Pink gin is everywhere you look; on Instagram, in your favourite co*cktail bar – even in your best mate’s prized alcohol cabinet. But where did pink gin originate from? Let’s explore the history of this increasingly popular tipple.
In the early 1800s, a German physician named Dr. Siegert was travelling around South America, searching for a cure for tropical stomach issues, which led to the creation of Angostura Bitters in 1824. This so-called medicine was then used on Navy Ships to alleviate sea sickness. The trouble was that the substance was so incredibly bitter, so gin was added to create something much more palatable and, as a by-product, had a beautiful pink colour to it.
At the end of the 18th Century, the Angostura gin mixture was a huge hit worldwide, especially in the UK. It became well-known as the‘Pink Gin’co*cktail. Drinkers of the co*cktail would then add their own garnishes and mixers including lemons and tonic, making the concoction taste even better!
So how is Pink Gin made today?
Nowadays, when producingpink gin, the base gin is distilled in the same way as your original gin, but after distillation, the gin will be infused with red or pink fruits, or bitters like the original recipe. Colouring and sweeteners can also be added at this stage to lift the fruity notes.
There are all kinds of pink gins out there, butBeefeater Pink Strawberry Ginreally shines. The ‘pink’ element of the Beefeater Pink Strawberry gin is a beautiful, natural strawberry flavour. We use the original recipe of theBeefeater London Dryand the addition of strawberry flavours. Strawberry really works wonders with notes of juniper and citrus. It is a truly balanced and modern gin which we’re sure you will love!
From the early days of bitters to theBeefeater Pink Strawberry gin and tonic, pink gin has certainly been enjoyed – and continues to be enjoyed – all over the world. If you’d like to try making your own Beefeater Pink co*cktail, head toBeefeater Gin co*cktails.
