Get to know pink gin | The Bar (2024)

Pink up your drink

Pink Gin is (still) having its moment – it has been for a while now. It's sort of normal gin's 'cooler' sister, right? But where did pink gin originate from?

Read on to find out about the history of your favourite tipple.

Ah, pink gin. Thanks to its pretty pastel, pink-coloured hue, this drink is oneofthe most Instagrammable spirits out there. And it tastes as good as it looks, making it the perfect gift for your loved ones (and for yourself).

Strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, rhubarb – pink gin, although not a flavour, it is generally made of delicious berry-like fruits. 

History of pink gin

Where did pink gin originate from? It was initially a co*cktail from the mid 19th century made up of gin and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. The dark red colour of the bitters used in only a few drops would change the colour of the drink to pink. The Angostura gin mixture was so popular, especially in the UK, that it soon became known as the 'Pink Gin' co*cktail. Drinkers of the spirit would make their tipple their own by adding garnishes and mixers, including lemons and tonic, for an even better taste.

Gin has changed from category to category, starting asGenever, and going from there to Old Tom, London Dry, Plymouth, Sloe and now we see the new age of distilled gins on the market. 

So how is pink gin made today?

Pink gin is distilled in the same way as the original gin is. The only difference is after distillation, the gin is infused with red or pink fruits or bitts like the original recipe. Sometimes, colouring and sweeteners are added at this stage to increase the fruity notes.

So, there you have it. The lowdown on pink gin.

Looking for an easy pink gin recipe you can make at home? Pippa suggests Gordon's Pink Gin Spritz.