Gin vs. Gin Liqueur: Understanding the Essential Differences

What Is Gin?

Gin is a distilled spirit that gets its main flavor from juniper berries. To be classified as gin in the EU:
- It must have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% 
- Juniper must be the dominant flavor
- Additional aromatic botanicals like coriander, citrus peels, and angelica root are often used

Popular gin styles include Distilled, London Dry, Navy Strength, and Old Tom.

What is a Gin Liqueur? 

Gin liqueur, on the other hand, is a sweet alcoholic beverage that uses gin as a base. Its main characteristics are:

- A lower alcohol content, usually between 20 and 30% 
- The addition of sugar or sweeteners
- Often infused with fruits, herbs, or spices for unique flavors

Common varieties of gin liqueur include sloe gin and flavored options like cherry or elderflower.

Key Differences:
1. Alcohol Content: Gin has a higher alcohol level than gin liqueur
2. Sweetness: Gin liqueurs are noticeably sweeter
3. Aromatic Profile: Gin is dominated by juniper; liqueurs offer more diverse flavor options
4. Mixability: Gin is versatile in cocktails; liqueurs are often enjoyed alone or as flavorings
5. Legal Definitions: Gin has stricter production regulations than gin liqueurs

How to Taste:
- Gin: Perfect for classic cocktails like the Martini, Gin Tonic, or Negroni
- Gin Liqueur: Delicious on ice, mixed with champagne or crémant, or as a flavoring in desserts

At Ginsations, we offer a beautiful selection of gins and a delicious cherry gin liqueur to satisfy all palates. Whether you are a gin purist or looking to experiment with sweeter and fruitier options, we have something for everyone.

Ready to explore the world of gin and gin liqueurs? Visit our online store to discover our carefully selected quality French spirits.

Discover our Favorite French Gins Collection now.