H A Royal Taste for Simplicity

 

The Queen of England and the Gin and Tonic – A Royal Connection

For centuries, the British monarchy has played an influential role in shaping the country’s drinking culture. While wine, champagne, and whisky have long been associated with royal banquets and state occasions, one drink has a uniquely personal connection to the late Queen Elizabeth II: the gin and tonic.

Known for her discipline and dedication, Queen Elizabeth II was also famous for her modest but consistent enjoyment of certain spirits — with the gin & tonic often at the center of her daily routine. This connection has not only highlighted the drink’s enduring popularity but has also woven it into Britain’s cultural identity.

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A Royal Taste for Simplicity

Unlike many royals who embraced elaborate cocktails or rare wines, Queen Elizabeth II was known for her preference for simple, classic drinks. The gin and tonic, crisp and refreshing, matched her personality: understated, elegant, and distinctly British.

According to her former staff and biographers, the Queen often enjoyed a pre-lunch gin & tonic, carefully measured and garnished, as part of her daily ritual. It was not consumed in excess but as a ceremonial pause in a busy schedule.

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The Royal Household and Gin

The British Royal Family has long had ties to gin, both as consumers and as patrons of distilleries. In fact, Buckingham Palace itself has produced its own gin, made with botanicals sourced from the palace gardens.

• Buckingham Palace Gin: Released in 2020, crafted with 12 botanicals including lemon verbena, hawthorn berries, and mulberry leaves from the royal estate. It quickly sold out, showing the public’s fascination with both the monarchy and gin.

• Royal Warrant Holders: Several gin brands have historically held royal warrants, supplying spirits to the household — a mark of both tradition and prestige.

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The Queen’s Preferred Gin & Tonic Style

Accounts from royal staff suggest that the Queen preferred her gin & tonic prepared with precision:

1. The Gin: A dry London gin, often from Gordon’s or a similar trusted brand.

2. The Tonic: Schweppes Indian Tonic Water — crisp and reliable.

3. The Garnish: A simple slice of lemon, squeezed lightly to release its oils.

4. The Glass: Traditionally served in a crystal tumbler or highball glass, with plenty of ice.

The proportions were reportedly modest, around one part gin to two parts tonic, keeping the drink light and refreshing.

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Gin and the British Monarchy’s Image

The Queen’s quiet fondness for gin & tonic resonated with the public. Unlike champagne-filled royal celebrations or opulent state banquets, her choice reflected:

• Approachability: Gin and tonic is a drink enjoyed by millions across Britain, symbolizing a common thread between monarchy and citizenry.

• Tradition: Gin has deep roots in British culture, from the colonial period to modern craft revival.

• Discipline: The Queen was known for moderation — enjoying her drink as part of a balanced daily rhythm, never indulgently.

This simple cocktail, linked to her daily life, became an emblem of how the Queen embodied both royalty and relatability.

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The Global Impact

The revelation of the Queen’s fondness for gin & tonic gave the cocktail an extra boost in international popularity. In the last two decades, as gin culture exploded worldwide, references to the Queen’s daily G&T were often used by bartenders, journalists, and brands to highlight the drink’s heritage.

Tourists visiting the UK frequently seek out the “royal” style gin & tonic — London Dry gin, Schweppes tonic, lemon wedge — as a way of drinking like the Queen.

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Gin, Heritage, and Legacy

When Buckingham Palace launched its gin in 2020, it was not only a commercial success but also a reflection of the monarchy’s role in sustaining Britain’s heritage. The gin’s use of palace botanicals symbolized the Queen’s deep connection to tradition, nature, and understated luxury.

Even after her passing in 2022, the association between Queen Elizabeth II and the gin & tonic remains strong, immortalizing the drink as part of her personal legacy.

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Conclusion

The story of the Queen of England and gin & tonic is not one of indulgence, but of ritual, tradition, and identity. It reflects how a simple cocktail became intertwined with a monarch who ruled for over 70 years, embodying continuity, discipline, and quiet elegance.

For gin enthusiasts, raising a glass of gin & tonic in the Queen’s preferred style — London Dry Gin, Schweppes tonic, a slice of lemon, and plenty of ice — is more than just enjoying a drink. It is a toast to the enduring bond between Britain’s monarchy, its cultural heritage, and one of the world’s most beloved cocktails.

