World Gin Day is an ideal time for gin aficionados to experience this popular spirit in style. National Gin Day functions as an excellent opportunity to study the historical background of gin and its botanical characteristics and discover new gin-based cocktails, together with distinctive gift suggestions.
We will discover where gin comes from while discussing different ways to mark Gin and Tonic Day, popular cocktails, and assisting you in selecting a suitable gin gift for any occasion.
When is World Gin Day?
Every year, the international event takes place on the second Saturday of June to let gin fans worldwide drink juniper-based spirits. So, World Gin Day 2025 will occur on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. The day, known in some areas as National Gin Day, is a worldwide celebration that aims to promote gin’s diverse uses and historical significance.
How to Celebrate World Gin Day
While Gin Day welcomes celebration in any way possible, these ideas will help you make the most out of this special day:
- Organize a Gin Tasting Party: Allow your guests to try various gin brands. Your tasting event should include traditional gins, modern craft variations, and distinctive botanical elements.
- Try a New Gin Cocktail: Move beyond the classic gin and tonic. The French 75 and Gin Basil Smash (see recipes below!) are two innovative cocktail recipes to explore.
- Send a Drinkable Gifts gift basket containing gins: This is an ideal gift for anyone who values premium spirits, including friends and business associates.
- Bars and distilleries frequently organize gin-focused events during World Gin Day, which include sampling sessions, mixology instruction, and pairing activities.
- Use social media to present your gin cocktails using the hashtags #WorldGinDay and #GinAndTonicDay to interact with other gin enthusiasts.
Why Is Gin Called Gin?
The name “gin” originates from botanical sources, because gin received its name from the French term genièvre and the Dutch jenever, which translates to “juniper.” The essential botanical component of gin produces its distinctive aroma while providing its distinctive flavor through juniper berries. The Dutch spirit jenever became popular in England during the 17th century, shortening the name to “gin” while a new national pastime emerged.
What Is the Slang Name for Gin?
Gin has earned numerous slang names throughout the centuries, especially in Britain. These are some of the most well-known slang terms for gin:
Mother’s Ruin – A nod to gin’s troubled reputation in 18th-century London.
Dutch Courage – The term supposedly started from English soldiers drinking jenever before battles to boost their bravery.
Navy Strength – Historically the British Royal Navy employed this strong gin variety.
What Fruit Is Used in Gin?
Juniper berries represent the core botanical that defines gin while modern gin producers use many other fruits and botanicals in their manufacturing process. Gin distillers incorporate lemon, orange peel, and grapefruit together with herbs, spices, and floral elements to produce different taste profiles. So, every gin creation results from endless possible combinations that produce distinctive sensory experiences.
What Is the Oldest Brand of Gin?
The oldest commercially available gin brand is Gordon’s Gin, which Gordon founded in London in 1769. The juniper-forward taste of Gordon’s has maintained its position as a popular choice for bars and homes throughout the world. Two more historic gin brands include Beefeater from 1863 and Tanqueray from 1830, which both present different versions to honor gin’s rich historical heritage. Though today the battle of Beefeater vs Bombay rages on for gin aficionados.
Popular Gin Cocktails to Try on Gin and Tonic Day
Although the Gin and Tonic is still one of the most popular drinks today, there are many other well-known gin cocktails:
1. Negroni
1 oz gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Stir with ice and garnish with an orange peel.
2. French 75
1 oz gin
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Champagne to top it off
3. Tom Collins
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Club soda to top
4. Gin Basil Smash
2 oz gin
Fresh basil leaves
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Muddle basil, shake, and strain over ice.
These cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate the day, whether you are at home, in a bar or just sharing with friends online. Our bartender guide for beginners will help any novice breeze through these cocktails with ease.
Gin Pairings: How to Pair Food with Gin Cocktails
Gin’s herbal and citrus flavors go very well with different foods. Here are some pairing ideas to help you make the most of National Gin Day:
Cheese & Charcuterie: Soft goat cheese, smoked salmon, and prosciutto are great matches with floral or citrusy gins.
Seafood: Oysters, sushi, or grilled prawns will go well with the clean and bright classic gin cocktail.
Herbed Dishes: Gin works well with fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, and mint, which are typical in Mediterranean cuisine.
Dark Chocolate: A small piece of dark chocolate can also be paired, especially with barrel-aged or spiced gins, to bring out an interesting complexity.
When Is Gin Appropriate as a Gift?
Gin is a great gift idea for different occasions such as:
Birthdays: You can get a personalized bottle or a gin-tasting set.
Anniversaries: A premium craft gin accompanied by artisan chocolates or glassware is a perfect gift for anniversaries.
Corporate Gifts: A gin gift basket is a great choice for clients or colleagues instead of traditional wine or whiskey gifts.
Holidays: World Gin Day 2025 is just the first in a year’s worth of gin gifting holidays starting with Christmas and ending with Father’s Day.
Housewarmings: A beautiful bottle of botanical gin is always a welcome addition to a new home bar.
If you want to send your gift across borders, Drinkable Gifts makes gin delivery a snap! We deliver worldwide, so you can be sure your present arrives perfectly packaged and on time.
Final Toast: Join the World Gin Day 2025 Celebrations
Whatever your drink of choice is, whether you are enjoying a gin and tonic in the garden, making a Negroni at home, or gifting a premium gin basket to a friend or coworker, World Gin Day 2025 is a great excuse to celebrate one of the world’s most popular spirits.
You’ve discovered the joy of World Gin Day; now what?
- Find out the popular drinks for different age groups with this blog.
- Try sending alcohol to Canada as a gift!
- Join our newsletter so you don’t miss a blog update! You’ll also get an exclusive discount on your next order.
A foodie, nerd, book lover, and eager taste tester. I’m a night owl with a need to expand my knowledge of other cultures and places to give myself a better perspective.