How to make your own Gin at home - The easy steps
As gin has become increasingly popular, so has the interest in homemade varieties. Many gin lovers have started to make their own version of the spirit, which means that now you’ve got an even more significant opportunity to profit from the trend. But it’s not always easy to find quality ingredients, so many people go to the market and buy what they need or just join a craft gin club.
So if you’re looking for a way to enjoy a good quality gin without spending a fortune and making your own gin, this guide is precisely what you need. You’ll get step-by-step instructions on making your own gin and a selection of essential ingredients you need to make the perfect drink. We also guide you to the ideal kit for making ten bottles of your finest small-batch gins. You do not require high-tech equipment or a chemistry degree to start today.
If you’re anything like me, you love drinking gin. But you may not realize that gin is surprisingly easy to make at home. You just need the right ingredients—and some patience.
There are several ways to make your free gin at home. One popular method is to start with a neutral spirit such as vodka. You can add your own botanical ingredients to the vodka to give it your desired flavour. Another method is to make a gin infusion. This involves steeping juniper berries, fresh peel lime, coriander, and other spices in vodka or another type of liquor. This will give your gin a more botanical flavour.
No matter which method you choose, homemade gin is a great way to customize your drink to your taste. It is also a fun project to do with friends or family.
"Gin is considered one of the world's oldest and most popular drinks. It's the number one spirit consumed in the United States." It has an exciting story, and it is a great cocktail ingredient. It goes great with other flavours and ingredients.
If you’ve been dying to try to distil a batch of gin, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got everything you need to make it happen, including a step-by-step guide on how to make your gin at home. So grab a bottle of neutral spirits (vodka, whisky, etc.), and a still (we’ve got you covered) and get brewing!
Do you feel excited? Let's start to learn how to make gin at home.
1. The history of gin
To learn about the history of gin, you need to start with where it came from.
The name gin comes from the French word “gine”, meaning juniper. The Dutch word for juniper, Jenever, is derived from the Latin word for juniper, Genever.
The history of gin begins in the Netherlands, where juniper berries have been used to flavour spirits since the Middle Ages.
In the 14th century, a Dutch physician named Cornelius Drebbel developed a type of juniper distillate called genever. This spirit was much more potent than other types of alcohol and was used by Drebbel to treat anaemia and other medical conditions. At first, people used the drink medicinally.
Gin became very popular in England in the 17th century. The British government taxed gin heavily, leading to the development of gin distilleries in London. Gin is now produced all over the world.
2. Introduction to the gin at home brewed
Craft gins are all about quality and flavour. A high-quality gin results from time, expertise, and attention to detail. It's possible to learn everything you need to know about making a great gin, and with a bit of practice, you can be a master distiller in no time.
The key to making a great-tasting gin is to start with high-quality ingredients and to use a distilling process that brings out the best in those ingredients. By taking the time to learn about the different types of gins and the different methods of distillation, you can create a gin that is truly unique and delicious.
2. The different types of gin
There are two main types of gins. Single-distilled and double-distilled. The single-distilled gins are made by using only one distilling method, which is called a pot still. The double-distilled gins are made using both the pot and the continuous still.
There are different types of gin, such as London dry style gin, Plymouth gin, and sloe gin. Each type of gin has its own distinct flavour profile that can be used to create different kinds of cocktails. London dry gin is a type of gin made in London and is typically dry and juniper-forward in flavour (juniper gin). Plymouth gin is a type of gin made in Plymouth, England and is generally smooth and citrusy in taste. Sloe gin is a type of gin made with sloe berries, a type of fruit that is typically sweet and fruity in flavour.
3. The different ways to make handmade gin
Here are two different ways to make gin. One is by soaking the botanicals (such as berries, citrus, bay leaves or herbs) in a solution of alcohol (for example, brandy, vodka (compound gin), or rum). The other is by infusing the botanicals in the spirits.
Place a 1/2 cup of botanicals into 2 cups of alcohol for the former. Let them steep for 3-6 months in a dark room.
To make a good gin, you must start with a high-quality base spirit. The base spirit is the foundation of the gin, and it should be of a high enough quality that you would enjoy drinking it on its own. Once you have a good base spirit, you can then begin to experiment with different botanicals to create your own unique flavour profile.
Ensure the alcohol is very clean and has no traces of food or yeast. The latter method uses a standard ratio of 1 part alcohol to 10 part botanicals. Soak the botanicals for 3-6 months. The longer it steeps, the better.
