The origin of gin dates back to the 11th century when Benedictine monks in an ancient city in the south of Italy called Salerno, distilled spirits using alembic still. Back then, gin was far from the modern alcoholic beverage that we know of today. It was made from distilled malt wine to attain a 50% alcohol by volume (ABV). Initially, the drink was not palatable because refined distilling techniques were still lacking. To rectify the issue of palatability, spices and herbs were later added to mask the flavour of the spirit. Juniper berries were then added to the drink to improve the gin flavour and the berries’ medicinal properties. Depending on the distillation process, gin tastes similar to whiskey and vodka.  

The resulting drinks were initially sold in pharmacies and were always a part of the doctor’s medical bag. They were prescribed as a remedy to alleviate gout, gallstones, and kidney ailments. The British then discovered gin in the late 16th century after the English soldiers encountered the drink while assisting the Dutch in their fight in Antwerp. The soldiers were known to drink genever before battle because of its calming properties.

English distillers started to create their brand of genever and shortened the name to “gin”. Slowly, it gained widespread popularity when the ruler of the Dutch Republic, William of Orange, shared his appreciation for gin. The gin craze began when drinking alcohol became a healthier and safer choice compared to plain water in the 18th century because the latter was cleaner and more filtered. 

The government further supported the gin craze to compete with the rising political strife between the French and British during that time. This was done by removing the licence requirements and reducing taxes to distil spirits, encouraging people to enjoy gin more freely. By the 17th century, gin developed a reputation that was associated with poverty and crime because it was affordable and readily available to the masses. To address the issue, the government created the Gin Act of 1736, establishing a retail tax on gin and yearly licences for gin retailers. Later, the act was replaced by the Gin Act of 1751, which lowered gin taxes but made selling gin from any establishments whose annual rent was lower than £10 illegal. This act ensured that only reputable establishments sold gin.

Due to the laws imposed and the series of poor harvests that led to the increase in the prices of ingredients to make the alcoholic beverage, the gin craze eventually died down. By the end of the 19th century, the obsession with drinking gin finally came to an end. Gin, however, made a comeback between 1826 and 1831 with the invention of the column still, which made gin distillation cheaper, cleaner, and easier. Later, it was the new gin, “London dry gin”, that led to the gin renaissance.

Nowadays, gin is produced all over the world, with a variety of gin brands that everyone can enjoy.

Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that starts with a neutral spirit made from juniper berries and flavoured with botanical ingredients such as citruses like lemons and oranges, spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, as well as herbs, including coriander and angelica root. Initially, it was a medicinal liquor but eventually gained high interest as a commodity in the alcohol industry.

Gin appears colourless but may also have a pale yellow shade. This hue indicates that it’s mainly composed of malt, grain, and juniper berries or other flavourings. With a 36% up to 50% ABV, one could say this drink is quite a strong alcoholic beverage. Gin has four main types - London dry, classic, distilled, and regular; however, other types and gin brands such as Plymouth, Sloe, and Old Tom began flooding the market due to the improvement of distilling styles all over the world.

One of the common misconceptions about gin is that it is flavoured vodka. The two may be similar due to the fact that both alcoholic beverages are used to create some of the most delicious cocktails but they have striking differences. The main ingredients used to make vodka is water and ethanol, while gin is made from distilling grain and malt. Juniper berries are also mixed into gin to give it its distinct flavour profile that is revered by many.

In terms of taste,  vodka is a neutral spirit that is relatively tasteless but gin has a distinguishing herbal flavour coming from the herbs, spices, and citrus added to it. Vodka can typically be mixed with almost anything to create delicious cocktails. However, in the case of gin, it's best to mix it with straight and sharp flavours such as lemon, lime, and mint to avoid any conflicting tastes. Finally, when it comes to ABV, gin can range from 36% ABV to 50% ABV, while vodka contains a 40% ABV but can go as high as 95% ABV.

Singapore may have played an essential part in the gin renaissance happening globally. Being the birthplace of the infamous Singapore Sling — a gin-based cocktail containing lime juice, pineapple juice, curacao, grenadine, cherry liqueur, and Bénédictine — there's no denying that the little red dot was able to catch up with the gin-naissance. 

iShopChangi offers a wide range of gin brands that you can find in Singapore. Some of the famous ones include Sipsmith, Bombay, and Tanqueray. Sipsmith London Dry Gin is an excellent choice if you're looking for a classic-style gin with a rich yet complex flavour. Once you take a neat sip, your palate will crash into three waves of flavours. You'll immediately taste the piney juniper with hints of liquorice and angelica root, and then taste the citrusy lemon at mid-palate. Finally, you'll taste the flavours of cinnamon, cassia, and coriander fused with a hint of pepperiness. This gin has a 41.6% ABV and a dominant juniper and citrus flavour profile with a bit of heat and spice. 

