Gin vs. Gin Liqueur: Understanding the Essential Differences

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 botanicals (i.e., herbs) like coriander, citrus zest, and angelica root are often used

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

What is a Gin Liqueur? 

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

- Lower alcohol content, generally 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 content than gin liqueur
2. Sweetness: Gin liqueurs are significantly 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 a flavoring
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 over ice, mixed with champagne or sparkling wine, or as a flavoring in desserts

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

Ready to explore the world of gin and gin liqueur? Visit our online store to discover our unique selection of quality French spirits.

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