Almost anything can be used to distill gin, including grains, fruits, potatoes, and grapes. However, the predominant usage of juniper. Which must be included in the mixture of botanicals that flavor this significant cocktail ingredient. And is what distinguishes this consistently popular spirit.
Despite the fact that we are a country of gin and tonic aficionados, making one doesn’t have to involve just ice and a slice of lemon or lime. Find out what botanicals were used to make your gin by looking at the bottle. Then pick a few to serve as your garnish. When it comes to the ideal G&T, variety is the spice of life. Cucumber, coriander, chili, a bay leaf, and a twist of black pepper are just a few ingredients. Make the most of gin’s ability to carry strong flavors. Which is one of the reasons it continues to be so popular.
We chose gins of various types and prices. Each was thoroughly evaluated for its intricacy, duration, and finish, as well as for the best way to serve.
Askur Yggdrasil 45
Askur Yggdrasil, which takes its name from the “Tree of Life” in Nordic mythology, receives high scores for the volume of information on its label. There, you can learn about the origins of the components and the production method, which includes French wheat spirit that has undergone column distillation as well as botanicals for proofing such as Balkan juniper, Spanish citrus peel, and Icelandic water. This is a stunning example of a London Dry-type gin that over-delivers for its price, so those looking for the cliff notes should be aware of that.
Conker Spirit Dorset Dry Gin
Conker, a small-batch gin produced in Dorset, has a distinct feeling of the place. After the juniper flavor fades, a herbaceous note of wild gorse, a generous, fruity richness from elderberry, and a salty lick of marsh samphire enter the flavor profile. This drink is essentially the south coast in a glass when you consider that it was copper-pot distilled with New Forest spring water and British wheat spirit.
This “Dorset Dry” gin, which is lighter and fresher than many traditional London Dry gins, works especially well in a Gin Sonic, which is a less well-known variation of the G&T that contains half tonic and half soda water. But we also enjoy it in a midsummer martini, where the wandering finish can be appreciated and each sip transports you to one of England’s most picturesque counties.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Although it isn’t attempting to, it can’t match some of the gins on this list in terms of intricacy or finesse. Tanqueray is a standard for a reason it is light, juniper-forward, and crowd-pleasing. It is said to have been prepared using the same secret recipe since Charles Tanqueray originally produced it in the 1830s. Using only four botanicals and being quadruple-distilled. To keep on hand for those spontaneous G&T moments or cocktail-making sessions with pals. Keep it in the drinks cabinet as a staple.
Cambridge Distillery Three Seasons Gin
About £90. But the most recent offering from the ground-breaking Cambridge Distillery is something extraordinary, similar to a handcrafted whisky or fine wine. Although three seasons may be too pricey for the average G&T user, serious gin aficionados, and martini fans. In particular, may find it to be worthwhile.
The flavor profile is where the name originates. Each sip is like taking a stroll through spring, summer, and autumn. It features a protracted, beautiful procession of flavors, starting with vibrant lemon verbena and ending with herbaceous blackcurrant leaf. The best way to experience it is with a very icy, really dry martini. Keep the bottle in the freezer for optimum enjoyment.
Snowdonia Spirit Co. Welsh Dry Gin
As required by law, juniper is a necessary component of gin; otherwise, you’re drinking vodka. Juniper is a fragrant shrub that produces dried berries that are used to make gin. The juniper does not, however, have to overpower the beverage. Give this light, fresh Welsh gin a try instead of giving up on gin altogether if you’re on the fence about this strong, resinous botanical.
Snowdonia is kind to the juniper, letting its other botanicals speak in place of it, and is smooth and fruity with a creamy tongue and clean finish. It blends well in just about every cocktail, but a martini is particularly delicious since it is silky, fresh, and endlessly drinkable.
Hendrick’s Gin
Just a taste of the British summer with Hendrick’s. Is it the faint rose scent that makes you think of flowering gardens? Is it the cucumber flavor, which makes you think of picnics on the grass? Whatever it is, this gin is ideal for enjoying a large G&T with a group of friends while the sun is shining. A contemporary rendition of a Scottish staple. Best enjoyed with a sliver of cucumber on the side, as the brand suggests.
Seven Hills Italian Dry Gin
Rarely do you come across a gin made just for negronis, but that is what this “Italian dry” gin is. According to research, the key is in the palate’s tart pomegranate and blood orange overtones. Which are the ideal complement to the cherried orange flavors found in the well-known Campari-based drink.
In spite of that, this gin also makes a great G&T. Roman camomile, celery, and artichokes are also present, creating a delightfully evocative blend of Italian rural flavors that strikes a nice sweet-salty balance. You might be able to convince yourself that you are in Tuscany if you try it with an antipasti platter in a sunny garden.
The Story Wines Gin
No way to get to Australia? Instead, just take a sip of this gin, which is full of exotic botanicals that evoke the Australian rainforest. The potent smells of this handcrafted spirit take you to a tropical location even if you have no idea what finger lime, lemon myrtle, or mountain pepper berry generally taste (or look) like.
The Story, created by winemaker Rory Lane, is a fantastic gin for a G&T where you can truly let the palate sing with notes of kaffir lime leaves, lemon, and cinnamon against a straightforward, mildly sweet tonic backdrop. When it’s time for cocktails, set it aside because it can be more difficult to mix with because it’s the star rather than the supporting actor.
