Which Mixers Pair Best With Which Gins?

Gin lovers are often cited as the curious, adult Alice in Wonderland sub-section of distilled spirits drinkers. As one myself, I am fluid in my drink choices, always up for new adventures in gin and mixers. People like me really enjoy trying new flavours, concepts, and combinations. It’s important for our five senses to get involved in any drinking experience. Constantly on a quest to seek a new favourite to make us grin like a Cheshire cat, we rarely stick with one preferred brand, building up home collections of gin bottles we fell in love with along the way as they beckoned ‘Drink Me’. Adult Alices treasure our gin cabinets with pride. It’s something non-gin peeps in the ordinary world struggle to understand.

As consumers, our buying decisions are multi-faceted, not based solely on the spirit inside the bottle, we’re also drawn to brand story, ethos and of course eye-catching bottle design and colours. We love attractive gin bottles very much and struggle to part with our ‘babies’ even when they’re empty! One of the most significant lessons we can learn from Alice in Wonderland is the importance of imagination. This must be the reason many empty gin bottles end up repurposed into table lamps and other home decor. As owners we can keep the relationship, pay homage to the memorable moments, flavours, whimsy, and magical quality of our experiences. By opening up our insatiably curious nature and thinking outside the bottle, gin helps us live a life that is anything but ordinary.

Has the gin bubble burst?

Some folks are saying the UK gin bubble has burst. Can this possibly be true? It does seem to be the case that demand for the classic Gin and Tonic has shown some decline lately. But why? 

If we peep through the lens of a typical Adult Alice’s looking glass, you realise her perception of the world around her constantly shifts and changes so she will always seek variety in her sips. To cater to this profile, retailers and bars must keep adapting their range of gin offerings and mixer selections to meet consumer demand and provide new adventures in flavour. Alongside core popular gins and tonics, a kaleidoscope of new choices emerge.

With more options available than there have ever been, experimenting with flavours, styles and other spirits is an unsurprising next step for any gin lover, however they are unlikely to permanently replace gin for something different as a favourite spirit. Light and Dark Rums, Vodka, Tequila, Scotch Whisky, Cognac and Armagnac etc may pique their curiosity for a while but there’ll always be a homecoming to Gin. That’s because no other distilled spirit category offers so many botanically diverse variations and Gin is too deep-rooted in UK culture to lose its appeal. Added to that, we demand variety in the T part of our beloved G&T as tastes evolve.

Exciting developments in tonics and mixers is where we head next in this article. Follow me down the rabbit hole into a wonderland of tonic waters, lemonades, cola and sodas.

LONDON, 1886

In Victorian London, 1886, Lewis Carroll’s popular Alice in Wonderland books had been adapted into a musical and rehearsals were underway for its premiere at The Prince of Wales Theatre. At the same time, in Rickmansworth London, three brothers George, Albert and Frederick Franklin began creating extraordinary drinks by combining the finest naturally sourced ingredients. They grew a reputation for their mineral water, brewed ginger beer and lemonade which they sold from their small family confectioners in returnable torpedo-shaped glass bottles. In 1898 (the year Lewis Carroll died) Franklin & Sons Mineral Waters was born when Frederick’s son (also Frederick) took over the business and renamed it. In 1900 the business expanded into the old silk mill at the west end of Rickmansworth High Street and went from strength to strength.

True pioneers in the soft drinks space, the company led the way with natural ingredients and flavourings, innovating further in the 1930s when they became inspired by demand from Americans travelling to London.

FRANKLIN & SONS LTD

Relaunched in 2016 to meet market demand in the same way it responded in the past, today Franklin & Sons follows those same principles using their experience and expertise to craft a wider range of exceptional, award-winning drinks without compromise, ie minus artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives. The bottle aesthetic remains traditional and nostalgic and reflects the pioneering values of yesteryear.

But don’t make assumptions that their ideas are trapped in the past. There is nothing bland about these drinks. They ooze the most wonderful flavours and natural vibrancy that every botanical fanatic looks for.

Read on for how they stretch the nature of mixers into innovative new realms. But first, let’s cover their award-winning tonics. If you enjoy a classic G&T give these a try because they may just become your favourite new go-to tonic. Especially if you are concerned about sugars, artificial sweeteners, or like to count the calories.

The Best TONIC WATERS for Gin

PREMIUM INDIAN TONIC WATER pairs well with juniper-forward gins (where juniper is the primary flavour and any other flavours are not as prominent). Natural botanical and citrus flavours, sparkling water and cinchona bark extract are blended to make this delicate Premium Indian Tonic Water.

