8 Interesting World Gins To Try

Although the British Isles is considered the home of gin, this article is a love letter to a unique collection of eight interesting gins from other world nations that are currently getting noticed. Let’s call it ‘Around the World in Eight Gins’!

Although some may be harder to find than others, once experienced, it won’t be hard to see why each is so highly regarded by judges and why they stand out in the global gin market because of local terroir, botanical herbs, fruit, flowers, or in recognition of their innovation and craftsmanship.

Our tour of these world gins begins in Spain, where gin drinking was first taken to legendary new heights back when gin and tonic was turned into an art form.

GIN MARE MEDITERRANEAN GIN (SPAIN)

Gin Mare is an iconic spirit brand, characterised by its savoury Mediterranean-inspired botanical profile of Spanish Arbequina olives, Greek thyme, rosemary from Turkey and Italian basil. The perfect gin to manage the emotions, this heady herbaceous gin gets you into a holiday spirit. As its aromas heighten the senses, you’re mentally transported to a place in the sun where vistas of azure blue sea brush with mother nature’s herbal bounty and coax you to taste the sunshine. As their marketing states: the Med is more than a place, it’s an attitude.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: £37.50

MONKEY 47 SCHWARZWALD DRY GIN (GERMANY)

Monkey 47 is named after its 47 botanicals (including lingonberries) many of which are sourced from Germany’s Black Forest. What’s special about this dry gin is the obsession with variety and innovation. They’ve fine-tuned a production process involving maceration, batch distillation, percolation and oxidisation. The local water used is soft and high quality and the handcrafted final product is bottled at a healthy 47% ABV. The custom-made, decanter-style bottles are dark glass to keep the exotically aromatic liquid protected from harmful ultraviolet rays. The gin is crisp, citrus-forward, reassuringly heavy and, as you’d expect, complex enough to please a true gin enthusiast’s curiosity.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £41.95

DOROTHY PARKER NEW YORK GIN (USA)

Deemed by some as the best American floral gin, Dorothy Parker Gin from the New York Distilling Company is made using a blend of traditional and contemporary botanical ingredients including juniper, elderberries, citrus, cinnamon and hibiscus petals. Although the floral notes are prominent, this is still very much a proper gin. The cinnamon spiciness develops wonderfully and is fantastic in gin cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.75

FOUR CORNERS AMERICAN GIN (USA)

Made ‘from America’, this all-American gin is handcrafted using ingredients crisscrossing all four corners of the United States including wild juniper from the Pacific Northwest, yerba santa from the Mojave desert to Maine cranberries and wild cherry bark from Florida. The wide variety of botanicals works in harmony to showcase the best of the nation’s regions in one glass. It’s a terroir gin that celebrates the diverse and vast, iconic landscapes of the country. This gin was created to be a true taste of America and celebrated its success when it won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: $43.99

AMAZZONI GIN (BRAZIL)

The gin boom in Brazil is in full swing. Made at the first dedicated gin distillery in Brazil, Amázzoni Gin includes five botanical ingredients unique only to Brazil that shine alongside more traditional gin botanicals. These include cocoa, Brazilian chestnut, maxixe (a local cucumber-like vegetable) water lily and cipò cravo, a native flower similar to clove. It’s naturally earthy, floral and has some spice. A must-try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £37.25

GEELONG GIN (AUSTRALIA)

Adelaide-based Australian Distilling Co’s Geelong Gin out-tasted 60 gins from some of the world’s greatest gin brands this year when it won the overall Best of Class Platinum Award at the 2024 International SIP Awards. Proudly parochial, this uniquely Australian dry gin champions local ingredients to taste of the community that inspired it with overtones of raspberry sweetness to balance its peppermint gum and black pepper flavours. A story of innovation waiting to be discovered, Geelong is designed to be paired with a basil garnish in a G&T served as an aperitif.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: $83.00

ROKU GIN (JAPAN)

In Japan Roku means ‘six’ and each bottle of Suntory Roku Gin is infused with six uniquely Japanese botanicals that ripen throughout the year. Celebrating all four seasons of Japan, harvests occur at the peak of their season or “shun”. They include floral cherry blossom (sakura flowers are handpicked in Spring), and herbal Sencha and Gyokuro teas (plucked in Summer). In autumn it's time for the spicy Sansho pepper and winter is when the zingy yuzu fruit bursts into ripeness. Celebrate the bounty of nature, and careful craftsmanship and experience a year in Japan in every sip. Garnish with thin slices of ginger in a gin and tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31 (£25 Clubcard Price)

INDLOVU PINK GIN (SOUTH AFRICA)

