Hello everyone! Today we are going to explore the world of pink gin. What is it, why is it pink, and does it taste any different from regular gin? These are the questions that have been on my mind for a while, and I finally decided to do some research and distill my curiosity.
Firstly, what is pink gin? Pink gin is essentially regular gin that has been infused with a pink or reddish hue. This can be achieved in a number of ways. Some pink gins are made by infusing the gin with red fruits such as raspberries or strawberries, while others are made by adding a natural or artificial pink coloring to the gin. Some pink gins are even made by macerating the gin with rose petals, giving it a floral and delicate flavor.
But why make gin pink in the first place? Is it just a marketing ploy? Well, the answer is a little more complicated than that. Yes, pink gin has certainly become a trendy drink in recent years, but it’s not just a gimmick. Pink gin actually has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 19th century.
Back in those days, British sailors would mix gin with Angostura bitters to create a drink that was believed to cure seasickness. The bitters gave the gin a reddish hue, and thus the first pink gin was born. The drink became quite popular with the Royal Navy, and soon spread to gin bars across the country.
Fast forward to today, and pink gin has made a comeback thanks to a resurgence in popularity of gin in general, as well as the rise of Instagram-friendly cocktails. Pink gin is seen as a stylish and sophisticated drink, and is often marketed towards women.
So, now that we know what pink gin is and why it exists, let’s get to the most important question: does it taste any different from regular gin? The answer here is a little more subjective. Technically speaking, pink gin should taste the same as regular gin, since the color doesn’t affect the flavor. However, because many pink gins are infused with fruit or floral flavors, they may have a slightly different taste.
For example, the popular pink gin brand Gordon’s Pink is made with the same botanicals as their regular gin, but is also infused with strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrant. This gives it a sweeter and fruitier flavor than their classic gin. Other brands, such as Beefeater Pink, use grapefruit as one of their flavorings, giving their gin a tangy and citrusy taste.
Of course, taste is a very personal thing. Some people may prefer the taste of pink gin over regular gin, while others may not notice a difference at all. It all comes down to personal preference.
So, to sum up: pink gin is essentially regular gin that has been infused with a pink hue, and it has a long and interesting history dating back to the 19th century. While pink gin is certainly trendy and stylish, it’s not just a gimmick – it does have a slightly different taste depending on the brand and flavorings used.
If you’re curious about pink gin but don’t know where to start, here are a few recommendations to get you started:
1. Gordon’s Pink – This is probably the most well-known brand of pink gin, and for good reason. It’s deliciously fruity and refreshing, and pairs well with tonic water and a slice of fresh strawberry.
2. Beefeater Pink – This pink gin has a zingy citrus flavor thanks to the addition of grapefruit, and works well in cocktails.
3. Tanqueray Sevilla – While not strictly a pink gin (it’s more of an orange color), Tanqueray Sevilla is infused with oranges and orange blossom, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s perfect for summer sipping.
4. Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger – This is a unique twist on pink gin, as it’s infused with rhubarb and ginger instead of red fruits. The result is a warming and spicy gin that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about pink gin. Whether you’re a die-hard gin connoisseur or just looking for something new to try, pink gin is definitely worth a taste. And who knows – it may just become your new favorite drink!
Image Credit: Pexels