Learn the lost art of gin distilling. With The Signature Edition Gin Making Kit, you can become a master distiller and create your delicious gin from 13 organic UK-sourced botanicals, including juniper berries, angelica root, coriander seeds, orange peel, cassia bark, liquorice root, lemon peel, sage, bitter orange peel, Brettanomyces, grains of paradise, cardamom pods and pink peppercorns!
Your Signature Edition Kit includes everything needed - including an instruction booklet - to make ten large bottles of gin at home.
4. The different methods for flavouring your gin
There are many ways to add flavour to your gin. The most common way is to add fruit or gin botanicals during the distillation process. This allows the flavours to infuse into the gin. Another way to flavour gin is to add essences or oils after distillation.
This is often done with commercially made gins, allowing for a more consistent taste. You can also make your own flavoured gin at home by infusing botanicals or fresh fruits into the gin yourself. This can be a fun and creative way to make your own unique gin.
5. The different ingredients you'll need for your craft gin
Gin can be made with a variety of ingredients. Some gins are flavoured with herbs and spices like coriander, fennel, and orange peel. Some gins are flavoured with citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange. Some gins have a flavour similar to liquor, such as rum or vodka. Some gins are flavoured with wine or beer.
Below is a list of some more ingredients you can use in your gin recipe:
1. Alcohol
2. Sugar
3. Juniper
4. Corn Sugar
5. Grated or Crushed Lemons
6. Cinnamon
7. Coriander
8. Cardamom Seeds
9. Star Anise
10. Grains of Paradise
11. Fennel seeds
12. Liquorice powder
Do not forget to look at what you may have in your spice cabinet and herb garden.
6. The botanicals used in gin
The botanicals used in gin are usually steeped in the spirit and then distilled along with the alcohol. This ensures that they extract as much flavour as possible from the botanicals without adding other substances.
The botanicals used in gin include:
Juniper berries: These are the main flavouring ingredient in gin and give it its characteristic taste. Other botanicals are often added to complement the juniper flavour.
Coriander seeds: These add a citrusy, floral flavour to gin.
Angostura bitters: These bitters are made from various herbs and spices and add a bitter, spicy flavour to gin.
Lemon peel: This adds a fresh, citrusy flavour to gin.
Orange peel: This also adds a fresh, citrusy flavour to gin.
Gin's botanical ingredients have been carefully chosen to deliver a complex and well-rounded spirit. Juniper berries are the show's star, providing a piney, slightly floral flavour that is the signature of gin. Other botanicals like coriander, citrus peel, bay leaf and liquorice root round out the flavour profile and give gin its distinctive taste.
7. The different gin cocktails you can make with gin
When it comes to mixed drinks, there are few spirits as versatile as gin. This clear liquor can be used to create all sorts of delicious cocktails. There are many ways to enjoy gin, whether you’re a lover of the spirit or just getting started. Gin can be served neat, on the rocks, or in various cocktails. Here are a few of our favourite recipes:
The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail that is simple and refreshing. Pour gin over ice and top with tonic water.
The Gin and Ginger is a variation on the Gin and Tonic that is perfect for winter. Add ginger ale and a squeeze of lime for a drink that will warm you up from the inside out.
The Gin Martini is a classic cocktail perfect for a sophisticated evening out. Mix gin, vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters for a drink sure to impress.
The Gin Sour is a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail perfect for summer parties. Combine gin, lemon juice, sugar, and egg whites for a drink that is sure to quench your thirst.
8. Simply easy steps to making your own compound gin.
You don't need a lot of fancy equipment to make easy compound gin at home. All you need is a clean, empty bottle, a funnel, a water filter jug, and some basic kitchen supplies.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own basic recipe:
1. Start with a clean bottle and funnel.
2. Fill the bottle with grain alcohol or vodka, also known as compound gin.
3. Add your desired botanicals to the glass bottle. Botanicals include juniper berries, a small piece of dried peel citrus, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon stick, and cabinet herb spices.
4. Seal the bottle and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
5. After 24 hours, strain the gin into another clean bottle using the using a sieve lined with a filter; you can use a coffee filter as well.
6. Enjoy your homemade gin!
Your Signature Edition Gin Kit includes everything needed for your own gin production - including an instruction booklet - to make ten large bottles of gin at home. - Your DIY GIN