Gin and Genius

Evan Swensen
January 29, 2025

Great authors are known for their remarkable storytelling, but sometimes, their quirks and habits are just as intriguing as their literary masterpieces. F. Scott Fitzgerald, the celebrated author of The Great Gatsby, left behind more than just stories of the Jazz Age—he also left us with some fascinating, equally curious, and entertaining trivia.

For Fitzgerald, gin wasn’t just a drink but a strategic choice. He famously believed that drinking gin would leave no trace on his breath, allowing him to indulge without anyone being the wiser. Spoiler alert: he was wrong. But that didn’t stop him from favoring gin-based cocktails throughout his life.

So, grab your metaphorical cocktail shaker and explore this fun trivia about Fitzgerald and how it connects to his larger-than-life persona.

Fitzgerald’s Misguided Gin Theory

Scott Fitzgerald was no stranger to indulgence. As a key figure in the Roaring Twenties—a time synonymous with jazz, glamour, and speakeasies—he embraced the era’s decadent lifestyle. Amid the glittering chaos, Fitzgerald cultivated a peculiar belief: gin was the ultimate stealthy drink.

With its sharp and herbal flavor, he thought gin wouldn’t leave a telltale scent on his breath. This assumption made gin-based cocktails his go-to choice, whether he was at a roaring party or simply writing at his desk. Unfortunately for Fitzgerald, his belief didn’t align with reality. While gin’s aroma may differ from whiskey or beer’s, it’s far from undetectable. Those around him could easily smell the botanical bite of his preferred spirit.

A Writer’s Relationship with Gin

Gin wasn’t just a drink for Fitzgerald; it reflected his personality and the world he wrote about. In novels like The Great Gatsby, alcohol flows as freely as the characters’ ambitions and excesses. The novel’s infamous parties, hosted by the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, brim with champagne, cocktails, and reckless abandon.

While gin doesn’t take center stage in The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald’s fondness for the spirit offers a glimpse into his mindset as he penned the story. Much like the Jazz Age, Gin cocktails symbolized sophistication and rebellion—perfectly aligning with the themes of longing, decadence, and illusion in his work.

Writers, Liquor, and the Creative Process

Fitzgerald’s story about gin also speaks to the larger relationship between writers and their creative rituals. Many authors have leaned on specific habits or superstitions to fuel their work. For some, like Fitzgerald, it was a particular drink. For others, it was a specific setting or routine.

Yet, Fitzgerald’s struggles with alcohol also remind us of the darker side of these indulgences. While he believed gin could help him escape judgment, it couldn’t shield him from the toll it took on his health, relationships, and career. His wife, Zelda, and his friends often worried about his drinking, which became a source of tension in his personal and professional life.

Even so, Fitzgerald’s legacy remains one of dazzling prose and unforgettable characters. His unique quirks, like his gin theory, are part of the tapestry that makes him one of the most fascinating authors in literary history.

What This Means for Writers and Readers

Scott Fitzgerald’s fondness for gin wasn’t just about cocktail preferences; it reflected a deeper struggle with alcohol that shaped his life and legacy. Despite being the author of the iconic The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald’s reliance on alcohol took a heavy toll, contributing to his untimely passing at the age of 44.

But let’s not make this a somber tale—there’s a lesson here for all of us, whether you’re a reader, a writer, or both. If you’re older than 44, congratulations! You’ve already outlived Fitzgerald and your best reading—or writing—days might still be ahead of you.

For readers, it’s a reminder that the literary world is vast, and there’s always a new story waiting to inspire or challenge you. For writers, Fitzgerald’s story offers a beacon of hope: your best work, your magnum opus, could still be on the horizon.

Alcohol may have fueled Fitzgerald’s perception of being part of the glittering Jazz Age, but it also clouded his potential. It’s like thinking gin doesn’t leave a scent on your breath—convincing yourself of something untrue can lead to unintended consequences.

For writers, this story isn’t about judgment but encouragement. Imagine how much more Fitzgerald could have written had he taken care of his health. Who’s to say your Great Gatsby isn’t just a draft away?

And for readers? Let Fitzgerald’s short life serve as a gentle nudge to explore all the books you’ve meant to read. Your literary adventure is far from over; each new book is another step in the journey.

Whether you’re crafting your own legacy or simply enjoying someone else’s, let Fitzgerald’s life remind us all to care for our creative selves—because the world always needs more stories.

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