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What Is Gin How It S Made How To Use It In Cocktails

Leo Migdal
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what is gin how it s made how to use it in cocktails

Gin stands out in the spirits world largely because of its defining use of juniper alongside a range of botanicals. This gives it a character that no other major spirit replicates. To understand what makes gin truly different, it helps to look at both how it’s made and how it tastes in comparison to other categories like vodka, whiskey, and rum. Every gin is required—by law in most regions—to have a noticeable juniper flavor. Juniper berries provide sparkling pine, citrus, and herbal notes. Other spirits, including vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey, never feature juniper as the central flavor, making this the core difference.

Gin's flexibility comes from the wide variety of other botanicals allowed—coriander, angelica, citrus peels, cardamom, orris root, licorice, and more. Each distillery uses its own botanical mix and method, yielding a huge range of aromas and flavors. In contrast, distillers of vodka typically aim for neutrality. Whiskey’s and rum’s profiles come from grain, molasses, fermentation nuances, and barrel aging, not infusions of fresh botanicals. The complex, layered flavors of gin make it a favorite for mixed drinks where the spirit’s identity should shine. Classic gin cocktails—like the Gin & Tonic, Martini, and Negroni—depend on the interplay of juniper and botanicals with bitters, vermouths, or fresh mixers.

Spirits like vodka serve more as a neutral backbone for other flavors, while aged spirits like whiskey or rum transform a cocktail’s profile with wood and spice notes. Gin often gets confused with vodka — they’re both clear, distilled spirits. But if you’ve ever tasted a high-quality gin like The Old G, you know it’s not just vodka with “flavor.” It’s a complex, layered, and aromatic spirit built on history, herbs, and hard-earned craftsmanship. Here’s what gin actually is — and why it deserves a place in your glass. Gin is a distilled alcoholic spirit made from a neutral grain base, such as wheat, corn, or barley. What sets it apart is its infusion of botanicals — the most important being juniper berries.

Legally, juniper must be the dominant flavor for a spirit to be called gin. From there, the rest is creativity: herbs, spices, citrus peels, roots, and floral ingredients create each gin’s unique personality. Most gin starts as a high-proof, neutral alcohol made from grain — similar to how vodka is produced. This creates a clean foundation for flavors to shine. Botanicals like juniper, coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, cardamom, and orris root are introduced to the spirit through maceration or vapor contact. Published: March 12, 2025 | Last Updated: August 30, 2025 This page may contain affiliate links.

We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. With this quick-start guide to gin, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this flavorful and versatile spirit, from how it’s made to the best brands to buy. Whether you’re mixing up a classic cocktail or trying a new recipe, our Gin 101 guide will help you choose the right bottle and make the most of it. *This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own. Please read our full disclosure for more information.

Welcome to Gin 101! This spirit is complex, with layers of herbal, floral and spiced flavors that vary widely from bottle to bottle. People often tell me that they hate gin. And honestly? I get it. Gin wasn’t always one of my favorite spirits for cocktails, either, but it has grown on me in a big way.

When I was younger, the strong, herbal, almost-medicinal taste of cheap gin turned me away. But now, I’m learning to like those complex flavors. Subscribe now and get access to exclusive recipes, meal plans, podcasts and more. Slow down this autumn with a subscription to Good Food for just £9.99 for 6 months – that’s only £1.67 per month. Tune in to the latest episodes to hear our experts discuss all things food.

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Gin stands out in the spirits world largely because of its defining use of juniper alongside a range of botanicals. This gives it a character that no other major spirit replicates. To understand what makes gin truly different, it helps to look at both how it’s made and how it tastes in comparison to other categories like vodka, whiskey, and rum. Every gin is required—by law in most regions—to have...

Gin's Flexibility Comes From The Wide Variety Of Other Botanicals

Gin's flexibility comes from the wide variety of other botanicals allowed—coriander, angelica, citrus peels, cardamom, orris root, licorice, and more. Each distillery uses its own botanical mix and method, yielding a huge range of aromas and flavors. In contrast, distillers of vodka typically aim for neutrality. Whiskey’s and rum’s profiles come from grain, molasses, fermentation nuances, and barr...

Spirits Like Vodka Serve More As A Neutral Backbone For

Spirits like vodka serve more as a neutral backbone for other flavors, while aged spirits like whiskey or rum transform a cocktail’s profile with wood and spice notes. Gin often gets confused with vodka — they’re both clear, distilled spirits. But if you’ve ever tasted a high-quality gin like The Old G, you know it’s not just vodka with “flavor.” It’s a complex, layered, and aromatic spirit built ...

Legally, Juniper Must Be The Dominant Flavor For A Spirit

Legally, juniper must be the dominant flavor for a spirit to be called gin. From there, the rest is creativity: herbs, spices, citrus peels, roots, and floral ingredients create each gin’s unique personality. Most gin starts as a high-proof, neutral alcohol made from grain — similar to how vodka is produced. This creates a clean foundation for flavors to shine. Botanicals like juniper, coriander, ...

We May Earn A Commission From Qualifying Purchases. With This

We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. With this quick-start guide to gin, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this flavorful and versatile spirit, from how it’s made to the best brands to buy. Whether you’re mixing up a classic cocktail or trying a new recipe, our Gin 101 guide will help you choose the right bottle and make the most of it. *This post may contain affiliate ...