Gin isn’t just a spirit—it’s a drink with a rich, colorful history that stretches back centuries. Here at Sundowner Studio, we love celebrating both the art of crafting drinks and the stories behind them. Let’s take a look at gin’s fascinating journey, from its medicinal beginnings to its current role as a go-to choice in cocktail culture.
The Early Days: Gin as Medicine
Gin’s story begins in the Middle Ages, when people began experimenting with infusing spirits with various herbs and botanicals. The key ingredient? Juniper berries. These berries became the heart and soul of what we know as gin today. Back then, gin’s earliest ancestor was a drink called jenever, created in the Netherlands during the 16th century. It wasn’t something you sipped for fun though—it was actually used as medicine!
A Dutch physician named Franciscus Sylvius is often credited with refining the recipe. The resulting juniper-infused drink was believed to help with digestion and even gout. Soon enough, jenever became popular among soldiers who claimed it gave them a boost of "Dutch courage" before battle.
Gin Goes to England: The Gin Craze and Beyond
Gin really took off in England in the late 1600s when William of Orange became king. Gin was easier to produce than beer, and it quickly became the drink of choice for many. During the Gin Craze of the 18th century, London was producing gin at an astonishing rate—often making it cheaper than water or beer.
Unfortunately, this led to widespread overindulgence and many social problems. The government eventually stepped in with the Gin Acts to control the chaos, and over time, gin quality improved. This shift gave birth to the famous London Dry style, known for its clean, sharp taste and strong juniper flavor.
Gin’s Comeback: The Craft Gin Movement
Gin’s popularity has had its ups and downs over the years. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, gin was overshadowed by other spirits like whiskey and rum. But it wasn’t gone for good! In the 1920s, gin experienced a revival with the rise of the cocktail culture. Drinks like the Martini, Negroni, and Gin & Tonic became instant classics. The G&T, in particular, has an interesting story: British soldiers mixed gin with quinine tonic water (which helped prevent malaria) to make the bitter medicine more enjoyable—and the Gin & Tonic was born.
By the late 20th century, gin was once again falling out of favor, replaced by vodka in trendy cocktails. But starting in the 2000s, the craft gin boom brought gin back into the spotlight. Small, artisanal distilleries started experimenting with exciting new botanicals and flavors, kicking off a gin renaissance that’s still going strong today.
Our Love for Gin at Sundowner Studio
At Sundowner Studio, we’re big fans of gin’s versatility and its rich history. That’s why we created our Mermaid Gin lino print—a piece that celebrates the magic of gin, and the coastal vibe that makes a sundowner gin cocktail even better. Every print is hand-carved and crafted with care, perfect for any gin lover’s home.
Check out our Mermaid Gin lino print here and bring some gin-inspired art into your life!