Calories: 34 kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml, 500ml (screw cap) and 150ml cans.
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles (200ml)

PREMIUM LIGHT TONIC WATER pairs well with navy strength gins and vapour-infused gins. The same natural botanical and citrus flavours of the Premium Indian Tonic, but provides a slimline version without compromising on flavour.

Calories: 22 kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml, 500ml (screw cap) and 150ml cans.
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles (200ml)

ELDERFLOWER & CUCUMBER TONIC WATER complements floral gins and white port. Handpicked elderflower and cucumber flavours are blended with sparkling water and cinchona bark extract to make this naturally light, floral tonic water. 

Calories: 21 kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

The Best MEDITERRANEAN TONICS for Gin

ORIGINAL MALLORCAN TONIC WATER best served with citrus-heavy gins and flavoured vodkas. Mallorcan citrus, natural botanicals and mediterranean flavours, sparkling water and cinchona bark extract are blended to make this refreshing tonic water.

Calories: 21 kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

SICILIAN LEMON TONIC WATER is best served with sloe gin or berry-infused gins. Sicilian lemons and natural botanicals, sparkling water and cinchona bark extract blend together to make this citrusy tonic water.

Calories: 46 kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

ROSEMARY & BLACK OLIVE TONIC WATER mixes perfectly with reposado tequila, ruby ports and herbaceous gins. This award-winning tonic blends natural rosemary and olive flavours with sparkling water and cinchona bark extract to make this light and herbaceous tonic water.

Calories: 22 kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

The Best PINK LEMONADES & COLA TO ENJOY WITH SPIRITS

NATURAL ROSE LEMONADE is perfect over ice for any occasion. English rose petals, lemon juice and sparkling water are blended to make this floral twist on the 1886 original lemonade.

Calories: 33 kcal per 100ml
Size: Available in 200ml, 275ml and 500ml (screw cap) bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

SPRING RHUBARB LEMONADE provides a zesty twist on the original 1886 lemonade, harvested rhubarb, lemon juice and sparkling water are blended to create this refreshing soft drink.

Calories: 25 kcal per 100ml
Size: 275ml bottles
Buy here: £14 for 12 bottles

1886 ORIGINAL COLA is a truly unique blend of vanilla, West African kola nut, Colombian coffee beans and sparkling water are blended to make this complex but full flavour cola. 

Calories: 40kcal per 100ml
Size: Available in 200ml and 275ml (screw cap) bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

SODAS & GINGER ALE TO ENJOY WITH OTHER SPIRITS

PINK GRAPEFRUIT SODA is perfect with tequila Blanco for a simple Paloma. This zesty new soda is a natural blend of pink grapefruit and lime juices with sparkling water. It makes for a bright, perfectly balanced drink with bitter notes.

Calories: 22kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles

MANDARIN & GINGER SODA is designed to pair with cognac, brandy or Irish whisky. Aromatic mandarin and spicy ginger are blended with sparkling water to make a light and subtle drink with a spicy, warm finish. Not too sweet.

Calories: 21kcal per 100ml
Size: 200ml bottles
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles 

ORIGINAL GINGER ALE pairs perfectly with pisco, scotch whisky or Armagnac. Bringing a balance of subtle warmth with a refreshing twist, this mixer is a blend of natural root ginger extract and sparkling water. Can be enjoyed as a standalone soft drink or mixer.

Calories: 33kcal per 100ml
Size: Available in 200ml bottles and 150ml cans
Buy here: £20 for 24 bottles 

Knowing that consumers seek new flavours and want to change up their mixers, garnishes and spirit to add variety to their drinking experiences or seek non-alcoholic alternatives, Franklin and Sons have worked hard to develop a range of mixers and tonics that tickle modern taste buds - try as many of these mixers as you can and I can guarantee you will find new favourites. I hope this article has left you feeling curiouser and curiouser to explore further. Long live all the Adult Alices… across this universe and the next…

By Robbie Jerram

The Truth About Negroni Sbagliato

In the world of cocktails, the Negroni Sbagliato had a moment recently with the resurgence of the cocktail, thanks in part to a viral moment on TikTok. Known as a happy accident, what’s the true story behind this light and fizzy drink? Let's dive into the truth about the Sbagliato, find out more about the legend and the story, embrace imperfection, and explore how to create delightful variations at home.

A Star Moment on TikTok

In late 2022, thanks to a viral TikTok video featuring stars Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke from HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’, the Negroni Sbagliato rocketed into the public eye for a while. The cocktail is a twist on a classic Negroni, as Emma beautifully described: ‘A Negroni. Sbagliato. With Prosecco in it!’

Of course, it sounded sexy the way Emma explained it, mispronouncing it with a G in an English accent. The (correct) Italian pronunciation should be “spal - yar - toe”. But this article’s all about embracing mistakes so let’s celebrate the drink, regardless of how you say it. 