 

Bulbash Dry Gin

Bulbash Dry Gin – A Belarusian Classic in the Making

Belarus is historically a vodka nation, with brands like Bulbash leading the way in traditional grain-based spirits and flavored vodkas. Yet, as global drinking habits evolve and cocktail culture spreads through Minsk, Brest, and other cities, Bulbash has ventured into the world of gin. Bulbash Dry Gin is one of the country’s most recognized attempts to create a domestic gin that balances classic London Dry style with subtle Belarusian touches.

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A Short History of Bulbash Distillery

Founded in the Minsk region, Bulbash has long been one of Belarus’s leading producers of vodka, fruit liqueurs, and traditional Slavic spirits. Known for innovation in flavored vodkas, the brand decided to enter the gin market as demand grew in Belarus and abroad.

Bulbash Dry Gin represents this move into a more cosmopolitan spirit category, designed both for mixing in cocktails and for export appeal.

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Flavor Profile and Botanicals

Bulbash Dry Gin follows the London Dry tradition, but with a nod to Belarusian terroir.

• Juniper Berries – The foundation of the gin, sourced to provide a strong, classic profile.

• Coriander Seed – Adds a warm, slightly spicy depth.

• Citrus Peel – Brightens the flavor, making it refreshing and ideal for G&Ts.

• Local Herbs (Belarusian Influence) – Infusions of regional herbs provide subtle earthy and floral notes, connecting the gin to Slavic traditions.

Style: Crisp, clean, and versatile — made to appeal both to casual drinkers and bartenders seeking a reliable mixing gin.

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How Bulbash Dry Gin is Enjoyed

1. Gin & Tonic

The most popular way to enjoy Bulbash Dry Gin in Belarus. Paired with Schweppes or Fever-Tree, it becomes a refreshing, balanced cocktail. Garnishes often include:

• Lemon slices

• Fresh cucumber

• Cranberries (for a Belarusian twist)

2. Classic Cocktails

Bulbash Dry Gin works well in:

• Martini – With a crisp, juniper-forward bite.

• Negroni – Balanced against Campari’s bitterness.

• Gin Fizz – Light and citrusy, highlighting its bright profile.

3. Local Variations

Some Belarusian bartenders add lingonberries, birch leaves, or herbal syrups to give cocktails a uniquely local flavor.

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Reputation and Position in Belarus

Bulbash Dry Gin has carved out a niche as the most accessible Belarusian gin.

• Domestic Market: Affordable and widely available in Belarusian liquor stores.

• Bars & Restaurants: Common in Minsk’s cocktail menus, often used as a reliable mixing gin.

• Export Potential: Though not yet a global name, it is marketed as part of Belarus’s growing craft spirit identity.

For many Belarusians, Bulbash Dry Gin is a gateway to gin culture, offering a domestic alternative to imports like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire.

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Competition and Imports

While Bulbash Dry Gin is the most prominent Belarusian-made gin, it competes against a wide range of imports:

• Gordon’s & Beefeater – Budget-friendly, widely available.

• Tanqueray & Bombay Sapphire – Premium imports with strong recognition.

• Hendrick’s – A luxury option in Belarus’s upscale venues.

Bulbash positions itself between affordability and authenticity, appealing to those who want a Belarusian product without sacrificing international quality.

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Bulbash Dry Gin in Cocktail Culture

• Minsk Cocktail Bars: Increasingly featured in gin-based menus.

• Serving Traditions: Often served in balloon glasses with elaborate garnishes, following European gin-tonic styles.

• Local Identity: By adding regional botanicals, Bulbash Dry Gin ties the international gin tradition to Belarus’s own herbal heritage.

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Conclusion

Bulbash Dry Gin is Belarus’s strongest contender in the world of gin, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. With its juniper-forward profile, balanced by citrus and subtle herbal notes, it delivers a versatile spirit that works both for classic cocktails and Belarusian-inspired serves.

Paired with tonic and garnished with cranberries, mint, or cucumber, Bulbash Dry Gin offers a refreshing take on the global gin & tonic trend, while proudly carrying the mark of Belarusian craftsmanship.

For gin enthusiasts, it represents more than just a bottle — it’s a chance to taste Belarus’s entry into the world of cosmopolitan mixology.

