Gin is a spirit that is often associated with summer cocktails like the gin and tonic. However, gin can absolutely be enjoyed during the winter months as well. There are several reasons why gin is a great option for cold weather drinking.
Gin’s Origin and History
Gin originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century. It was originally used for medicinal purposes and was referred to as “genever” or “jenever.” The name gin comes from either the French word “genièvre” or Dutch word “jenever,” both referring to juniper berries which give gin its distinctive flavor.
Gin became popular in England after William of Orange, ruler of the Netherlands, took over the English throne in what became known as the “Glorious Revolution.” English soldiers who fought with William developed a taste for the Dutch spirit and brought that taste back home with them.
In the early 18th century, gin became widely consumed by the poor in England, so much so that it led to a period known as the “Gin Craze.” Gin was cheap and easy to produce in crude backstreet distilleries. By 1740, there were over 7,000 gin shops in London. The government tried to curb consumption through taxation and regulation, leading to riots.
Later in the 18th century, more refined styles of gin were developed in London. Brands like Gordon’s and Tanqueray date their origins to this period. Gin largely fell out of fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But the advent of Prohibition in America in the 1920s led to a gin resurgence. Cocktails like the martini and the gin and tonic became iconic drinks of the era.
So while we may think of gin today as a light and refreshing summer drink, its history is deeply rooted in the colder climates of Northern Europe. Gin production and consumption historically peaked in the winter months.
Botanicals Used in Gin
Gin gets its predominant flavor from juniper berries. These small coniferous berries grow across the Northern Hemisphere, including areas with cold winters like Scandinavia and Canada. Native Americans traditionally used juniper to treat colds and the flu.
Beyond juniper, most gins also contain a mix of other botanical ingredients. Common botanicals include:
- Coriander seed – Imparts citrus and spice notes
- Lemon and orange peel – Add bright, zesty flavors
- Angelica root – Provides an earthy muskiness
- Orris root – Adds a violet-like aroma
- Licorice root – Offers sweetness to balance the juniper
- Cardamom – Lends a subtle spiciness
- Cubeb berries – Contribute a hint of black pepper
Many of these botanicals were originally chosen because of their perceived medicinal benefits, not surprising given gin’s origins. Others were selected to mask the harsh flavor of early primitive gins. This botanical mix gives gin a warming, spicy character that makes it very nice to sip during the winter.
Cocktails for Colder Weather
Gin’s versatility as a spirit means it can be mixed into a variety of cocktails suitable for winter enjoyment. Here are some gin cocktails that are perfect for the colder months:
Negroni
This classic cocktail contains gin, sweet vermouth, and the herbaceous Italian liqueur Campari. It has a spicy, bitter flavor profile. The vermouth softens the botanical bite of the gin, while the Campari adds another layer of botanical complexity.
Boulevardier
Similar to a Negroni but substitutes whiskey for the gin. The blend of botanicals from gin with the caramel and vanilla notes of whiskey makes for a nicely balanced, spirit-forward cold weather cocktail.
Gin Sour
Gin’s brightness works nicely with the sour flavor added from lemon juice and makes for a fresher alternative to a whiskey sour. Egg white adds a lovely frothy texture.
Tom Collins
This classic highball combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. The lemon juice cuts the richness that can come from sugary soda syrup, making this cocktail crisp and refreshing without being overly sweet.
Hot Toddy
On frigid nights, a steaming hot toddy is hard to beat. This simple mixture of gin, honey, lemon and hot water provides comforting warmth along with the botanical flavors of gin.
Mulled Wine with Gin
For an unconventional take, use gin instead of brandy to mull wine. The gin’s juniper and citrus notes pair deliciously with the spiced red wine.
These cocktails highlight gin’s versatility – it can be mixed into warm winter drinks or cold libations, sweetened or left dry, bubbly or still. Gin is adaptable to the flavors and experiences desired during the colder months.
Tonic Waters for Winter
Gin is most famously paired with tonic water in the gin and tonic. While standard tonic water contains simple syrup to add sweetness, today several brands offer sugar-free, diet, or lightly sweetened options. With less sugar, the botanical flavors of gin and quinine from tonic water become more prominent.
For a winter gin and tonic, look for tonic waters with more complex mixes of botanicals that complement gin’s herbal flavors:
| Tonic brand | Botanical ingredients |
|---|---|
| Fever Tree | Cinchona bark, lemon, lime, gentian, angostura bark |
| Fentimans | Natural botanical oils, citrus |
| Q Tonic | Cinchona bark, bitter orange, lemon, lime, vanilla, ginger |
| 1724 Tonic Water | Angostura bark, cardamom, organic lemon juice |
These tonics with spice flavors like ginger, cardamom, and vanilla help give a warming quality to a gin and tonic. The lemon and lime add nice brightness to balance the spiciness.
Good Gins for Winter
Certain styles and brands of gin may be better suited to sipping during the colder months:
- Plymouth – This gin has an earthy, spicy profile from its concentrated juniper and blend of other botanicals.
- Tanqueray Rangpur – Rangpur limes add citrus and ginger flavors for a good winter gin.
- Sipsmith VJOP – Made with triple the amount of juniper for an intense juniper aroma and flavor.
- The Botanist – Uses 22 foraged botanicals from Scotland’s Islay, giving it complex floral and herb notes.
- Ophir – Contains spices like cubeb berries and black pepper that give it a distinctive spiciness.
- Bombay Sapphire – The classic London dry gin has a robust juniper flavor, balanced by light citrus notes.
Vintage gins like Tanqueray Ten with its chamomile and orange blossom flavors also make fine choices for winter gin cocktails.
Food Pairings
In addition to drinking gin on its own or in cocktails, gin makes an excellent partner to many winter foods and dishes:
- Game birds like pheasant or quail, where gin’s herbal notes complement the meat
- Root vegetables, gin’s earthiness marries well with roasted parsnips or carrots
- Hard cheeses like cheddar, gin interacting nicely with the salty sharpness
- Shellfish, the citrus in gin cutting through the briny richness
- Spicy foods, gin’s clean flavors balancing fiery heat well
- Rich meats like lamb, gin’s juniper acting as a perfect foil
- Hearty stews and braises, gin’s spice notes blending with the complex flavors
The piney, aromatic flavors of gin do well at cutting through heavy, fatty foods commonly eaten in the winter. Gin’s diversity of botanicals let it pair with many flavors and dishes.
Conclusion
While gin may seem like just a summer spirit, it has plenty of versatility for enjoyment during the winter as well. Gin’s origins and history lie in cooler Northern climates. Its mix of juniper, citrus, spices, herbs, and flowers impart warming, complex flavors. Gin can be mixed into or garnished with seasonal winter ingredients to make satisfying cocktails for the cold weather.
The variety of modern gins and tonics available let you customize the flavor profile you prefer. While the classic gin and tonic endures, it’s easy to give it more spicy, floral, or citrusy notes. On its own, in cocktails, or with food, gin remains a great spirit to sip and savor throughout the winter.