The internet went crazy. New videos with the hashtag #NegroniSbagliato exploded as viewers became intrigued by the name and curious about the drink itself. And as TikTok brought Sbagliato back into the spotlight it showcased its delightful simplicity and refreshing taste. As the video escalated to tens of millions of views and demand surged, bars around the world stocked up on Prosecco.

What is a Negroni Sbagliato?

In essence, it’s a twist on the classic Negroni, the more famous (and more potent) equal-parts cocktail that combines gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. The Negroni Sbagliato keeps equal parts of Campari and vermouth, ditching the gin for sparkling Italian wine (typically Prosecco) resulting in a lighter, more refreshing drink with a touch of effervescence. Depending on taste, it no longer even needs to be an equal parts cocktail. Extra prosecco can make it into a longer, highball drink. 

The Beauty of Mistakes: From Blunder to Beloved Beverage

The name of the drink translates from Italian to mean "Negroni Mistake" or “Mistaken Negroni” and its origin story reflects that. Legend has it that in 1972, at Milan's famed Bar Basso, bartender Mirko Stocchetto accidentally grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin while making a Negroni for a customer. A fizzy Negroni was served and as a result, given a cute new name. Many cocktail historians cast doubt on this tale because of the lack of historical evidence to support the incident. They also point out the logistical improbability of a seasoned bartender confusing a gin bottle with prosecco (or Asti Spumante which may have been more likely at the time). Regardless of its exact origin, the Sbagliato reminds us to go with the flow and gracefully embrace our mistakes. It's a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Mirko that led to decades of unexpected delights. In a world obsessed with perfection, the Sbagliato reminds us that sometimes, happy accidents can result in something truly special. And that even 50+ years on, an old-fashioned drink can have a resurgence in a new world. The popularity of the classic Negroni is still on a growth trajectory even if all the fuss has now seemingly died down again about the Sbagliato. 

Maurizio Stocchetto, on how his father’s mistake made history

Image credit: Lea Anouchinsky

While the mistaken identity story may or may not be entirely verifiable, Mirko Stocchetto is credited with creating the Negroni Sbagliato whether it was by accident or design. Bar Basso in Milan is considered the spiritual home of the drink, and it’s still served there today in their signature oversized glasses. If you’ve a cheeky origin story, bigger is surely better?

Because the inventor died in 2016 the truth of the story cannot be verified but looking into the legend a little deeper, an interview with Mirko’s son Maurizio (himself a bartender at Bar Basso for more than 40 years and now owner) revealed a little more of the story about his father’s ‘mistake’ and the large glasses he designed for it to be served in. 

‘How often in life do we make mistakes and cast them aside without a second thought? There’s a beautiful lesson here. Mirko’s drink didn’t go down the sink, he decided to go with it, call himself out, rename the drink a Mistaken Negroni and, as my own Dad used to teach me, “turn a fault into a feature.”’

Founded in 1930, Bar Basso Milan was named after its previous owner before the Stocchetto family came to town. Maurizio’s father, a bartender from Venice, took over from Basso in 1967. Aiming for a high-end cocktail bar, he arrived during a social shift. Women were gaining independence and bars were becoming more popular which inspired him to create several lighter cocktails, like the Negroni Sbagliato, using sparkling wine instead of only strong spirits. The Sbagliato's birth thus mirrored the changing times.

So, despite "sbagliato" meaning mistake, it seems it may have been intentional. Maurizio tells how his father Mirko claimed the accident happened when he grabbed Prosecco instead of gin. He also says his father was a confident bartender so it’s more likely that on realising this ‘mistake’, he went ahead and poured the Prosecco into the glass anyway, happy with the outcome he kept the drink and instantly gave it a new name. “So”, he tells of the happy accident, “the name was catchy and the drink cheeky.” Mirko always felt if you live in Italy and you like sweet vermouth and Campari, the addition of sparkling wine would keep the flavour of the base, making for a lighter all-Italian drink. Mirko still loved the classic Negroni. This was just a riff on the original that stuck.

And that’s the beauty of never letting the truth get in the way of a good story. Even if the mistake element has been embellished over the decades, really the story celebrates the inherent charm of imperfection and the creator’s quick thinking. Great discoveries often spring from unexpected moments. The Sbagliato reminds us that sometimes the best things in life can’t be planned. They come from embracing the unexpected, a sentiment that still resonates deeply in our social media-driven world today.  

How do you Make a Negroni Sbagliato?

Here are four versions you can try (or invent your version and embrace imperfection!)

