London Dry Gin is a type of gin that has been distilled in the United Kingdom since the early 17th century. It is made from a blend of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander and angelica root, among others.
London Dry Gin has become one of the most popular forms of gin worldwide and it is used as both an ingredient for cocktails and as a stand-alone spirit for sipping neat or on the rocks. With its unique flavour profile and versatility in drinks, London Dry Gin has become an indispensable part of any bar or liquor cabinet.
History of London Dry Gin
London Dry Gin is one of the most popular spirits in the world, and it has a long and fascinating history.
The origins of London Dry Gin can be traced back to the early 16th century. It was first created by Dutch distillers who were looking for a way to make an alcoholic drink from grains. They developed a process called “distillation” which involved heating alcohol vapours, condensing them, and finally collecting them in a container. The resulting spirit was much higher in alcohol content than other distilled drinks and could be used for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
It wasn’t until the mid-1700s that London Dry Gin gained popularity as an alcoholic beverage. This is largely due to an English physician named Thomas Sydenham who prescribed it as medicine for digestive problems and other ailments during this time period. Soon after, gin began to appear on tavern menus throughout England as well as in other parts of Europe. By the 19th century, London had become known as a “Gin City” due to its prevalence throughout the city’s pubs and taverns.
In order for something to be classified as London Dry Gin today, it must meet certain criteria set out by law: no artificial flavourings can be added; only natural ingredients.
The Popularity of London Dry Gin
London dry gin has seen a major resurgence in popularity over the past few years. This timeless spirit is one of the oldest distilled spirits and has been produced for centuries. The popularity of London dry gin can be attributed to its unique flavour profile, versatility in cocktails, and its links to British culture.
First and foremost, London dry gin stands out from other gins due to its robust flavour profile. While each brand of London dry gin may differ slightly, they all share some common characteristics that set them apart from other gins. Traditional London dry gins are made with juniper berry as the primary botanical ingredient; this gives it signature earthy aromatics that are beloved by many drinkers around the world. Other common ingredients used in their production include coriander seed, angelica root, citrus peels, cinnamon bark and more; this complex mix gives it layers of complexity not found in other gains or spirits.
The versatility of London dry gin also plays an important role in its continued popularity today. As mentioned before, its unique flavour profile makes it ideal for mixed drinks; most notably classic cocktails like Gin & Tonic or Martini as well as modern creations like Gin Fizzes or Negronis.
Cocktails Using London Dry Gin
When it comes to cocktails, London Dry Gin is a classic choice. Not only does it have a distinctive flavour that stands up well in mixed drinks, but its versatility makes it an ideal ingredient for any type of cocktail. From light and refreshing concoctions to robust and flavorful libations, London Dry Gin can be used to create an array of delicious drinks.
For those who are looking for something light and crisp, the classic Gin & Tonic is always a great option. This simple drink consists of two parts gin and three parts tonic water over ice with a wedge of lime as garnish. For added flavour, muddled fruit or herbs can be added to the mix for an extra special touch. It’s also incredibly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients — perfect for those days when you don’t feel like going out but still want something tasty!
For those feeling more adventurous, why not try making a Tom Collins? This cocktail is composed of gin (London dry preferred!), lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water over ice served with either a lemon or orange slice as garnish. The combination creates an effervescent drink that’s both sweet and tart — perfect on hot summer days or nights out.
Conclusion
London Dry Gin is an iconic spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries and is still widely popular today. It has a unique flavour profile that balances juniper, citrus and other botanicals to create a flavorful and complex gin. Its versatility makes it suitable for any drink from martinis to gimlets or even in a refreshing gin and tonic. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, London Dry Gin is sure to please any palate.