While many botanicals can be blended and married to create gin, juniper is the MVP in every bottle. Though they are widely used in a variety of dishes in many cultures, juniper berries are best known for being the predominant flavor in gin. Historically, there were many variations of what constituted gin. It wasn’t until the revised Gin Act was passed in England in 1751 though that the main ingredients were finally codified. Prior to that, unsavory ingredients, including turpentine, regularly made their way into gin, all but guaranteeing a bad time for the consumer. Once the new law was in place, however, gin began to develop into the spirit we know and love today.

While juniper is the backbone of gin, it is the combination of additional essences used to complement the juniper that distinguishes brands from one another. It is this fusion of botanicals that lends each brand of gin their signature notes of floral, citrus, or spice, making it distinctive and special; gin lovers can quickly discern and pick personal favorites between the myriad of flavors across brands, ranging from lightly floral essences like rose to refreshing cucumber to zesty citruses. Spices like black pepper, coriander, and cardamom found in gin recipes lend themselves to experimentation and into a world beyond the classic gin profile.

It is the collaborative nature of gin that makes it such a good partner in so many cocktails. Gin works seamlessly with uncounted pairings, from bright citruses like lemon, grapefruit, and lime to heady herbs like rosemary, lemongrass, and thyme. It sweetens beautifully when coupled with a liqueur like elderflower but still makes a cocktail with peppery heat feel like something akin to magic. Gin is a natural choice for experimentation, which is probably why so many classic and now new-age cocktails are designed with it in mind. From reliable mainstays like the gin and tonic or the Tom Collins to the dizzying, effervescent beauty of the French 75, named for the artillery used in World War I, the Last Word, and the comforting Gin Martini, there’s a gin cocktail for every preference. 

Perhaps one of the most appealing things about gin is its rebellious spirit, which caused riots during the Middle Ages and continued to make waves as a Prohibition-era favorite at secret stills and speakeasies throughout the nation. Gin’s reputation has always preceded it, and it is more beloved today than ever. It’s the Roaring ’20s all over again and this tantalizing throwback is lighting the way for a whole new generation of enthusiasts. We’ll raise a glass to that.