The Classic Sbagliato

Ingredients
30ml Campari
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Prosecco
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Pour the Campari and vermouth into a glass over ice. Top up with Prosecco and stir gently enough to combine everything without killing off those bubbles. Orange slice for the perfect garnish!

The Aperol Sbagliato - for a lighter, sweeter twist

Ingredients
30ml Aperol
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Prosecco
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Exactly the same as above, but using the ever so slightly sweeter Aperol for a subtle difference.

The Sbagliato Royale - for a touch of luxury

Ingredients
30ml Aperol
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Champagne
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Exactly the same as above, but leave out the ice to avoid dilution!

The Sbagliato Spritz - for more bubbles

Ingredients
30ml Aperol
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Prosecco and soda
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Follow the original but just add a splash of soda water as well for a more spritzy, highball experience.

Batching these variations is a great idea for entertaining.  Simply combine equal measures of Campari (or Aperol) and sweet vermouth in a pitcher beforehand.  When guests arrive, you can whip up individual Sbagliatos in seconds by topping off each serving with chilled bubbles and garnish.

The lighter profile of the Sbagliato makes it a delightful brunch companion, the Sbagliato's bubbly personality is versatile and perfect companion for many different events like brunch, BBQs, late afternoon Soirées, book clubs… pretty much any occasion. The Sbagliato's sophistication and refreshing nature make it ideal.

The Negroni Sbagliato's recent resurgence has been a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted cocktail.  Whether it was born from a happy accident or a stroke of brilliance, this delightful drink is a reminder to embrace the unexpected and celebrate the deliciousness of mistakes. 

Your own variation may even become your new “it” drink. Sometimes our most delicious creations come from the willingness to be more experimental and less afraid of a little Sbagliato. Cheers to happy accidents!

By Robbie Jerram

Gin Lovers: How Inclusive Is Your Gin Collection?

Every gin collector today is awash with choices when trying to decide which bottles to add to their collection next. The question is, how to choose? Do you follow gin trends, find brands personal to you or just close your eyes and pick at random?

The key is to find balance. First, who’s drinking? Are you planning a quiet night in with gin and tonic? Or cocktails with friends ahead of a night out? Are there any sweet-toothed gin drinkers coming who don’t like tonic? When picking out gins you’ve got to consider budget, style, versatility and flavour, as well mixers and garnishes for a diverse and balanced collection.

Practicality aside, always make room for romantic picks and select gins you fall in love with - that’s what drinks collections are all about after all! Attractive bottle design, colour, brand values and credentials matter. Perhaps you’re inspired to try gins from a specific country of the British Isles or you’ve heard stories of local botanicals being foraged or spring water bored from source, or maybe a gin’s on your wishlist ‘just because’.

A great way to start building your collection is to establish a balance between classic and contemporary gins, so let’s take a look at a few different options that will bring reliable flavours your guests and you will enjoy.

Three Classic British Gins you need to try

These iconic English gins are known for their traditional recipes, reliable quality and heritage, and will be a versatile addition to every collection.

Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin 

A citrus-rich, multi-award-winning premium gin with an aromatic nose and long, zesty finish. This gin makes a superb classic G&T paired with Mediterranean or Mallorcan Tonic, a sprig of rosemary and lime garnish. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.3%
Find here: £34.21

Beefeater London Dry Gin

One of the world’s most awarded and popular gins on the market. It’s a benchmark, juniper-forward gin. Distilled in London since 1863, it’s traditional, classic, and often the bartender’s choice for iconic cocktails like the Martini and Negroni.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18.25

Plymouth English Gin

Plymouth gin is often recognised as the favourite tipple of gin enthusiasts and bartenders around the globe. The Plymouth Distillery is powered by 100% renewable hydroelectricity and the bottles are created using elements of recycled glass. It has peppery and floral notes with hints of soft fruits and a long spicy finish. Perfect for a silky-textured Martini that starts mellow and ends strong. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.3%
Find here: £20

Three Contemporary British Gins you need to try

From classic to contemporary, with a noticeable switch-up in taste. Although juniper must be present for the liquid to be gin, the predominant flavour emphasis is on other botanicals over juniper here. Brands innovate and experiment with flavour and process a lot more, leading to some very good results, such as the below:

Downpour Scottish Dry Gin

From North Uist Distillery Co, this gin packs a punch with citrus, spice and wild Hebridean heather, drenching you in big bold flavours. The Downpour brand has distinctive bottle designs inspired by rain, and their range of flavoured gins comes in different coloured glass bottles of the same design, including Sloe & Bramble Gin, Pink Grapefruit Gin and Coast and Croft Gin for a G&T drenched in island flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £42.00

Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin

Built from award-winning Sipsmith’s London Dry Gin, but distilled with sun-dried lemon peel and lemon verbena to create a sweet, zesty citrus gin that really does taste of lemon cake. As well as enjoying this in a flute glass topped with prosecco and a lemon twist, why not try it in a lemon gin drizzle cake recipe? Yum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.4%
Find here: £25

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Welsh Gin

A zippy orange-filled gin from North Wales, bottled with pure Snowdonia mountain rock filtered water. It’s well-balanced with layers of sweet and bitter orange on top of a spicy juniper core. A premium offering without the hefty price tag from a distillery that sits at the foot of the famous Aber Falls waterfall. It’s well worth a visit. This gin makes a zingy G&T - pair it with a premium tonic and garnish with a twist of orange.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £24.99

The Best fruity Gin to pair with lemonade/ginger ale

A fruity gin is just the ticket for the more sweet-toothed drinkers out there, especially paired with mixers such as ginger ale instead of tonic.

Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin

Rhubarb and Ginger has become one of the country’s most beloved flavours of gin thanks to this creation from Whitley Neill. Bringing together the hearty spice of ginger with the complex fruitiness of rhubarb, it pairs beautifully with Franklin & Sons Original Ginger Ale and plenty of ice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £29

Floral gins are an amazing addition to your collection and pairing perfectly with mixers such as rose lemonade, they are a great choice for those drinkers who don’t like the bitterness of quinine in tonic.

The Best floral Gin to pair with rose lemonade

Glendalough Wild Rose Irish Gin

From five friends founded Glendalough Distillery with a vision to revive craft distilling in Ireland, this gin won the Country Gold Award in the World Gin Awards in 2021 for the flavoured gins category. Three types of wild rose from the Wicklow mountains are foraged to create this fragrant gin. It pairs really well with lemonade or rose lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £31.62 (usually more!)

Inclusivity in a gin collection is important. Try to balance the needs of both yourself and guests. Your collection of classic and contemporary gins should feel good to open up, you should love every bottle in there and know that all five senses are stimulated. By embracing the richness of gin diversity across the British Isles and beyond we can support the gin distillers, our ecosystem, and stimulate the economy in UK. Long may the success of gin continue!

By Robbie Jerram

The Best Gins to Gift this Mother’s Day

Words by Leigh Andrews

If you want to earn serious brownie points this Mother’s day for that mother figure who loves everything gin, then step away from the toiletries, save the flowers for a garnish and check out these fabulous juniper creations! These ginstastic tipples will get her taste buds tingling and she’ll be bragging to her friends that she got the best Mother’s Day Gift ever!

For the Romantic Gin loving Mum

Eden Mill Love Gin

The bottle screams love - it’s even written on it! Distilled in picturesque St Andrews in Scotland, this is a lightly floral gin with beautifully creamy vanilla sweetness, bursting berries and a slight hint of citrus. Perfect with loads of ice, light tonic and raspberries or neat over ice. Pretty and delicious.
ABV: 42%
Size: 500ml
Find Here: £26.95

Atlas Love Cake Gin

A well-deserved ultimate winner of The People’s Choice Drinks Awards last month, this gin is bound to bring smiles to faces. Influenced by the romantic legend behind Persian Love Cakes, this is a beautiful, lightly sweet gin with deliciously warming spices that linger on the palate. Add hints of icing-sugar dipped Turkish delight and a perfect, light citrusy finish and your mum will soon be asking for a refill.  

ABV: 43% 
Size: 700ml
Find Here: £48

For the Herbaceous Gin loving Mum:

Gin Mare

With Mediterranean vibes sending you to sun, sea, and olive groves this gin is savoury and magnificent! If your Mum loves to be transported to sunnier climates and loves her herby gins, then this one is an absolute winner. It’s fabulous served with loads of ice, some lightly crushed basil, a popped sweet cherry tomato and mediterranean tonic. Sunshine in a glass! 

ABV: 42.7%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find Here: UK £33.95 // US $62.99

Badvo Pitlochry Gin

Imagine walking through the wilds of a Scottish glen with all of the wonderful aromas of the natural botanicals around you. That is this gin! From the very first sip, there is no mistaking this herbaceous gin for a wallflower! Made using only 100% hand foraged botanicals, there’s gorse, heather, a field of cut grass, wild apples, and a subtle finish of mint. GLORIOUS! Serve neat over ice or with tonic and a slice of green apple.

ABV: 45%
Size: 200ml/700ml
Find Here: 200ml £15.95 // 700ml £39.95 

For the Pink Gin loving Mum

Mermaid Pink Gin

Apart from having one of the most ethereal looking gin bottles that anyone in possession of fairy lights will want to fill, this gin is an absolutely outstanding variation of the Isle of Wight distillery’s original Mermaid gin. A light, strawberry sweetness cuts through the savoury saltiness of rock samphire and enhances the citrus finish. Perfect served with your choice of tonic and cut strawberries.

