To celebrate World Gin Day on Saturday 8^th June, we’re talking all things gin… not forgetting those all-important mixers!

There’s no getting away from the fact that the popularity of gin has skyrocketed in recent years, but in fact the juniper-based spirit dates back hundreds of years…

The Rise of Gin

Juniper, the most essential element of gin, is often incorrectly referred to as a berry – it’s actually a seed cone with flesh that makes it resemble a fruit. It was first used by the Ancient Romans and Greeks for treating toothaches, headaches and to aid digestion. During the time of the Black Death, plague doctors would put juniper and other botanicals in their masks to stop the spread of the disease and mask unpleasant smells.

The first example of alcohol being infused with juniper dates back to the Middle Ages when it was first developed by European monks who used it as a cure-all medicinal liquid. Then, in the 17th century, Dutch alchemists worked out how to distil spirits cheaply from grain and a large-scale commercial distilling industry of the earliest form of gin as we know it today, called ‘jenever’, was born.

Gin Craze

When England fell out of favour with the French in the late-1600s, gin surged in popularity due to a blockade in French brandy supplies. By the 1720s, the consumption of gin increased so rapidly that it kickstarted an epidemic of binge drinking known as the ‘Gin Craze’. The drink was enjoyed by the poorest to the wealthiest members of society, and at its peak it was estimated that around a quarter of households in London were distilling their own gin at home.

G&T – a Classic Cocktail

The classic G&T cocktail originated in India as British Army officers mixed quinine, which at the time used to treat malaria, with water, sugar, lime and… you guessed it… gin, to make the bitter taste of quinine more palatable.

Today, the rise of mixology has fuelled the resurgence in the popularity of gin and there’s no shortage of the fragrant botanicals available to flavour the spirit – from spices to citrus, herbs to berries – there’s something for everyone.

The Perfect Pairing

At our Christmas Party World events you’ll have the opportunity to experience our decadent gin bar where you can indulge in drinks from premium brands such as Chase Distillery and Aviation American Gin. Our perfectly prepared drinks are paired with mixers from our partners at Fever-Tree, who are experts in crafting a range of tonics designed to complement the varied flavour profiles of gin.

It’s Gin o’clock!

And finally, what tipple will the gin-lovers in the Vivid office be enjoying to celebrate World Gin Day?

Lauren loves a Warner Edwards Rhubarb Gin with Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic

Hayley is a fan of Tanqueray Sevilla with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic

And Gill would opt for an Edinburgh Gin Pomegranate and Rose with Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Indian Tonic