Gin is a clear spirit that generally mixes well with other ingredients and is a popular choice for both classic and modern cocktails. What sets gin apart from its clear spirits counter-parts are the various botanicals used for flavoring that give gin a distinct taste. In order for a spirit to be called gin, it must be distilled from grains or malt and, most importantly, it must be flavored with juniper berries.

When people taste and smell gin, juniper berry is the most prominent aroma and flavor. Other botanicals are often added to the mix (lemon peel, grapefruit, fennel, anise, etc.), but you can’t have gin without juniper berries. That’s what makes gin, gin.