Don’t poo poo this South African gin until you’ve tried it - it’s made using elephant-foraged botanicals, yes, ingredients eaten - then excreted - by elephants. Despite a varied diet, elephants only digest around 50% of their food which leaves a rich variety of pre-foraged plant life including roots, bark, fruit, flowers and seeds behind for reuse! To make Indlovu Pink Gin (Indlovu means elephant) the dung is collected by hand, GPS coordinates and date of collection noted, then dutifully washed, sterilised and dried for distillation with other ingredients including prickly pear. “The Bare Necessities of life will come to you” and give back as 15% of profits are donated to the Africa Foundation to support wildlife conservation. A gin that encapsulates the spirit of Africa and dares to be different is never to be forgotten. The circle of life.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: R369.00

So, the question is, how adventurous a gin lover are you? What flavours from around the world will you be adding to your home gin collection next and how much will you enjoy sipping these diverse gins that are so deserving of your attention? Happy sipping!

By Robbie Jerram

The Best Gin for Under £25

It seems like there are more gins than ever before, but you absolutely don’t need to break the bank to taste the best.

More so than any other drink, gin bottles draw us in with their beautiful designs and enchanting botanical breakdowns. From classy London Dry classics to exciting new flavours, it’s a daunting proposition picking out a new gin. Of course, many of the more expensive gins absolutely justify their price, but a great deal don’t, and when times are hard, this is frustrating.

For under £25, these gins deliver the quality of many, many bottles double the price. Some are household names that have stood the test of time, others are more innovators, but they all deliver botanical bliss. Let’s dive in.

Gordon's Special London Dry Gin

Possibly the quintessential British gin. It is used in countless numbers of G&Ts every day and for good reason. In the signature London Dy style, it brings dense triple-distilled botanical flavour with strong clean juniper notes – exactly what you want. The heavily guarded recipe has barely changed since 1769 but with so many awards and purchases, why would they? Also, their alcohol-free gin is worth checking out!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £15.99

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Another heritage brand, Tanqueray originally began in London in 1830 before being almost destroyed in the Blitz. Just about surviving, it moved production to Scotland where it remains today. Their flagship London Dry is distilled four times with a classic botanical base of Tuscan juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. The juniper is less bitter than most, blending with soft lemon sweetness instead. Big, zesty and full of flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £21.49

Marylebone London Dry Gin

Award-winning gin from The Pleasure Gardens in London, this is a wonderfully fresh and floral gin buzzing with lemon balm, lime flower and clean zinging juniper. It’s got a kick at 50% ABV, but a surprisingly pretty palate as you may have imagined from those botanicals. Citrus is never far away and neither is florality. Smooth, elegant and so flavourful.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.2%
Find here: £21.65

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Brecon is made in Wales at the Penderyn Distillery but, as symbolised by the label, it uses botanicals from across the world. Complex bergamot and soft citrus make way for a kiss of oriental spice before everything is swept away and cleansed by the super crisp and clean finish – you’ve got the nearby national park’s water to thank for that possibly. It’s won some big awards so pour it over ice, tonic and lemon slices and taste what all the fuss is about.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.65

Broker's Gin

The first gin to be awarded 98 at the renowned Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and all for under £25. The 200-year-old distillery uses traditional copper pot stills to transform a band of ten botanicals including classics like angelica root, liquorice and cassia into such a beautiful liquid. The brand goes out of their way to mention that there are, ‘no frills and no peculiar ingredients’ – it’s simply harmonious balance for a touch of herbaceousness, a slight creamy texture and soft orange and lemon. Full-bodied and fresh.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.94

Crawshay Welsh Dry Gin

This is another classically assembled gin – or at least it tastes that way! Very few people know the 15 botanicals used at Hensol Castle, but the result is a fabulously well-rounded profile led by woody juniper. Flowery hints intertwine with bright citrus and leave you with a pristine mouthfeel. Premium for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £24.40

Crafter's London Dry Gin

Something a little different here with Crafter’s, made in the Estonian capital of Tallin. It’s a legendary gin with generations of secrets and expertise involved, including six different botanicals being separately and individually distilled. The end result is a characterful bouquet of Nordic plants starring veronica and fennel seed, a floral and herbaceous mix with enchanting aromatics.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.68 (usually more!)