H The Dutch Spirit of Juniper

 

The History and Heritage of Jenever

Among Europe’s traditional spirits, few hold as much cultural weight and historical influence as jenever, the Dutch juniper-based liquor often considered the predecessor of modern gin. Deeply woven into the fabric of Dutch and Belgian identity, jenever combines craftsmanship, history, and a distinctive flavor profile that reflects centuries of distilling tradition. Today, it remains both a cultural treasure and a growing international favorite.

Origins: From Medicine to Spirit

The roots of jenever stretch back to the late Middle Ages. In the 13th and 14th centuries, juniper berries were used in herbal remedies throughout Europe for their supposed medicinal benefits, especially in treating kidney and stomach ailments. By the 16th century, Dutch and Flemish distillers began infusing distilled malt wine (a grain spirit) with juniper berries, creating a drink known as jenever.

Early references appear in the writings of the physician Franciscus Sylvius (1614–1672), who is often credited with popularizing jenever as a medicinal tonic. While it is debated whether Sylvius actually invented the spirit, there is no doubt that the Dutch were pioneers in refining and producing juniper-based liquor.

The Dutch Golden Age and the Rise of Jenever

The 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, was a period of immense prosperity and global trade. During this era, the production of jenever flourished. Distilleries in cities such as Schiedam, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam became famous for their craftsmanship, and jenever became a staple in Dutch taverns.

Dutch sailors and soldiers also played a key role in spreading jenever abroad. It was famously consumed by troops during the Thirty Years’ War, earning the nickname “Dutch Courage” from English soldiers who encountered the drink before battle. This phrase would later become part of gin’s lore in Britain.

Jenever and the Birth of Gin

The English adoption of jenever during wartime encounters laid the foundation for gin. In the late 17th century, when William of Orange ascended the English throne, Dutch drinking traditions influenced British culture. English distillers began producing their own versions of juniper-flavored spirits, which evolved into gin.

Thus, jenever is widely recognized as the ancestor of modern gin, though the two differ significantly in flavor and production methods.

Types of Jenever: Old and Young

Jenever is not a uniform spirit but comes in several varieties, distinguished primarily by distillation methods and malt content:

• Oude Jenever (Old Jenever): Not necessarily old in age, but “old” refers to the traditional style. It has a high malt wine content, often up to 50%, resulting in a malty, whiskey-like flavor with earthy undertones.

• Jonge Jenever (Young Jenever): Introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this style emerged when column stills allowed for lighter, more neutral spirits. Jonge jenever has less malt wine (often under 15%) and a cleaner, more vodka-like profile, though still flavored with juniper.

• Korenwijn (Grain Wine): A special style of jenever with at least 51% malt wine, aged in oak casks, giving it depth and complexity similar to fine whiskies.

Cultural Role in the Netherlands and Belgium

Jenever is more than just a drink—it is a cultural ritual. Traditionally, it is served in a tulip-shaped glass filled to the brim. Custom dictates that the first sip is taken without lifting the glass, by bending over and slurping directly from the rim. This practice, known as the “kopstootje” (literally “headbutt”), often pairs a glass of jenever with a beer chaser.

Jenever also holds protected status. In 2008, the European Union granted Geographical Indication (GI) protection to jenever produced in the Netherlands, Belgium, and certain regions of France and Germany, ensuring its authenticity and heritage remain preserved.

Decline and Revival

By the mid-20th century, global interest in jenever declined as gin, vodka, and whisky gained international dominance. Younger generations in the Netherlands also turned away from traditional spirits, seeing them as old-fashioned.

However, in recent decades, jenever has undergone a renaissance. The rise of craft distilleries, mixology culture, and interest in authentic heritage drinks has brought jenever back into the spotlight. Modern bartenders experiment with jenever in cocktails, using it in place of gin or whisky to add unique depth and maltiness.

Jenever Today: A Spirit of Heritage and Innovation

Today, brands like Bols, Ketel, Rutte, and Hooghoudt continue to keep the jenever tradition alive. From historic distilleries in Schiedam—once called the “jenever capital of the world”—to new craft producers reimagining the spirit, jenever is experiencing a cultural revival both in its homeland and abroad.

Its versatility makes it appealing: sipped neat in the traditional Dutch style, paired with beer, or mixed into cocktails such as a Jenever Negroni or Holland Martini. For those seeking to explore the roots of gin or to discover a spirit with centuries of European heritage, jenever offers a truly unique experience.

