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Juniper! is the obvious pub quiz response. And of course, that’s correct. Juniper is definitely the main thing, but there’s plenty more you need to know about the gin-making process before you can really say you know about gin. How is gin made? How long does gin-making take? How are the different varieties affected by the locality in which it’s made? What makes top-quality gin, and is price a factor in which is the best?

There are so many types of gin, you could be forgiven for not having tried them all. But what makes gin such a versatile mixer in the cocktail world comes down to its compatibility with so many other flavours and aromas. It’s the ideal match for most flavours, and with some experimentation, you can find the perfect way to drink your gin. Let’s have a look at the different types you can choose between.

It’s malty, it’s golden or amber in colour, it’s clear and pure and it’s the original inspiration for the longstanding American craft beer tradition. What is it? It’s pale ale. This is the drink that filled a large gap in the market place because not everyone enjoys a rich, dark stout, and lagers might not be your thing either. Not heavy to drink, and a wide range of flavours to try, there are plenty of reasons why you should test drive a pale ale to see what you think. 

Are you someone with definite preferences when it comes to beer? If so, you’re not alone. In general, most people who are beer drinkers have one or another they like best. Either they tend to go for ale when they’re out for a drink with friends, or they have a stated preference for lager.

Fancy some refreshing craft beer to go with this hot and sunny weather? Of course you do. So what types of craft beer do you generally go for? Or do you prefer to try unique tastes to see if you can discover a new favourite?

Fed up of vodka and tonic? No, nor are we. There’s every good reason for this drink’s huge popularity on a summer evening when you’re out socialising with friends and you want something bright and drinkable. Vodka doesn’t have a lot of taste when you drink it neat, which means that getting creative with your additions is going to make all the difference.

There are a number of different types of white wine on the market but perhaps the most popular is dry white wine and sweet white wine. Before we go any further, it’s worth asking whether most of us actually even know what a dry white wine is - what it tastes like, and where it comes from. Let’s run through a few general points to get you started.

People have all kinds of reasons for choosing the wines they do. Perhaps you sampled a memorable glass on a foreign holiday and prefer stick to that grape or wine-growing district forevermore. Maybe you're drawn to the quirky label, or even the price - bargain basement or sky-high expensive vintage red wine varieties. But if you’re a true lover of red wine, whether English red wine or other red wine varieties, it’s worth properly understanding the differences so that you know what you’re drinking.

Have you looked out the window today? The sun is out and the weather is great for socialising. If you fancy something more creative in the way of gin flavours this season, then why not get inventive and have a go at flavouring your own craft gin. Different flavoured infusions are all the rage, and let’s face it, what could be more rewarding than playing around with the basic types of gin to make something a little more special that is all your own work. So here are some imaginative ideas to get you started.

There’s nothing quite like vodka to remind us of the best in classic alcoholic tipples. Vodka is a staple of great socialising, so most of us think we know everything there is to know about Vodka.