Bathtub gin refers to any style of homemade spirit made in amateur conditions. It first appeared in the prohibition-era United States in reference to the poor-quality alcohol that was being made.

As gin was the predominant drink in the Roaring 20's, many variations were created by mixing cheap grain alcohol with water and flavorings and other agents, such as juniper berry juice and glycerin. Contrary to popular belief, the spirit was not made in a bathtub. Rather, because the preferred sort of bottle was too tall to be topped off with water from a sink, they were filled from a bathtub tap.

Many other cocktails owe their life to Bathtub gin, as they were also created in order to mask the awful taste.

See also

• Bathtub Gin (Phish song)
• Rotgut
• History of alcohol
• Alcoholic beverage
• Distilled beverages
• List of cocktails
• List of alcoholic beverages
• Moonshine