The Bombay Sapphire English Estate Gin is a contemporary style gin with a grain base spirit and has a 41% ABV. It has a hazelnut and minty aroma that’s pleasant on the nose. For its flavour profile, this gin has a perfect balance of juniper, citrus, herbal, and spicy flavours with a mild hint of heat and floral taste. As you drink this gin, you’ll immediately taste the juniper and coriander with a subtle touch of cubeb. It has a mild yet pleasant spice and a dull lemon finish with a faint hint of liquorice and moderate warmth that trickles down your throat.

The well-known gin brand, Tanqueray, includes the Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, a flavoured gin with a 41.3% ABV. It has a predominantly citrusy flavour profile with mild hints of heat, juniper, and floral taste. This gin also has a lovely transparent peach colour and an orange aroma. Flavour-wise, it has a moderate to full flavour of bitter orange but eventually becomes drier as it sits longer on the palate. Juniper and the earthy flavours of liquorice root can be tasted toward the finish. The Tanqueray No. Ten gin is also a member of the Tanqueray gin brand selection. This classic style gin has a 47.3% ABV and also has strong juniper and citrus flavours with moderate heat. The tiniest hints of spice and floral flavours are also evident as you sip on this revered gin. With its lime zest aroma, this gin has a soft mouthfeel and juniper, bitter orange, and lemon taste. Mild angelica, pink grapefruit, licorice root, and peppercorns do wonders in adding depth to this gin’s flavour.

Gin and tonic is a famous cocktail you can create by mixing gin and tonic water and pouring it over ice. It’s indeed one of the most popular cocktails that use gin, but did you know that you can also mix and drink gin with other drinks?

Soda water works perfectly well to create a Gin Rickey. The effervescent soda water enhances the gin’s flavours, which allows you to appreciate the spirit’s unique notes. Mix two parts soda water, one part gin, and a squeeze of lime juice. Pour the cocktail over ice and a lime wedge for garnish. Gin and coke is also another easy cocktail to make. The gin’s botanical notes and citrus flavours shine as it’s mixed with cola. Mix one part gin with two parts of coke. Add ice, and voila! Your drink is done! Move over, rum! It’s time for gin to take the spotlight.

Master distillers and bartenders love gin because it’s a versatile spirit that can work with and complement a wide range of flavours. Therefore, do not worry about the types of mixers you can use to concoct your cocktails if you ever run out of tonic. 

Mixers are non-alcoholic ingredients that you can mix with alcoholic drinks to lower their ABV and enhance or renew their flavours. They were first introduced in the 1860s when bartenders became more inventive when creating drinks. Today, many cocktails have been invented — all thanks to the different mixers that match perfectly well with the drinks. Trying out these mixers with your drink can open up a new world of gin flavours. 

1. Lemonade

Lemonade is a refreshing option for a gin mixer. The tang from the lemonade elevates the citrus flavours of gin. Simply mix equal parts lemonade and gin. Add ice and garnish with mint leaves and a lemon slice. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness.

2. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is a sweet and tropical option for a gin mixer. Similarly to the Singapore Sling, pineapple juice can bring out the different citrus flavours of gin. Mix equal parts of the pineapple juice and gin, and pour over ice. Add a slice of lime and a fresh slice of pineapple as a garnish and enjoy.

3. Cranberry Juice

Pairing gin and cranberry juice creates a festive drink that explodes with flavours from the different elements that are a match made in heaven. A Cranberry Gin Cocktail only needs two parts gin, two parts cranberry juice, one part simple syrup, and one part lime juice. Shake well and pour into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or mint leaves for added colour and flavour.

4. Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a sweetener that can be used in many different drinks. Make the Classic Gimlet using simple syrup, and it won’t get any more refreshing than that! Mix two and a half parts gin, half part simple syrup, and half part of lime juice. Serve it in a chilled martini glass and savour every sip.

5. Ginger Ale

For a refreshing option for a gin mixer, ginger ale is a favourite among cocktail lovers. It works well with gin that has high juniper, cassia bark, and coriander flavour profiles. Mix two parts of ginger ale with one part of gin. Squeeze half an ounce of lime juice and pour over ice. Add a lime wedge to garnish.

Are you ready to get creative with gin and other gin mixers? You can shop for tax-absorbed alcohol on iShopChangi! Find some of the best gin brands in Singapore with the help of our gin buying guide. Take 15% off on your first purchase with Changi Rewards when you sign up today and indulge yourself in a duty-absorbed shopping spree. 

Whether you’re a traveller or non-traveller, you can add more to your shopping cart to enjoy free Singapore-wide delivery for a minimum check out of S$59. View our wine, beer, and spirits collection to take advantage of our duty-absorbed alcohol for your purchases. Have your favourite gin brands and other alcohol options, delivered straight to your local address when you shop on iShopChangi! 

For travellers, you also have the option to personally collect your duty-free alcohol and other purchases from one of our Collection Centres at the Singapore Changi Airport departure halls of each terminal. Start shopping for your favourite gin and other wines & spirits from a range of alcohol brands on iShopChangi today!