East London Liquor Co. Gin

Big, creamy, spicy and perfect for asserting itself in a Martini, East London Liquor’s gin is an absolute delight. The botanical selection is a classic line up of juniper, angelica, coriander, lemon peel and grapefruit, but it’s the warmth of the cardamom and cubeb that comes through most notably. The slightly creamy oily mouthfeel is to die for too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.45

Mielikki Premium Dry Gin

This Northumbria dry gin is named after the ancient Finnish goddess of the forest, a theme that continues after you begin sipping too. Elderberries, cassia bark and bold juniper come to the fore, supported by aromatic hibiscus and rose and soft pink peppercorn spice. Floral, citrus and spice, working majestically in tandem – superb.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.70

Hayman's London Dry Gin

Hayman’s’ family 150-year-old family recipe was repackaged in a new beautiful bottle in 2018, along with a beefing up of the alcohol. Production also moved, now only four miles away from where everything began. Awards have been plentiful since, praised for its stunning smoothness and softly integrated alcohol. Expect a strong backbone of orange and lemon citrus, bold piney juniper, coriander spice and a hint of herbaceous fennel. It’s an all-rounder that works a treat in every gin cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.2%
Find here: £23.75 (usually more!)

That’s your gin covered, but how about some tonics to match? Have a look here for some of our favourites!

42 of The Best Gin Distillery Tours in Britain & Ireland

Image credit: Ed Adams

If you're a gin lover, you will have noticed the rise of many new gin brands that have cropped up across the British Isles in recent years. With so many options available, the choices can be overwhelming. To make their brand stand out and share their story, many gin distilleries are now offering what we like to call "gin tourism".

Many distillers are finding innovative ways to attract new customers by opening their doors and offering tours of their distilleries and gin schools. By allowing the public to witness everything that goes into the finished product, these distillers can deepen their customers' relationship with their brand. This is particularly true for gin lovers, who are often curious and eager to learn more about the distillation process. A gin distillery tour or experience should be a feast for the senses, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

In celebration of gin tourism, we’ve compiled a list of 42 of the best distillery tours and experiences in the British Isles. Whether you're looking for a lovely day out close to home or travelling in the UK or Ireland, adding a distillery tour to your itinerary is a must. Every visit is a unique experience that provides an opportunity to add a memorable sensory experience to your gin journey.

When it comes to locally made craft gin, the unique flavour profile is often influenced by the terroir of the region's botanicals. By enjoying a glass of holiday gin back at home, you can savour the memories of your trip (and as a bonus, it’s way less calories than other treats like sticks of rock, mint cake, clotted cream fudge, or shortbread!)

And remember, if you’re not going yourself, then most also offer a way to give a distillery tour or experience as a gift. Click the distillery names for more detailed information and links to their website as we go. Let’s explore…

London

(1) City of London Distillery, Home of Whitley Neill Gin

Whitley Neill Gins, most famous for their rainbow array of coloured bottles and popular flavoured sips was voted The UK's Most Loved Gin two years in a row 2021/2022. On this distillery tour you’ll discover the history of gin in London and learn about gin-making techniques. You can also distil your own personalised gin. Or simply visit the bar for an array of flavoured cocktails.

Tours:
Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting £25
Make Your Own Gin £125

Address: City of London Distillery, 22-24 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8DT

2/ Beefeater Gin Distillery

Produced since the 1860s, Beefeater has become one of the world's best selling and most iconic gins. For the first time in 150 years, you can see how the world’s most awarded gin is made, take a stroll through the history of London Gin, smell and touch the botanicals that make Beefeater Gin unique and taste the finished product. The Beefeater Distillery features original Victorian pot stills and a botanical room where the fresh ingredients are stored.

Tour & Experience:
Distillery Tour £25
Exclusive VIP Experience £45

Address: 20 Montford Place, Kennington, London SE11 5DE

3/ Hayman’s of London

Repeatedly voted by Trip Advisor as London’s favourite gin distillery, visitors are Repeatedly voted by Trip Advisor as London’s favourite gin distillery, visitors are taken behind the scenes to look into how this award-winning gin has been distilled in the same way since 1863. Meet the team, see the stills, nose the botanicals and receive a tutored tasting of the gins.

Tour & Masterclass:
Distillery Tour £25
Cocktail Masterclass £35

Address: 8 Weir Road, Balham, London SW12 0GT

4/ Sipsmith Distillery, Chiswick

Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice of 2023. Learn how Sipsmith came to be, and how they led the charge that led to the modern gin boom that’s reverberated around the world since 2009. See their three copper ladies Prudence, Verity and Constance and learn how their award-winning gins are crafted.

Tour & Masterclass*:
Weeknight Distillery Tour and Tutored Tasting £25
Ultimate Gin Cocktail Masterclass £65
*both experiences include a gift bag to take home

Address: 83 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, London W4 2LJ

5/ The Ginstitute Experience, Notting Hill

Similar to other distillery tours but a more in-depth 3 hour experience which will result in creating your own gin. Your Ginstructor will give you an in-depth journey through gin’s colourful and chequered past, then guide you through the blending process as you nose your way through a range of botanical distillates, choose your favourites to create your own bespoke blend of gin. It’s rated a 5* experience by Trip Advisor, which explains why you must have a pre-booked session to attend!

