, berries and other botanicals used by the distiller.

Angelica root, coriander, and citrus peel are traditional. Modern distillers, however, wax poetic in their additions of pink peppercorns, cardamon seeds, exotic citrus, lavender, rosemary, and other flavorings. The goal is to create a subtle symphony on the palate which is sippapble on its own, or serves as a base for deliciously nuanced cocktails. A colorful, cheerful drink whose seductive charm comes from the bit of orange marmalade mixed into it. Garnish with edible flowers for an extra bit of style and aroma in the presentation. A Mediterranean twist on a bar favorite among gin cocktails, this Gin Mare concoction is sure to transport you to la dolce vita with its herbaceous flavor profile and citrus notes.

Is rizz over? Maybe this slang term has had a moment that’s come and gone. But this decadent gin fizz certainly will make you feel charismatic and cool while drinking it. Gin can be a puzzling liquor, with many cocktail enthusiasts having a love-hate relationship with it. Some find it piney and resinous, others find it overly perfumed and cloying. In contrast, others find it tastes like a medicine cabinet.

Gin begins like vodka as a neutral grain spirit from wheat, corn, grapes, or anything you can ferment into alcohol. It's then infused with a mix of botanicals, including the always-present, herbaceous juniper berries, giving it a distinct woodsy, earthy, pine tree quality (in addition to other florals, herbs, spices, teas, and other aromatics). Recently, producers have been working outside the box of a classic gin, crafting modern interpretations that dial back the juniper-heavy flavor to elevate the overall taste. Six producers released new selections this year that follow that contemporary trend. Made with exotic and aromatic botanicals, these gins push the boundaries of the classic liquor while highlighting a range of flavors that reveal exotic, evocative tastes. I had a chance to try each of the stand out gins of 2025.

I sipped each selection neat initially to evaluate, then mixed the gins into an array of drinks to find the ideal expression for each. These bottles will change the way you may drink your evening cocktails, altering familiar flavors to create thought-provoking, intriguing cocktails worthy of a conversation. Utilizing my knowledge and training as a Certified Sommelier, I reviewed each selection while providing the ideal cocktail to showcase the nuances of each option. Master distiller Leslie Gracie debuted the latest limited edition Oasium gin to her Hendrick's Cabinet of Curiosities in February 2025, which is the eighth expression added to the cabinet. The brand is known for coloring outside the lines with its array of modern, whimsical offerings that challenge the typical juniper-forward, London dry-style gin. The Hendrick's signature gin showcases roses and cucumber, with a mix of 11 additional botanicals including chamomile, elderflower, orange peel, and juniper.

And while Hendrick's doesn't disclose the exact blend of botanicals in its new Oasium release, it does note the gin is inspired by a desert oasis; the mix of plants, aromatic herbs, and citrus... A dry gin cocktail recipe from the mixologists and distillers of Santa Fe’s Los Poblanos to delight the taste buds. The Three Guineas Cocktail sports an herbaceous profile, piqued with their very own Western-Style Dry Gin. Shake it up. Sip it. And savor the flavor!

Want to know more about gin? Check out All About Gin from our liquor education series. Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Recipe by Gabe GomezPhoto courtesy of Los Poblanos Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition. Copyright © Table Magazine, 2025 Table Magazine participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

TABLE Magazine operates regional sites - Knowing your location helps us route you to the appropriate site for the best experience. I know, I know – you’ve had a spritz before. But trust me, this gin spritz from Kaitlin Fellers is like no other. The pineapple syrup gives the fruity, refreshing drink a tropical edge, balanced out with herby, almost licorice-like dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. Grab a bottle of Lawrenceville Distilling’s Jaggerbush American Dry Gin to finish off the drink with a few light botanicals. This gin spritz uses a dry gin, with a huge roster of botanicals, floral notes, and a peppery finish.

Lawrenceville Distilling is a small distiller in Pittsburgh, known also for their absinthe. If you can’t order from them, try to find a gin with a similar flavor profile. For more about picking a gin for a cocktail, you can read our liquor education piece All About Gin. Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Recipe by Kaitlin FellersPhotography and styling by Keith Recker Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Dan Ball of Hyeholde shows his love for cocktail fun with this Market Alley Punch, featuring a house-made blueberry syrup and Market Alley Gin. This one is for all the party punch lovers out there, perfect for spring and summer gatherings when the blueberries are ripe and the drinks are flowing. For another blueberry gin cocktail, try our Blueberry French 75. Market Alley is a Pennsylvania original from Thistle Finch Distilling. The flavor of this new American style gin has a mixture of traditional botanicals, citrus accents, and other local flavors. Thistle Finch distills their gin in small batches in the heart of Lancaster, the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania.

They produce rye whiskey, bourbon, rum, and vodka along with gin, so there’s a spirit for everyone. Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Recipe by Dan BallStyling by Keith ReckerPhotography by Dave Bryce Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition. This festive cocktail recipe not only puts a twist on a classic Moscow Mule by incorporating gin, but it also adds holiday flair with cranberry juice. In our summery Broken Plane cocktail, the sweet, bitter, and citrusy profile of a Paper Plane gets an aromatic boost from elderflower liqueur and herbs.

Whip up this fruity sophisticated martini, which combines lychee syrup with gin and Thai basil, as the perfect tipple for your White Lotus series 3 watch party. Inspired by the neon youth serum that Demi Moore's character uses in the Oscar-nominated "The Substance," this fruity martini is delicious and visually bold. This New Orleans-style martini features classics like gin and vermouth, along with an absinthe rinse for extra fun.

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