Rum   

 

Rum is the first branded spirit to have ever been made, seeing as how it's been around longer than most modern alcoholic beverages. Rum also has medicinal properties that were useful for armies at war until a few decades ago. The British Army was known to give rations of rum to its sailors as a mixture of rum and wine kept the risk of scurvy at bay. This ration was referred to as 'tot o' rum' and what actually prevented the scurvy was the dash of lime added to the mixture. 
 

16 Summery Rum Cocktails

 

 

Gin is England's national spirit and there are few things more English than a refreshing gin & tonic. But, the English actually discovered gin during war the 17th century in Holland. The English brought the idea of making and drinking gin back with them. It would take another 150 years before they would have their own version. Also there are more classic cocktails made with gin than with any other spirit.

14 Recipes for Gin Drinks      

Vodka      

Since vodka is distilled from water ethanol and fermented potatoes or grains, it contains very little fusel oils--much less than other alcoholic beverages. This coupled with the fact that it is carbon filtered, makes it one of the purest drinks in the world!