The History of Gin: The original English tipple

Want to learn more about the history of gin? Gin is a classic English tipple that can be loved as a non-alcoholic spirit too.

From its origins as a medicinal remedy to becoming a beloved spirit worldwide, gin has a story that is as complex and enthralling as the flavours it offers.

Originating in Italy, following trade routes to the Netherlands and finally ending up as an English delicacy, Gin has a fascinating story.

Join us on this captivating journey as we dive deep into the history, culture, and allure of gin. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global phenomenon, the story of gin is one that will leave you shaken, stirred, and thirsting for more.

The history of Gin

The history of Gin's origins can be traced back 3000 years. It’s thought that gin was used as medicine in ancient Egypt and ancient Greece, making it one of the oldest spirits in the world.

Fast forward to more modern history and to the 11th century in the Netherlands, where gin was first distilled by monks as a medicinal remedy. Utilising the local juniper berries, herbs, and grains, monks distilled the concoction and used it to treat a variety of ailments, from kidney stones to gout.

By the 16th century, Genever had become a beloved national beverage, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The Dutch were known for their expertise in distillation, and their gin-making skills were highly sought after across Europe.

Much of what we see today with the flavours of gin can be traced all the way back to these times. 500 years ago people still drank gin in much the same way that we do today.

Where does the name gin come from?

The origins of the name "gin" itself are a bit murky, but it is believed to be derived from the French word "genièvre," meaning juniper. This connection to the juniper berry, which remains a key ingredient in gin today, has been a defining characteristic of the spirit since its inception.

Dutch trade routes moved gin around

As the Dutch trade routes expanded, so too did the reach of Genever. In the 17th century, the spirit made its way to England where the term “dutch courage” was coined.

William of Orange, who ascended the throne in 1688, was a native of the Netherlands. When he rose to the throne, he brought his love of Genever with him and the spirit soon became a staple in English households. 

The English give gin their spin

The English started distilling their own varieties, known as “Old Tom”. The gin was sweeter and heavier than Dutch gin and soon swarmed the streets of London. London Gin became a thing, as did “mother’s ruin” - the idea that women were now drinking this strong spirit and wreaking havoc within the family. 

Gin became associated with excess and debauchery, with the affordability and accessibility of gin making it a drink of the working class. It quickly became a symbol of the urban poor.

The gin craze in the 18th century

The 18th century in England was marked by intense gin consumption known as the "Gin Craze." 

"Gin palaces" became commonplace, and gin bars and bottle shops lined the streets. These were spaces where the poor could purchase cheap, low-quality gin for a few pennies. The consumption of gin became so widespread that it was estimated that the average Londoner was drinking over 14 gallons of gin per year.

To combat this gin takeover, the government sought to curb the gin trade through a series of legislative measures, including the infamous "Gin Act" of 1736. This act imposed heavy taxes on the production and sale of gin, effectively making it more expensive and less accessible to the working class.

Despite these measures aiming to limit the working class consumption of the spirit, they only led to a rise of an illicit gin trade. Bootleggers and smugglers were finding ways to sell gin underground and beat the new regulations. The black market for gin thrived, and the government found it increasingly difficult to enforce the new laws.

Gin today: a new history that’s a world apart 

In recent years, gin has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, with a new wave of interest in the spirit as a more fancy tipple. The "gin renaissance" has been driven by the rise of craft distilleries and exploration of botanicals.

Today, gin is more than just a drink – it is a cultural symbol, a reflection of the times, and a canvas for creative expression. From the classic Martini to the innovative, botanically-infused gins of the modern era, this spirit continues to captivate and inspire drinkers around the world.

Non-alcoholic Gin options

Gin is also a delectable option for a non-alcoholic drink, whether that's a gin and tonic or a cocktail of choice.

Using the same historic methods of distillation, non-alcoholic gin has all the same delicious flavours, without the alcohol.

Shop our gin alternative, the Clean G.