Made with juniper berries, the most common type used in cocktails is London dry gin, which features a pleasant rounded bitter taste.

This version of the spirit is usually made from a combination of a neutral grain spirit, which is distilled once again after adding juniper and citrus fruit peel (usually lemons and bitter oranges).

Depending on the brand of gin, other ingredients can also be added, including anise, angelica root, licorice, cinnamon or coriander (amongst others).

Originally a Dutch spirit made as early as the 17th century, gin typically has a dry flavour, making it a good complement for many ingredients, such as tonic water or vermouth. A good quality gin will taste dryer than other spirits (such as rum or whisky).

Gin is used in literally hundreds of cocktails, including Pimm's Cocktail, Singapore Sling and Long Island Iced Tea, not forgetting the classic Gin & Tonic. As a result, it is useful to have a bottle of gin ready at all times in your bar.