Who doesn’t remember the famous line from Casablanca? “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine. Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By.” What a great movie! Gin has always been a part of history.

Gin cocktails were very popular during the roaring twenties when it became the socially accepted drink of choice. Gin also owes its fame to members of the British Navy, who drank gin whether stationed in Australia or India.

To me, there is nothing better and more refreshing than lying by the pool on a hot summer day, sipping on a G & T.

Gin is most commonly a white spirit produced by distilling fermented grain, malted barley, maize and rye, and it’s mainly made with juniper berries. Although all brand names have unique recipes, gin can be made with different spices, such as lemon and orange zest, aniseed, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, violet root, licorice and angelica. These days, gin is becoming more popular than ever with all the different styles and selections. Here are some of the gins we carry here at Nino’s.

Gordon’s London Dry Gin

This is one of the oldest and best-known gin brands, triple distilled and distilled for the first time in 1761.The recipe has remained unchanged. It is the most recommended for gin-based cocktails.

Hendrick’s Gin

This is a delightful yet unusual gin, distilled five times for purity and smoothness. It’s barrel matured in Ayrshire in Scotland and made with rose leaves and cucumbers. Makes a great Gimlet!

Valentine Liberator Old Tom Gin

This is a barrel-aged gin. Aged in American oak barrels for two years, it is citrusy, spicy and delicious, and it’s made right in our backyards in Ferndale, Michigan, click here to visit them online.

Cheers, and enjoy!

Simone