Gin O'clock

“I'm on a Gin & Tonic diet. So far I've lost 2 days!”   It is believed that Jenever (or Gin) has been invented by a Dutch chemist and alchemist Dr. Franciscus Sylvius (1614-1672). As was with many other spirits, Gin was originally intended to be used as a medicine. Although several different styles have evolved since the beginning, the main component still remains Juniper berry, obviously.   In the first half of the 18th century the consumption of Gin increased rapidly in Great Britain, especially in London. The city had a virtual epidemic of extreme drunkenness, this provoked legislative backlash and moral outrage which was also illustrated by William Hogarth in his famous engravings "Beer Street and Gin Lane" from 1751.   As time passed Gin slowly regained back its reputation. Today it is a popular base spirit for many classic mixed drinks, including the Martini.   Trivia & SmartAss Corner: 1) There are two primary ways to flavour your Gin: You c