Gin, you either love it, or you just haven't tried a good quality one yet. It's traditionally known to be a liquor that is clear like water, deriving its predominant flavour from juniper berries. But what about pink gin? Is it a whole different ball game? If you love a classic gin, will you like a pink one? And how do you drink it?

Pink gin isn't something to fear, it's actually an underrated spirit that we're sure you'll soon be adding to your alcohol cabinet, or ordering next time you're out. It's a drink that dates back longer than you may think and deserves a spot on your favourite spirits list. Here's why:

The beginnings of pink gin

The first 'pink gin' started out as a cocktail that originated way back in the 1800's and was a mix of traditional gin and Angostura Bitters. Sailors in the Royal Navy were given Angostura bitters to treat seasickness. The bitters wasn't especially tasty on its own so the sailors began to add gin, and the classic pink gin cocktail was born. With a palatable taste and a rosy hue from the bitters, the drink eventually spread further afield than the Royal Navy and became popular with the general public by the late 1800s.

Although when we now refer to pink gin we're usually not referring to gin and bitters, it's worth giving a nod of appreciation to this age-old cocktail as it served as inspiration for the pink gin with the unique blushing tone that we see on the market today.

Nowadays pink gin is a spirit that has natural fruit flavours due to it being distilled with raspberries, strawberries, red currants, and occasionally rhubarb. Some traditional gin purists don't see pink gin as a 'real' gin, however, when you consider its distilling process, that it has no added sugar and it contains the same alcohol volume as traditional gins, pink gin is deserving of its name.

The rosy, Instagram worthy spirit has risen in popularity due to its gentle sweetness and subtle natural fruit flavours, making for a delicious gin and tonic with a twist, or a perfect base in a more elaborate, fruity cocktail.

How pink gin is made

You might think all gins are made equal, but unfortunately, you'd be quite wrong. In reality, there are hugely varying standards and processes to produce gin, ranging from small, family-run, craft distilleries who produce small batches of gin by hand, to big corporates with automated production lines who make 100,000 litres at a time.

You might be asking, but who cares? We say, you dear gin drinker, you should care.

If you're into gin and are looking to delve into the world of pink gin then it's worthwhile learning about your favourite gin brands. If you support small, craft distilleries, you're often supporting family-run businesses that passionately make each batch by hand using the best quality ingredients.

Where does pink gin come into the equation? Well, to produce pink gin the gin must be distilled with fruits like raspberry and strawberry. Bigger producers like Gordon's have been criticised in the UK as to whether their pink gins are truly gin. Their strawberry or fruit flavours typically overpower the juniper notes, and modern pink gins are typically fruitier and sweeter than traditional pink gin.

Opting for a craft, batch made one, like our 1919 Distillery Summer Pink Gin, means you're drinking a gin that focuses on using real ingredients, not artificial flavours or sweeteners. Cinnamon and cardamom are used to represent a spice, while high-quality raspberries and 100% Auckland grown strawberries are added for a sophisticated berry finish. Ultimately, we embrace what pink gin used to be and refrain from adding sweeteners or sugar to still celebrate the pink gin of today.

The best ways to enjoy pink gin

Now you're an expert on the history and production of pink gin, you should definitely leave here an expert on drinking it too.

Pink gin and tonic

A timeless, classic way to enjoy your pink gin (and our personal favourite).

Serve 60ml of 1919 Summer Pink Gin with 120ml of a good tonic (we love East Imperial) and add a freshly sliced strawberry to garnish, it's that simple.

Lady Nadeshiko

This punchier mix will leave you with a delicious tang in your mouth and a warm spot in your heart as your new favourite cocktail. To create, mix:

30ml 1919 Summer Pink Gin
30ml Homemade rhubarb Juice
1tsp pink peppercorns
Yuzu Tonic (again, we love East Imperial)

To garnish

a cinnamon stick
yuzu spray

Grind Pink Peppercorns using a pestle and mortar, add gin and strain into glass over ice. Pour rhubarb juice and stir, then top with East Imperial Yuzu Tonic. To finish, spray yuzu mist on the top.

Pink gin spritz

This is one for a warm summer's evening and is a great one if you're entertaining at your place. When you or your guests feel like something light and refreshing simply mix:

45ml 1919 Summer Pink Gin
45ml Prosecco
90ml lemonade
A dash of fresh lemon juice

To garnish,

Freshly sliced strawberry

We've given you a few crowd favourite drinks as a starting point, but don't stop there. We encourage you to experiment with your pink gin. Try a pink negroni, order a pink gin iced tea, or create a pink gin fizz. Just be sure to ask your bartender for 1919 Summer Pink Gin, or head here to get your hands on your own supply.