Gin is a flavorful spirit that can be used to craft many classic cocktails like martinis, gimlets, and French 75s. Many people have enjoyed the taste of gin, but few know much about how it is produced. Here's what you should know about gin and the distillation process. 

What Is Gin Made Of?

The precise ingredients in each bottle of gin may vary, but all of them have at least one ingredient in common—juniper. A beverage can only be called gin if it contains at least some of this berry. In addition, the base of the liquid is generally made of distilled malt or grain. Some also include other botanicals or flavor elements, including lemon, coriander, licorice, cucumber, and cardamom. 

How Is It Made?

Gin usually starts with a base grain like malt, barley, wheat, or corn, which is fermented in a container. This process produces ethanol, which is then extracted as a liquid. Distillers will then add water, juniper, and other flavor elements and distill the liquid again to infuse the flavors and achieve the desired alcohol by volume level. 

There are a few different distillation methods that can be used throughout this process. The first involves simply steeping the botanicals in a large container with the base liquid over heat. This can take up to two days, depending on the depth of flavor desired. Flavors can also be infused using a vapor method, where the base liquid is heated while botanicals are suspended over them. The vapors then attach to the essential oils of the botanicals to infuse their flavor. There’s also a vacuum distillation method, which involves lowering the pressure where the ethanol is kept to lower its boiling point and infuse flavors without added heat. 

If you want to learn even more about how gin is made, visit a distillery. Anderson Distillery & Grill in Roanoke, TX, offers gin and a wide array of other spirits alongside a full menu of quality food items. Spirits are crafted in small batches. You can even try seasonal drink specials made with their creations. Visit the website to view the full menu. To speak with a team member, call (817) 203-0623.