Gin is a distilled spirit that is produced through redistillation of a neutral spirit with botanicals like juniper berries. It was created in the 17th century by Francisuc de la Boe and became popular in England in the 18th century. There are several types of gin including Dutch gin made from barley, corn and rye, and English dry gin made primarily from corn. Flavored gins add other botanicals like citrus peels. Gin is used as a cocktail base and is commonly served with tonic water, garnished with lime.