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Conclusion

Jenever is not only the forerunner of gin but also a spirit with its own distinct identity. Born from medicinal origins, nurtured in the Dutch Golden Age, and carried across borders by sailors and soldiers, it represents resilience, tradition, and craftsmanship.

Though overshadowed for a time by gin and vodka, jenever is reclaiming its place in the global drinks landscape. Whether enjoyed as a cultural ritual in the Netherlands or rediscovered in a modern cocktail bar, jenever remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Dutch distilling.

H refreshing and iconic as the gin and tonic

 

The History of the Gin and Tonic

Few drinks are as refreshing and iconic as the gin and tonic. Simple in composition yet rich in history, this cocktail has a fascinating story that stretches across centuries, spanning medicinal uses, colonial trade, and modern mixology culture. From its beginnings as a health remedy in tropical colonies to its status as a global symbol of sophistication, the gin and tonic reflects both necessity and creativity.

Early Roots: The Birth of Gin

The story begins in 17th-century Europe with gin. Derived from the Dutch liquor jenever (a juniper-based spirit), gin became popular in England after soldiers fighting in the Thirty Years’ War tasted the drink and brought it home. By the 18th century, gin was widely consumed across London—so much so that the "Gin Craze" (1730s–1750s) led to social problems, inspiring legislation to control production and consumption. Despite this, gin solidified its role as one of Britain’s most beloved spirits.

The Bitter Companion: Quinine and Tonic Water

The other half of the gin and tonic equation, tonic water, has roots in medicine. In the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries in South America discovered that indigenous people used the bark of the cinchona tree to treat fevers. This bark contained quinine, a natural alkaloid effective in fighting malaria. Quinine became a critical tool for Europeans expanding into tropical regions, particularly British officers and colonial administrators in India and Africa.

By the early 19th century, quinine was mixed with carbonated water to make it more palatable—thus creating the first versions of tonic water. While effective, early tonic water was extremely bitter and unappealing on its own.

The Colonial Connection: Why Gin?

It was in British India during the 19th century that the gin and tonic truly came together. To make the harsh taste of quinine tonic more drinkable, British officers began mixing it with gin, sugar, and lime. This combination not only masked the bitterness but also provided a refreshing drink in the hot, humid climate. What started as a practical health measure quickly became a beloved ritual.

The gin and tonic was therefore not born purely as a cocktail, but as a preventive medicine disguised as refreshment. It soon gained popularity beyond military use, spreading through colonial society and eventually back to Britain itself.

From Medicine to Culture

As the 19th century progressed, commercial tonic waters became available in Europe. The most famous was Schweppes Indian Tonic Water, introduced in the 1870s, which turned the colonial health concoction into a fashionable beverage. By the late Victorian era, the gin and tonic was no longer just a remedy for malaria but a cultural symbol of the British Empire and its far-reaching influence.

20th-Century Evolution

During the 20th century, the gin and tonic evolved into a staple cocktail worldwide. The rise of cocktail culture in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly during Prohibition in the U.S., brought renewed interest in gin. After World War II, with the growth of global trade and travel, gin and tonic became firmly established as a bar classic.

In Spain, particularly from the late 20th century onward, the “Gin-Tonic” revolution transformed the drink into an art form. Served in balloon glasses with carefully selected garnishes—herbs, spices, fruits—Spanish gin tonics became more than just simple refreshers; they became gourmet experiences. This trend later spread across Europe and into upscale bars worldwide.

Modern Craft and Renaissance

In the 21st century, the gin and tonic has experienced a renaissance thanks to the craft gin movement. Distilleries now produce gins infused with botanicals ranging from lavender to cucumber, while artisanal tonic brands offer different levels of sweetness, bitterness, and flavors. Today, the gin and tonic is celebrated not only for its history but also for its versatility and ability to adapt to new trends.

A Drink with Legacy

The gin and tonic remains a timeless drink because it embodies more than flavor—it tells a story. It reflects the interplay of colonial history, medical necessity, and social transformation. What started as a medicinal concoction for weary British officers in India has become a global icon of refreshment and style.

Whether enjoyed in a London pub, a Spanish rooftop bar, or a New York cocktail lounge, the gin and tonic connects its drinker to centuries of cultural evolution. It is both a reminder of history and a symbol of modern indulgence, a perfect blend of bitter and sweet, necessity and pleasure.