Gin is a popular alcoholic beverage that can be included in a variety of drinks. However, you might be surprised to learn that gin offers some health benefits when used in moderation. Gin has been used as a herbal medicine as early as the Middle Ages.
Juniper berries, small dark purple nuggets with superfood properties, are used to make gin. These berries can aid in the treatment of infections, the prevention of heart disease, the improvement of blood circulation, and even the treatment of kidney and liver disorders. Your evening glass of G&T can also help you maintain a slim waistline and achieve younger, better skin.
Brief History
The word gin is derived from the Dutch word genever, which means “juniper.” Indeed, for liquor to be defined as gin, juniper must be the dominant fragrance and flavour. Gin is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, with a 13th century Flemish document mentioning a beverage flavoured with “genever.”
The Dutch were serious about gin production by the 1600s, with hundreds of distilleries in Amsterdam alone. Gin was initially developed as a medication, like so many other things. For the treatment of gout and dyspepsia, it was distributed by “chemists.” It especially rose to prominence during the Thirty Years’ War, when British soldiers fighting on Dutch soil were given “Dutch Courage” by, well, drinking gin.
It didn’t take long for this enchanting liqueur to make a great splash across the English Channel. It quickly acquired popularity in England in the latter part of the 17th century and the early years of the 18th century, reinforcing the relationship it still has with the country.
Good for Your Gut & Weight
Gin has a substantially lower calorie count than other alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. There are only 96 calories in each shot, and if you mix it with a light beverage like tonic water or diet lemonade and a delicious addition of aromatic gin botanicals set, you’ll still be on the lower end of the calorie scale. Gin is a smart choice if you’re controlling your weight because it is so low in sugar.
Although diabetics should avoid alcohol, gin is still regarded as a healthier option for those with type 1 diabetes. The mixer, on the other hand, should not contain any sugar. However, this group of people must still seek medical advice before consuming any beverages, even gin.
Helps Promote Healthy Heart & Skin
Antioxidant-rich foods may lower the risk of a variety of diseases (including heart disease and certain cancers). Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from bodily cells, preventing or reducing oxidative damage.
Juniper berries, which are high in antioxidants, are the main ingredient in gin. These, in turn, can aid in the look of healthy, youthful skin, suggesting that a frequent cocktail consumption could be to blame for your smooth, wrinkle-free face.
Even More Health Benefits?
Juniper was an old-world cure for the discomfort of illnesses like arthritis and rheumatism, in addition to its many other benefits. Of course, a daily Bombay Sapphire isn’t a replacement for adequate medication, but who are we to argue that gin-soaked raisins relieve inflammation?
The antioxidants in gin’s juniper berries help to clear congested arteries. It can also strengthen the veins’ connective tissues. Daily consumption of one small glass of gin can reduce the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disorders.
What Are the Best Gin Cocktails & Flavours?
Gin and Tonic
This pleasant drink is known as a “G and T” or gin tonic in various places. It is manufactured in countries all over the world. British soldiers devised the Gin and Tonic in the 1850s as a means to imbibe quinine by mixing gin with their tonic water (which was thought to cure malaria). Today’s tonic water does not include quinine, yet the drink has survived! It’s made with 1 part gin and 2 parts tonic water, as is customary.
Serving a gin and tonic in a stemmed glass is recommended by experts (instead of the traditional highball glass) which originates from the Spanish tradition. This serves two primary goals. The first one is keeping the gin and tonic chilled. Because your hand does not come into contact with the drink and melt the ice, the drink remains extremely cold. The second is allowing you to get a better sniff of the drink’s aromas. A wider opening allows you to enjoy the gin as well as the fragrances of your gin botanicals set!
Tom Collins
In 1876, the first Tom Collins recipe was published. The drink has been around since at least 1869, and it is said to be named after a waiter in London by that name. What do you think of that for a historical cocktail? Tom Collins is on the list of official drinks of the International Bartender Association (under the name John Collins), indicating that it has an “exact” definition.
So, what exactly is in a Tom Collins? Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup which you can make with organic stevia instead of plain white sugar in case you’re monitoring your calories, and soda water. What makes a John Collins different from a Tom Collins? Old Tom Gin, a sweet-tasting gin, is used to make the Tom Collins.
The John Collins is the drink’s original name, and it’s sometimes used to refer to any brand of gin. And don’t forget the gin garnishes which is what gives Tom Collins its distinctive flavour. To complete the look, add a maraschino cherry. If preferred, a lemon wheel can be presented instead.
Georgia Gin Cocktails
This delicious combination is ideal for summer cocktail celebrations. It’s made with peach schnapps and orange juice, and it’s a refreshing drink that tastes like sunlight in a glass. Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the gin, schnapps, and orange juice.
Shake until the outside of the shaker is cool. Prepare to impress your guests by straining the drink into a cocktail glass and serving it over ice with a wedge of orange and natural botanicals.
