If you’ve ever wondered how to make bathtub gin, you’re in the right place. This detailed guide will teach you everything you need to know to create your homemade gin. Making bathtub gin is a creative and fun process and an excellent way to personalize your favorite spirit. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or a curious DIY-er, this article has you covered.
What is Bathtub Gin?
The term “bathtub gin” originates from the Prohibition era in the United States (1920–1933). During this time, producing and selling alcohol was illegal, prompting people to create their spirits at home. Cheap grain alcohol was infused with botanicals to make it palatable, often diluted in bathtubs—hence the name.
Modern bathtub gin refers to homemade gin crafted with a neutral spirit, juniper berries, and various botanicals. Unlike its historical counterpart, today’s bathtub gin is a legal and safe hobby in many places, offering endless opportunities to experiment with flavors.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
To learn how to make bathtub gin, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients
- Neutral spirit (e.g., vodka) – A high-quality, flavorless base is essential.
- Juniper berries – The core ingredient that gives gin its distinctive taste.
- Botanicals – Popular choices include coriander seeds, citrus peels, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and lavender.
- Sweeteners (optional) – Add sugar or honey for a hint of sweetness.
Tools
- A big glass jar with a lid that seals tightly.
- Cheesecloth or a sieve with fine mesh for straining.
- Measuring spoons.
- A funnel and glass bottles for storing your gin.
- Labels for notes and dates.
- A kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bathtub Gin
Ready to dive into how to make bathtub gin? Follow these simple steps to craft your first batch:
Step 1: Choose Your Botanicals
Juniper berries are non-negotiable for gin, but beyond that, the choice of botanicals is up to you. Experiment with combinations to discover your ideal flavor profile:
- For a zesty touch, add dried citrus peels (lemon, orange, or grapefruit).
- For a spicy kick, include cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, or black peppercorns.
- For herbal notes, try rosemary, thyme, or dried lavender.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Spirit
Pour your neutral spirit into a clean glass jar. The quantity depends on how much gin you want to make, but 750ml is a good starting point for beginners. Make sure your jar is large enough to allow room for the botanicals.
Step 3: Infuse with Juniper Berries
Add about 25 grams of juniper berries per liter of spirit. Seal the jar and let it sit for 24 hours to extract the signature gin flavor. Swirl the jar gently once or twice during this period. The infusion will start taking on a golden hue as the flavors develop.
Step 4: Add Additional Botanicals
After the juniper has been infused, add your chosen botanicals. Each ingredient infuses at its own pace, so taste your gin periodically:
- Citrus peels: Infuse for 6–8 hours.
- Spices: Infuse for 12–24 hours.
- Herbs: Infuse for 6–12 hours.
To encourage the flavors to blend, give the jar a gentle shake every few hours. If you prefer stronger flavors, you can adjust the infusion times accordingly.
Step 5: Strain and Filter
When you’re satisfied with the flavor, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids. For a clearer finish, you can strain it twice. This step is crucial to avoid a cloudy appearance in your final product.
Step 6: Bottle Your Gin
Using a funnel, transfer the gin into sterilized glass bottles. Label each bottle with the date and recipe details for future reference. If you’re giving the gin as a gift, consider decorative bottles to add a personal touch. Ensure your bottles are stored in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavors.
Step 7: Taste and Enjoy
Your homemade bathtub gin is now ready! Sip it neat, mix it with tonic water, or use it as a base for cocktails. However you enjoy it, savor the fruits of your labor responsibly.
Advanced Tips for Gin-Making Enthusiasts
Once you’ve mastered the basics of how to make bathtub gin, try these advanced tips to elevate your creations:
- Layer Flavours: Introduce botanicals at different stages of the infusion process for complex flavor profiles.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh peels and herbs for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
- Carbonate Your Gin: Add fizz to your gin for a unique twist.
- Create Seasonal Blends: Tailor your botanicals to the season, such as using cinnamon and cloves for a wintery gin.
- Experiment with Rare Botanicals: Ingredients like hibiscus flowers, pink peppercorns, or lemongrass can add unique dimensions to your gin.
Legal Considerations in the UK
Understanding the legalities is essential when learning how to make bathtub gin. In the UK, distilling alcohol without a license is illegal. However, infusing botanicals into a store-bought neutral spirit (e.g., vodka) is perfectly legal. Always ensure you comply with current regulations to avoid any legal issues.
Anecdote: A Gin Journey
My friend Mark, a gin enthusiast, decided to try making bathtub gin during a quiet holiday. Armed with juniper berries, orange peels, and cinnamon sticks, he crafted a batch that was both zesty and spicy. He shared it at a dinner party, and the gin was such a hit that he’s now the designated gin maker among our friends. Mark’s story shows how rewarding and enjoyable it is to learn how to make bathtub gin.
Another story comes from Lucy, who decided to create a lavender-infused gin as a gift for her sister’s birthday. Using dried lavender, a touch of vanilla bean, and a hint of citrus, Lucy’s creation was a floral masterpiece. Her sister loved it so much that she asked for the recipe to try it herself!
Why Make Your Bathtub Gin?
Learning how to make bathtub gin allows you to customize your drink and create unique flavors tailored to your preferences. It’s also a great way to explore your creativity, impress your friends, and produce thoughtful gifts for special occasions. Plus, the process is simple enough for beginners yet versatile enough to challenge seasoned gin enthusiasts.
For those who value sustainability, making your gin is an opportunity to reduce waste. Reuse old glass bottles, and use organic, locally sourced botanicals to minimize your environmental footprint.
Conclusion How to Make Bathtub Gin
Now that you know how to make bathtub gin, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start crafting. With just a few ingredients, some patience, and a dash of creativity, you can create a delicious, personalized spirit that rivals store-bought gins. So gather your botanicals, prepare your jars, and get ready to enjoy the art of gin-making. Cheers to your new hobby!