Experience:
3-hour award-winning gin tasting and blending experience. 
£120 per person

Address: 186 Portobello Road, London W11 1LA

South of England

6/ Greensand Ridge Distillery, Kent

Greensand Ridge is an award-winning, carbon neutral micro-distillery located in a beautifully converted Victorian coach house that’s part of a historic hunting estate, overlooking the fields and forest in the heart of Kent. The intimate gin experience includes a tour and cocktail before you distil your own full bottle of gin on an individual copper pot still. Take home your own handmade 700ml bottle of gin.

Experience:
2-3 hours £100 per person

Address: Dene Court, Shipbourne Road, Shipbourne TN11 9NS

7/ Gin Kitchen, Surrey

The Gin Kitchen is another award-winning artisan distillery at the heart of the Surrey hills. Luxury gins and signature spirits found in the world’s top luxury stores, five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice 2023. Gin Kitchen has outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, and offers live performances and a selection of gin experiences.

Tours/Experiences include:
Gin Tasting & Distillery Tour £35
Bottomless Brunch £55
Cocktail Masterclass £55

There's also a Gin Distilling Experience, Afternoon Tea and Meet The Maker.

Address: Punchbowl Lane, Dorking, Surrey RH5 4DX

8/ Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

Laverstoke Mill is a state-of-the-art sustainable distillery which produces every drop of Bombay Sapphire gin. The Victorian and Georgian buildings set astride the crystal clear River Test and the two intertwining botanical glasshouses, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, grow specimens of the tropical and Mediterranean plant species used in the gin’s distillation process. 

Tours:
Choose from one of many tours and bespoke events priced from £20 to £175

Address: Laverstoke Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7NR

9/ Brighton Gin, East Sussex

Brighton Gin is a handmade craft gin brand that started in 2012 at Kathy Caton MBE’s kitchen table and is now sold internationally and stocked in bars and restaurants across Europe, Asia and beyond. Learn all things Brighton Gin, meet the makers or become a master gin maker with a hands-on experience. Develop your own recipe from a range of botanicals, bottle and label your 50ml creation to take home and enjoy. 

Tour & Experience:
90min Distillery Tour and hands-on experience £35
Gin School £90

Address: 35a Vale Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN41 1GD

10/ Conker Spirit Distillery, Bournemouth Dorset

Established in 2014 as Dorset’s first copper pot gin distillery, Conker is located in the seaside town of Bournemouth. Their gin contains unique Dorset notes of samphire, elderberries and gorse flowers from across the Dorset coast and New Forest. Learn how the Conker team handcraft Dorset Gins and Conker Coffee Liqueurs or celebrate Friday evening cocktails in the Tap Room. 

Tours:
2 hour distillery tour on Fridays/Saturdays £25
Private group bookings also available

Address: Unit 2, 163 Stourvale Road, Southbourne, Dorset BH6 5HQ

11/ Plymouth Gin Distillery, Devon

One of the South-West’s best kept secrets, Plymouth Gin Distillery is set in an impressive, historic setting and is England’s oldest working gin distillery. Plymouth Gin has been made here according to the original recipe since 1793. Offers include a variety of tours, cocktail experiences, shop and Refectory Bar cocktail lounge.

Tours:
Classic Distillery Tour £15
Gin Conoisseur’s Tour with dedicated tasting £35
Master Distiller’s Tour £55
Smeaton’s Tower Experience £195
Plymouth Gin Staycation £850 for two people

Address: 60 Southside Street, Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LQ

12/ Tarquin’s Cornish Gin Distillery, Cornwall

Tarquin’s Gin was the first new gin to be crafted in the South-West of England in over 100 years when production began in 2012. They do things a little differently. Every bottle famously leaves the distillery hand-waxed and stamped with a puffin, giving it it’s own unique personality. Nestled on a windswept hilltop overlooking the wild Cornish coast, they offer an intimate behind-the-scenes tour and chance to get hands-on with their traditional small-batch spirits production.

Tours:
Distillery tours from £18
Also available: Gin Schools in Padstow & St Ives, Shops and Tasting Rooms

Address: Higher Trevibban Farm, St Ervan, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7SH

13/ The 6 O’Clock Gin Distillery, Avon

6 O’Clock Gin is a range of strikingly smooth artisan gins made on copper pot still Kathleen. Known for their stunning Bristol Blue glass bottles that pay tribute to the city’s rich heritage, the 6 O’Clock Gin Distillery is situated close to the English side of the Severn Bridge at Thornbury. 

