Pink gin differs from regular gin in that regular gin is a distilled alcohol flavoured predominantly with juniper berries, whereas pink gin is typically dry gin flavoured or infused with red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or rhubarb. Back in the day, ‘pink’ gin was actually a traditional dry gin served with the addition of angostura bitters to give it a pink colour.
Pink gin has a unique colour, yet often has no added sugar and the same amount of alcohol as regular gin.
What is Gin?
Gin is a grain-based distilled alcohol flavoured with juniper berries. Juniper berries impart a distinct pine flavour to gin. Furthermore, most of us drink gin with tonic water, rather than straight or on the rocks. In addition, gin is a critical element of a classic martini. Gin is said to have originated in the Netherlands, but it quickly spread throughout Europe. Furthermore, gin may be created in various ways utilising a variety of ingredients, giving rise to a variety of gin styles and brands.
“Genever” is the Dutch word for gin, and it is the original style of gin. It is made from malted grain mash, much like whisky, and has a lower proof than English gin. The most well-known and extensively manufactured type of gin in the world today is London dry gin. Most people regard it as the standard by which gin is measured. Furthermore, most people prepare martinis with London dry gin. Old Tom gin is a sweeter variation of London dry gin.
On the other hand, ‘Plymouth gin’ is a clear, somewhat fruity, full-bodied, fragrant gin, albeit very similar to a London dry gin style. Plymouth gin developed at the harbour of Plymouth on the South coast of England, as the name implies. Today, just one distillery — Plymouth, Coates & Co. – has the exclusive license to create it. As a result, it is both a style and a protected brand name.
What is Pink Gin?
On the other hand, Pink gin is a general name for any style of gin that has a pink colour to it. There is no legal definition of pink gin, and therefore many different variations of pink gin exist, and it depends on how each individual distillery makes them own ‘pink gin’, if indeed they have one in their portfolio of products.
Traditionally, before the UK gin bomm (dubbed the ‘ginaissance’) kicked into gear around 2013, pink gin was usually when a mixologist mixed London dry gin with angostura bitters to give it a pinkish colour. People still do this today with a dry gin and a Fever Tree aromatic tonic, with the tonic giving the drink that pink tint. However, nowadays when we hear of ‘pink gin’ we think more of those dry gins that are actually flavoured and infused with red fruits during or after the distillation process. This imparts a sweeter, fruitier flavour into the gin. The most common fruits distilleries will use to create pink gins are strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants and in our case here at Jim and Tonic, fresh rhubarb.
In Summary
- Gin is a distilled alcohol with a primary botanical of juniper berries, while pink gin is usually a dry gin flavoured or infused with red fruits to impart a pink colour and sweeter, fruitier flavour.
- We hardly consume gin straight, but we usually use it in mixed drinks. This is one of the most popular mixed drinks in the world.
In addition to being a tremendous pre-dinner drink, pink gin is a great co*cktail to serve at parties because it goes very well with tonic water or even lemonade.
If you're looking for a super popular pink gin then we’d certainly recommend our Roobee Rhubarb Gin. In actual fact, it’s our best-seller at our bars in London, and is incredibly versatile, going perfectly with elderflower tonic, lemonade or even prosecco.
FAQs
Pink gin differs from regular gin in that regular gin is a distilled alcohol flavoured predominantly with juniper berries, whereas pink gin is typically dry gin flavoured or infused with red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or rhubarb.
What makes a gin a pink gin? ›
The pink color in this spirit derives from infusion of red and pink produce, spices, or bitters – or even added coloring and sweeteners. Popular ingredients like strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, grape skins, rose petals, and red currents, can add color as well as fragrance and flavor to a pink gin.
What is the difference between dry gin and normal gin? ›
The key difference between regular gin and London dry gin is that while regular gins are often sweetened after distillation (with sugar or syrup), London dry gins are not sweetened at all—a feature that gives them a less syrupy taste and more of an herbal bite.
What are the 2 main types of gin? ›
There are numerous types and styles of gin available, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Some of the main types and styles of gin: London Dry Gin. Plymouth Gin.
Why is pink gin not pink? ›
A Proper Pink Gin is made using a top notch quality gin infused with Angostura Bitters (a dark red bitters that gives the drink it's pink-yness).
Is pink gin always pink? ›
Varyingly infused with rhubarb or with berries, dyed with grape skins or made using rose petals, pink gins encompass a wide variety of ingredients and techniques—but they all share the same photogenic appearance. “Pink gin” didn't always refer to blush-hued spirits, however.
Can you drink pink gin straight? ›
The answer is yes – gin is a great sipping spirit!
What is pink gin with no sugar? ›
Lilly Pilly Pink Gin is a fruity lighter style gin, crafted with zero-sugar creating a balanced pink gin that isn't overly sweet.
Why is pink gin so popular? ›
Pink Gin Popularity
As the co*cktail evolved from being a seaman's remedy to a fashionable aperitif, so too did the recipe. Garnishes such as rose petals, raspberries and strawberries were used to match the colour, and tonic was added to the original recipe to make the drink that much nicer.
What country makes the best gin? ›
While the precursors to modern gin originally came from Holland, today gin is most closely associated with the storied brands in England. It's also a hotbed for gin innovation and creativity. The 28 organic botanicals called out in Linden Leaf Gin create a complex yet subtle modern-style gin.
Bombay Sapphire is a London Dry gin, but that's not a regional designation (like Bordeaux or Scotch whisky). It's a style — specifically, a dry style of gin that doesn't use any artificial ingredients. Instead, distillers balance piney juniper notes with a dealer's choice of botanicals and spices.
Which dry gin has the highest alcohol content? ›
Anno Extreme 95 Gin packs more punch and flavour, drop for drop, than any other spirit in the world. Being the world's strongest gin - just a 5ml measure gives you a full flavoured G&T with 75% less alcohol than a 50ml measure of 40% ABV gin.
What is the old name for gin? ›
The name gin is a shortened form of the older English word genever, related to the French word genièvre and the Dutch word jenever. All ultimately derive from juniperus, the Latin for juniper.
What type of gin is Tanqueray? ›
Tanqueray London Dry Gin. Tanqueray is a classic. A smooth, delicious premium London Dry Gin with an array of botanicals and a grapefruit peel edge.
What is the most famous gin drink? ›
Gin and Tonic
The classic G&T is one of the most beloved and easy-to-make co*cktails on earth.
What are the 3 types of gin? ›
The 7 essential Gin styles
- London Dry. Perhaps the most familiar and common gin style, London Dry dates back to the early 19th-century gin craze in England. ...
- New Western / New World. ...
- Plymouth. ...
- Navy Strength. ...
- Old Tom. ...
- Genever.
There are three main types of gin: distilled gin, redistilled gin, and compound gin. Distilled gin comes from a mash or fermented alcohol base. It's similar to the technique for whiskey production. Redistilled gin comes from the second distillation of a neutral spirit.
Is pink gin full of sugar? ›
Gordon's Premium Pink Distilled Gin contains 1.8g of sugar per 25ml serve or 7.2g per 100ml. Beefeater London Premium Pink Gin contains 4.6g of sugar per 100ml, which is 1.15g per 100ml.
