What is Gin, and why do we celebrate it?

Gin is a distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavour from the energising juniper berries (the cornerstone of proper gin), which makes it easily recognisable by its distinct aroma. Consumers then mix the gin with any mixer to enhance the taste, such as tonic, soda water, lime, grapefruit, pineapple juice, cucumber, etc.

Gin Monkey established Gin Day with the simple idea to get people together worldwide and raise a glass to this brilliant spirit. So, whether you drink it on ice, in a cocktail, or a classic G&T, we invite you to the heart of Jozi to celebrate this wonderful juniper-laced spirit in all its glory!

But first, fun facts to share with your besties!

• It originated from Holland: the British might be the number one gin fans, but gin was first made in Holland and taken back to England by soldiers in the early 1600s.
• It was medicinal at first: before it became the spirit we enjoy, gin was used to make tonic water and cinchona mixture to combat malaria in India.
• Juniper berries, then other botanicals: other popular gin botanicals include coriander, orris root, liquorice, cassia, and lemon peel. While herbs and spices like peppercorn and basil also make appearances.
• Gin & curry: apart from each other, they are delightful, but when paired, they are the perfect marriage of flavour that works well and doesn’t overpower each other.
• Tasting gin: to reveal both qualities and flaws, it’s best to taste gins for comparison at room temperature, diluted with an equal measure of water.
• More facts: Intrigued? Find more fascinating facts about gin here.

Sandton Central’s gin spots

The Greenhouse, 24 Central

The Greenhouse bar and restaurant is an urban oasis. It’s an ideal spot to break away for a couple of hours, sipping on a gloriously refreshing glass of gin and listening to the coolest beats spun by resident DJs. Menu. Book here.

Nikos, Alice Lane

Nikos on Alice Lane marries contemporary dining with traditional home-style Greek cooking, coal grilled to perfection, in an authentic and friendly environment. The perfect setting to enjoy a glass of gin. Menu.

The Big Mouth, Nelson Mandela Square

Enjoy a gin in a contemporary take on the classic diner infused with culinary influences and ingredients from around the globe at The Big Mouth. Menu. Reservations.

Rockets

Rockets is a versatile, one-of-a-kind space, providing a unique experience for every function type, including casual gin cocktails on the rooftop, private dining, and conferences. Menu. Make a reservation.

Be Gin with a recipe at home.

Apricot Passion

Ingredients:

• 30ml gin
• 2 tsp apricot glaze or sieved apricot jam
• 30ml passion fruit juice drink (Liqui-Fruit is fine)
• 10ml lime juice

Method:

Pour the gin over the apricot glaze in a glass with a little crushed ice in it and stir very well until the apricot is more or less dissolved.  Add the passion fruit juice drink and lime juice, stir further; add more crushed ice, and then serve with a straw.

Drink responsibly & stay safe, Sandton!