gin blossoms

Noun

gin blossom (plural gin blossoms)

1. (slang) Vascular rosacea caused or exacerbated by excessive consumption of alcohol.
   • "Red Monkey": a Hundi slur, originally an allusion to the gin-blossom-encrusted faces of British colonial administrators1993 November, “Naked City”, in Spy, page 26
2. A female alcoholic.
   • She was an alcoholic old biddy, a "gin blossom”, who was venturing out on the streets past 10:00 PM alone because she had to get another bottle, to hold her over until morning, when she would probably go and get another bottle.2003, Steven H. Propp, Beyond Heaven and Earth, page 600
3. A cocktail composed of gin and fruit juice (usually peach, apricot, orange, and/or lime).
   • Hastily she poured another gin blossom.1961, Charles Beardsley, The Naked Hills: Some Tales of Afghanistan, page 212
4. A metaphoric flower associated with heavy drinking.
   • "Well, I suppose you want a drop of gin for that thing?" she said. "Hand it over; I am very fond of flowers." "Specially gin blossoms," said the costermonger, in a rather loud whisper.1869, Jenny's Geranium, page 64