Old soul, new spirit: How gin became a modern classic

Most of us can remember the first time we ever tried alcohol. Maybe it was a watered-down sip of wine passed your way at a family dinner. Or perhaps a cheeky birthday toast, awkwardly raised and quickly grimaced through. Either way, it’s a moment, a little rite of passage that sticks.

For me, gin has always felt like the kind of drink you graduate to. At first, it’s the bottle you bring to a party because someone else loves it. But over time, as you explore its endless flavours, it becomes your drink.

Suddenly you’re the one recommending the “citrusy one with the weird label,” bragging about your latest cocktail experiment, and defending the perfect G&T garnish like it’s a personal belief system.

But gin’s story didn’t start with rooftop bars and herb-infused tonics. Its arrival in Britain was tied to something darker, a drink of courage for men who left no memoirs, only echoes.

It was the 17th century. Far from home, on the muddy, blood-soaked battlefields of Europe, British soldiers were handed a sharp, juniper-infused spirit by their Dutch allies, jenever, meant to warm the body and steady the hand before war. They brought it back across the channel, and it caught on fast. Soon, the English had their own word for it, gin.

From those grim beginnings, gin evolved. It found its place in homes, in bars, and in hearts, eventually becoming something celebratory, creative, and proudly British.

And now? It’s everywhere.

Once written off as old-fashioned, gin is now the star of the spirits world. Sales have tripled in the past decade, and we’re seeing a boom in artisan distilleries, experimental flavours and high-end mixes. Its no longer just the G&T your gran sipped, it’s the statement bottle at the party, the centrepiece of your home bar, and the base of some of the most exciting cocktails.

Inspired by the historical insights in Frank Kämmer's original piece on the rise of gin, this article reimagines the story with a personal twist, updated context, fresh hosting ideas and carefully curated recipes, including the Gin Basil Smash, inspired by Jörg Meyer's original 2008 creation.

Written by M. Naomi.

Disclaimer: Images are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact appearance of your finished gin cocktail. They have been styled for visual appeal and may differ from the actual recipe results.