ABV: 38%
Size: 700ml
Find Here: £35.79

Tarsier Oriental Pink Gin

Inspired by the sights and sounds of Southeast Asia, this gin is jam packed full of fabulous exotic flavours such as lychee and red dragon fruits nestling beside peppery juniper and lifted by wonderfully tart raspberries, calamansi lime and a subtly warm, spiced finish. It’s fantastic with tonic, a handful of raspberries and torn mint, and even better when you see the massive smile on your Mum’s face when she takes her first sip!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find Here: £34.95

For the Flavoured Gin loving Mum

Whitley Neill Blood Orange

This one is definitely not a liqueur; it’s a gin that has serious oomph! Full strength and packed with sweet orange citrus, it’s a big and bold flavoured gin that doesn’t forget its gin essence. You still get that punch of juniper but that gorgeous blood orange is unmistakable. Your Mum will love the fact that you didn’t think that all she would want was some delicate little flower of a gin. This is for Mums with zest!

ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find Here: UK £27.95 // US $34.99

Anno B3rry Pink Gin

Apart from looking like fun in a bottle, this glorious gin from Anno distillery in Kent contains all the things to make a pink gin sing… and maybe your Mum too! It’s packed full of strawberries from Kent, cocoa (who doesn't love chocolate strawberries?), elderberries and rosehip. It tastes like the best strawberry candy on the palate, with a fresh, bitter chocolate balance and a soft, smooth finish when mixed with tonic. Fabulous!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find Here: £33.99

For the Navy Strength Gin loving Mum

Locksley Distilling Co VSOT

VSOT means Very Special Old Tom! As far as we know, this is the only Navy Strength Old Tom in existence and it is OUTSTANDING! So smooth with all the incredible depth of velvety sweetness that an Old Tom is known for, the gin is lifted by gentle grapefruit notes and wonderful warming spice on the long finish. It’s one of those Navy Strengths that is easily able to be taken neat, but likewise, makes a killer cocktail like a Gibson or Negroni, or a gorgeous G&T with a wheel of grapefruit.

ABV: 57.5%
Size: 200ml/700ml
Find here: £20/£50

Whittakers Gin Navy Strength

A SUPERBLY smooth gin from the Yorkshire Dales which, despite the hefty ABV ,still lets the flavour shine bright! The fantastic fruitiness of hawthorn berries and bilberries comes right through after the initial hit of that punchy ABV, followed by luscious hints of lemon and a light herbaceous finish. This one will be just the ticket for your Mum to put her feet up and chill out with! It’s perfect in a Martini, neat over ice or with tonic water and a sprig of thyme or lemon.

ABV: 57%
Size: 700ml
Find Here: UK £37.85

For more gin-spirational (see what we did there?!) articles, have a look at What is London Dry Gin and Which Should I Try?, The Most Popular Gin Cocktails or The Best Gin for a G&T!

The Best Scottish Gins To Explore

Guess what? The sun is out. Cue the rain and thunder to begin the second you read this line (hopefully not). No but seriously, having presented a TV Series all about Scotland I picked up a gin discovery or 2 (or 7) along the way – and in today’s guide that’s exactly what I’ll share with you. Simple really, some absolutely stunning Scottish gins. Alrighty, delve in.

Loch Ness Gin

I adore this gin. When your family have lived on the banks of Loch Ness for over give centuries, you naturally have a great understanding of the area. Kevin and Lorien Cameron-Ross decided to take their knowledge of the local plants and herbs, intertwining that with their favourite spirit, Gin. Suffice to say whatever those pure waters of Loch Ness are doing to the refining process is working. Each limited-edition handmade batch is created from their home and the small-scale operation allows them to maintain the quality they set out to achieve with their liquid. While the monster may remain a mystery, knowing I’ll enjoy this gin is not.

ABV: 43.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £46.95

Côtes Du Roussillon Firkin Gin

As wine and spirits are two of my favourite things, it’s no surprise at all to find a wine-cask finished gin on this list and Firkin are by far one of the best out there. Being a limited edition release, there’s not that many of them out there, so if it sounds like your thing, you may want to act now. The casks previously held some of the finest Mas Cristine Côtes Du Rousillion, the result of which imparts a stunning rich plum and blackberry into this gin. Honestly, well done folks – it’s gorgeous. We tasted this in Part 2 of The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, as well. There was a Chardonnay finished gin too, but as you’d expect it was so popular… it is no more!

