5 Myths associated with Gin

Gin is, without a doubt, a spirit involved in some mystery. A good example of that are its botanics, which are often not even entirely revealed. Through time, these mysteries can lead to ideas that are not always true, but fear not. Prepare your cocktail, sit comfortably and get to know some of the main myths associated with gin.

Myth #1 - Gin comes from Britain

While many believe that gin comes from Britain, that is simply not true. The spirit was created in the Netherlands and has its origins in a drink called Jenever, which is made of Juniper (which is also gin’s main botanic). The soldiers who fought in the 30 Years War used to drink it to calm their nerves and feel stronger while battling the british enemies. It turns out these were the ones who brought Jenever to Britain, where they developed the drink until it became what we know today as gin. 

Myth #2 - Gin should not be drunk during meals

Gin is a much more versatile drink than what many people think. The bar is, undoubtedly, the scenario where we will find it more frequently but, as we already pointed in this article, it is increasingly common to harmonise gin with various dishes and snacks. Its citric elements match seafood perfectly. And there are also other good options, like sushi or matured meats. Even a good dessert can be a nice fit for gin, since it also works as a digestif. 

Myth #3 - Drinking gin makes us depressed 

The alcohol effects in our body depend on how much and how fast we drink it, and also, obviously, on its properties. In small amounts, alcohol improves our moods, making us feel uninhibited, and in bigger quantities, it acts as a depressor, exaggerating our moods. It basically makes you feel happier if you’re already happy and more depressed if you’re already not having a good day. 

Despite many people thinking gin can make you depressed, this fact is not proven yet- gin can make you want to cry as much as any other alcoholic beverage. 

Myth #4 - Gin must only be drank cold

Obviously, none of us want to drink a lukewarm gin tonic. But did you know that you can also drink hot gin? Hot Gin Punch is a drink whose origins date back to the 18th century, when gin used to be warmed during the rigorous London winters. The truth is this tradition is coming back, and there are good reasons to adopt it: hotter temperatures emphasize the gin’s botanical notes, making it sweeter, more floral and fruity. And there are more good news: almost all kinds of gin can be warmed without losing its flavour. 

Myth #5 - Gin Tonic prevents Covid-19

And now, a myth that has spread significantly in recent months - does tonic water prevent Covid-19? The myth has spread because tonic water has a (residual) amount of quinine, a substance with medicinal properties. The race to the supermarkets to buy tonic water started because quinine belongs to the ‘family’ of hydroxychloroquine, which has already been studied as a potential cure for coronavirus. However, specialists have already confirmed that not even in industrial amounts tonic water can cure Covid-19. Leave it, then, for what it really is good for - making delicious cocktails with gin.