Whether you’re a fan of the classic gin and tonic or you just enjoy a Tom Collins on Fridays, chances are your sipping has led you to wonder how gin is made. Sure, we all know that spirits are made through a distillation process, but what actually goes into making everyone’s favorite cocktail classic?
Here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide to making gin.
What is Gin Made From?
Every alcohol has ingredients that influence its flavor, and for gin, juniper is the star of the show. To truly be called gin, juniper berries must be the main flavor. Gin starts as a neutral spirit, then receives its crisp flavor after the fact through juniper berries, botanicals, and other ingredients.
Aside from juniper, there are plenty of vibrant flavor additions that can be added to make a crisp and refreshing bottle of gin. From hibiscus to citrus, these other ingredients are often based on the style of gin being made.
Of course, every distiller adds their own touch. In ours, you can find rose petals, star anise, and lemon peels.
What is the Process for Making Gin?
Making gin is easy, but making exceptional gin—that is a little different.
It doesn’t matter if you’re making sipping gin or something to liven up your cocktails–gin begins as a neutral spirit made with grain, potatoes, or even grapes as a base, depending on who is making it. Just start with a neutral base spirit, distill it with your signature flavors, and you’re good to go.
There are two primary methods for gin distillation—maceration and vapor infusion. Some distillers even use both!
Basically, one lets you flavor your gin by steeping it with juniper berries and botanicals to draw out the oils like a knockout pot of tea, with the oils and alcohol evaporating together before they are condensed.
The other focuses on vapor infusion, which places botanicals in the path of the alcohol vapors that come off of the still. The vapors will extract the oils, which will then flavor the gin as the vapors are condensed.
Our Terrapin Gin is made using vapor infusion and maceration for a sweet and floral flavor that ends with a chorus of citrus and just a hint of sweet licorice notes.
We won’t spill all of our secrets when it comes to making great gin, but our processes involve premium ingredients, exceptional hardware, and our own unique distiller’s spirit that we believe only adds to the spirits we sell.