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £35

Rock Rose Gin Spring Edition

There’s something about Rock Rose’s bottle that I find so enticing. Maybe it’s the porcelain or the wax seal, or the vibrant colours, hell, I don’t know, but it tastes bloody amazing. The sun is shining and we’re in the heart of Spring, so this seemed like an obvious choice. Distilled with local ingredients like coltsfoot, dandelion and gorse flowers which only grow during Springtime this seasonal treat embodies a cool refreshing sweetness bound together by a soothing yet earthy liquorice backbone. Also, no need to ever throw these gorgeous bottles away – keep them as a vase of serving water when you’ve got friends over. See, look at that – added value. 

ABV: 41.5%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £34.00

Daffy’s Gin 

Produced in Edinburgh by a former winemaker and whisky distiller, the stunning illustration on each and every bottle was designed by none other than Robert McGinnis, the man behind the James Bond movie posters. Named after the goddess of gin, this wonder was designed to be served in its purest form over ice. But honestly, it tastes delicious regardless of the serve.

ABV: 43.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £32.95

Tanqueray No. 10

Would you believe it, this little gem has been around for over 20 years?! Launched in 2000 it was named after the number of the still in which it was produced, Number 10. Created in small batches with a plethora of fresh citrus fruits, this has become one of the iconic gins of the world so much so, it’s the only one to secure a spot in the San Francisco Wold Spirits Competition Hall of Fame. A mean burst of citrus and pepper spices is what you can expect upon tasting and quite frankly it makes a kick-ass martini or gin sour.

ABV: 47.3%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £28.59

Edinburgh Raspberry Gin

Based right in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Gin has been distilling great liquid since 2010. They may be readily available across the country, but they still operate on a small-batch system. Gin purists may roll an eye at the ‘raspberry’ connection, but I have to say – at 40% the gin is there and the fresh Scottish raspberries and raspberry leaves really do add a refreshing fruity (but not sickly-sweet) burst making this a perfect contender for the warmer Spring and Summer days.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £24.95

Hendrick’s Gin 

Ahh Hendrick’s, we know you from your whimsical and slightly odd TV ads, but we also associate you as being a gin for the people with your rose and cucumber flavours, galore. Seriously, there’s a reason this is one of the UK’s top gins, distilled at their Gin Palace in Girvan by Lesley Gracie, one of the top names in gin innovation. Back to the gin, it’s versatile, smooth and creates a fabulous G&T alongside being a killer choice for cocktails.

ABV: 41.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £31.55

Liked this? Why not check out The Best Gins for a Martini?

The 9 Most Luxurious Gins on the Planet

Words by Aidy Smith

If I tried to create this article two years ago, I wouldn’t have gotten very far. Truth is, the gin market is way oversaturated and new creativity and innovation is often hard to come by. The same botanicals are created in the same fashion and too frequently passed off with a ‘unique story’ to try and capture the attention of the consumer. As a drinks journalist I get inundated with samples of new gins and very few these days stand out. 

That said – all of those within this guide have two things in common. Firstly, the liquid is sensational and secondly, they set the mark for ginnovation (yes, I made that up) and prove that you can do something differently if you put a little thought into it. Sure, some of them are pretty damn expensive, but when it comes to rarity and limited supplies that’s what happens. Either way, if the liquid is good, I’m a happy boy. So, without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the most luxurious gins on the planet. 

Jam Jar Gin Morus LXIV

When it takes two years to produce a gin (which can also only be created from a single 100-year-old Mulberry tree), you know you’re on to something special. In fact, this could very well be one of the rarest gins in existence, hence the price tag. One look at the bottle continues to give the impression of pure craftmanship. The porcelain vessel, cork, cotton paper labels and hide leather case all confirming this. But what about the taste of such an expensive liquid? Exquisitely smooth, with a subtle velvety oak and smoky sweetness, that’s what. Pure juniper rolls off the tongue with pure zesty citrus oils. As for drinking it… just pour in your favourite tonic (I’m kidding please DON’T do that). Their advice is to savour this neat for a true experience, followed by a couple of drops of water, just as you would a cask-strength scotch. Say hello to the world’s most expensive gin. 

ABV: 64%
Size: 730ml
Buy now for £3200

Grand Cru Gin 

Are you a fan of Grand Cru Burgundy? Because I am. I’m also a fan of when people try to do something that hasn’t been done before. – Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t always work, but in this instance, it did. Grand Cru Gin is created with 50% Grand Cru Burgundy (25% cold distilled and 25% hot distilled) which is then blended with 50% gin. The botanicals are pretty luxurious too - with raspberry, strawberry, black truffle, rose and violet all making it into the mix. Presentation box, snazzy decanter, well, it certainly looks the part too, so what’s not to love?

 ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Buy now for £495

Anty Gin

I started to become bored of gin when just about everyone started using the same ingredients, only to claim they were doing something otherworldly or special – these guys really kicked it up a notch. The Nordic Food Lab teamed up with Cambridge Distillery to produce Anty Gin, which as the name would suggest, contains the essence of around 62 red wood ants in each bottle. Ants have somewhat of a citrussy element to them, which jumps out quite vibrantly on the palate. It doesn’t stop with just the main affair either, each bottle is equipped with a 5cl dropper bottle of pure ant distillate. Probably the most bizarre, yet equally tasty gin on the list. 

ABV: 42%
Size: 720ml
Buy now for £200

Truffle Gin

I used to joke that if my career ever failed, I’d just create a luxury Truffle Gin and get rich that way – turns out someone already beat me to it. White truffle from Alba in Piedmont is the quintessential ingredient here, which I can tell you from having visited these lands, is bloody tasty. Distilled in a way that preserves the full essence and flavour of the truffle itself, this gin isn’t made for tonic – it’s made to be sipped neat, over ice with a twist of orange rind. When you’re drinking something that’s worth more per gram than gold, you do it the right way. Capeesh?

 ABV: 42%
Size: 700ml
Buy Now for £73

Ki No Bi Gin Edition G

I’d never heard of a gin aged in old champagne casks until now. The two seem to work marvellously together in cocktails, but how about as an ageing method? Henri Giraud tied the knot with Ki No Bi, pioneers of the first well-known gin from Tokyo to create this taste sensation. Only 1,740 bottles were released in total and they recommend concocting a French 75 to enjoy it at its best. Classy, darling. 

ABV: 42%
Size: 700ml
Buy now for £110

Comte de Grasse 44°N

Ultrasonic maceration, vacuum distillation and CO2 supercritical extraction… umm what?! What indeed. Essentially, this is inspired by how perfumes are made, but they decided to try make gin instead. It may sound high-tech and fancy, but in fact this method is incredibly sustainable and efficient which can only add to the intrigue of what is inside the bottle. The list of botanicals is vast, with cade (a species of juniper), verbena, everlasting (a golden flower), horse parsley, samphire, lavender, mimosa, grapefruit, patchouli and Sichuan pepper to name just a few. In sum, modern distilling methods meet cutting edge perfume extraction to create a fusion of flavours that will play with your senses. They did their homework and it shows. Bonus points if you wear it as a perfume (please don’t). 

 ABV: 44%
Size: 500ml
Buy now for £75

Nginious! Vermouth Cask Finished Gin

Cask finishing is a concept that not enough people understand, but products like this help you to get a feel for the beauty that can be created when such an art takes place.  Using the original spirit (in this case the award winning Nginious! gin) you age it further in a cask that has previously held another quality wine or spirit. Doing so maintains the original flavours but adds a divine twist encompassing more personality into the new creation. Nginious!, contains botanicals such as bee balm, blackcurrant leaves, galangala and camomile, which when further aged for 5 months in a Vermouth di Torino cask adds a whole new layer of complexity.  Notes of bitter orange and oriental spices intertwine with the signature herbal aromas this gin has become known for. To top things off the leather case adds that final luxurious twist. 

ABV: 43%
Size: 500ml
Buy now for £65.50

Ferdinand’s Goldcap Gin 

This gem is produced only once a year in incredibly small batches as they only use the heart of the small batch distillation in the final product. Using select botanical including dried Riesling grapes, mirabelles and cocoa beans alongside local acacia and pears, there is no other gin like this. Smooth, sweet and fruit all at the same time. Auslese Goldkapsel grapes make this distillation to a unique limited bottling worth drinking only neat and on the rocks. 

ABV: 49%
Size: 500ml
Buy now for £95

Cambridge Distillery Watenshi $2700 

By far one of the most expensive gins on the market, Watenshi has quite an interesting story. It is created from the ‘angels share’ of their Japanese Gin, the angels share typically being lost to evaporation is preserved during their distillation process. Collecting just 15ml per distillation you can begin to see why this is so hard to come by. The result is a product of undeniable intensity, complexly and expression. Only six bottles of Watenshi can be created within each batch and this product is described as being comparable to some of the world’s finest single malts and significantly aged cognacs from within the gin category. Sweet citrus, gentle spice butter juniper alongside an incredible long and seductive finish are what can be expected. The final product is presented in a hand-blown decanter and finished with silver jewels from a jeweller who Cambridge Distillery claim has other clients include Chanel, Tom Ford and De Beers. Alright folks, no need to name drop... let’s let the liquid speak for itself, eh?

ABV: 45%
Size: 700ml
Buy now for £2000