Gin facts for kids

Gin bottles at a liquor store

Gin is a type of alcoholic drink that has a high amount of alcohol, usually between 35% and 50% alcohol by volume. It was first made in the Netherlands in the 1600s. Gin is known for its special flavor, which comes from juniper berries. Today, it's a popular ingredient in many well-known cocktails.

What is Gin?

Gin is a clear, strong alcoholic drink. It gets its unique taste from a plant called the juniper berry. This berry gives gin a fresh, pine-like flavor. Most gins today are considered "dry," meaning they are not sweet.

How Gin Gets its Flavor

The main flavor in gin comes from juniper berries. These berries are actually the cones of the juniper tree. To make gin, the alcohol is flavored with these berries and other natural ingredients called "botanicals." These can include things like coriander seeds, citrus peels, and angelica root. The mix of these botanicals gives each gin its own special taste.

A Brief History of Gin

Gin was invented in the Netherlands in the 17th century. It was originally used as a medicine. Soon, people started drinking it for fun, and it became very popular, especially in England. Because it was inexpensive and strong, some people drank too much. This led to health problems and social issues in the 18th century. Over time, laws were made to control how gin was made and sold. This helped to make gin a more respected drink.

Popular Gin Drinks

Gin is a key ingredient in many famous cocktails. Two of the most common are:

• The Gin & Tonic: This is a simple mix of gin and tonic water, often served with a slice of lime. It's a very refreshing drink.
• The Martini: This classic cocktail is made by mixing gin with vermouth, which is a type of flavored wine. It's usually garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.

Gin is still one of the most popular alcoholic drinks around the world today.

Images for kids

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  George Cruikshank's engraving of The Gin Shop (1829).