Also available: 6 O’Clock Gin at The Glassboat, an iconic boat in the heart of the city of Bristol, bringing an exciting retail, waterfront gin bar and event space offering tastings, cocktail masterclasses, and gin blending sessions.

Tours:
Saturday Distillery Tour £25
Cocktail Masterclass £35

Addresses: 
Gin Distillery, Unit 6, Ashville Park, Short Way, Thornbury, Avon BS35 3UU
6 O’Clock Gin at the Glassboat, Welsh Back, Bristol, Avon BS1 4SB

14/ Piston Gin School, Cheltenham or Worcester

Inspired by precision engineering and a love of all things automotive, handcrafted Piston Gin has been awarded prestigious double-gold, gold, silver and bronze medals at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Their immersive gin schools are located across two sites. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire is HQ where the gin is distilled. Their second gin school is at the flagship store in Worcester. Offering experiences to indulge your senses, ignite creativity and deepen your understanding of craft spirit, they give you insight into the artisan distilling world.

Experience: 
Cocktail Master Gin School £115 per person or £150 for two sharing a still.
The price includes one bottle of your own hand-crafted gin.

Addresses: 

HQ, Unit 2, Bamfurlong Industrial Park, Staverton, Cheltenham GL51 6SX
Flagship, Danks 2, 62 Diglis Road, Worcester WR5 3BW

Wales

15/ Hensol Castle Distillery, Mid Glamorgan

Located in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, you’ll find South Wales’ first full-scale gin distillery, visitor experience, gin school and bottling plant, all distilling nicely in the cellars of the beautiful 17th century Hensol Castle.

Tour & Experience:
Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting £25
Gin Making Experience £99 per person or 
£150 for two (sharing a still and one 70cl bottle of gin.)

Afternoon Teas are also available in the luxurious surroundings of the castle atrium.

Address: Hensol Castle Park Cellars, Hensol, Pontyclun CF72 8JX

16/ Penderyn Distillery, Llandudno

Brecon Gin is a small-batch, premium Welsh Gin brand that is multi-award winning. Penderyn has three distilleries. The original distillery (making predominantly whisky) is in Penderyn in the Brecon Beacons. Other sites are at Llandudno and Swansea Copperworks. Brecon Gin and Brecon Botanicals are newer products that have been added to their range of spirits in recent years.

Please note, tours are geared more toward whisky enthusiasts than gin but may still be of interest if you have drinkers with different tastes in your party.

Tours:

£13.50 online
£15 on the door
Discounts for groups of 10 or more, OAPs, students and children 14-17 years

Addresses: 

HQ: Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery, Pontpren Llwyd, Aberdare CF44 0SX
Lloyd Street, Llandudno, LL30 2YG
Hafod Copperworks, Swansea, SA1 2LQ

Midlands & North of England

17/ Sky Wave Distillery, Bicester Oxfordshire

Named The World's Best Contemporary Gin at the 2024 World Gin Awards and winner of the 2023 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award two years in a row. Learn about the fascinating beginnings of this independently owned artisan craft small-batch gin brand.  Tour the distillery and try the different gins and botanicals.

If you plan to enjoy plenty of drinks and prefer not to drive, consider an overnight stay with a difference in the Crew Rooms at this historic former WW2 RAF base.

Tour/Experience:
Distillery Experience and Gin Tasting £25

Address: The North Tanker Sheds, 105 Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Rd, Bicester OX27 8AL

18/ The Only Way Is Spirits, Essex/Hertfordshire

Although this distillery makes flavoured gin, vodka, rum and tequila liqueurs in a unique range of beautifully coloured bottles, when it comes to Gin School, The Only Way is Gin. 

Tour & Experience:

Distillery Tour and Tasting £20
3 hour Gin School Experience £95 or £125 for two sharing a still and one 70cl bottle

Address: Unit 8, Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0LJ

19/ Adnams Distillery, Norfolk

Known for gin brands: Adnams Copper House, Smidgin, Fishers, Quince, Sloe,  and First Rate Triple Malt Gin, all are distilled with high levels of juniper and big and bold flavours. Various experiences are offered including a Distillery Tour and a ‘Make Your Own Gin’ experience. Several shops across East Anglia.

Tour, Taste and Make in Southwold, Norwich & Bury St Edmonds. 

Tour & Experiences:
Distillery Tour £25
Cocktail Discovery Masterclass £55
Make Your Own Gin £95

Address: Most Southwold Distillery Tours depart from The Swan Courtyard, Market Place, Southwold, IP18 6EG but check website for details.

20/ Shakespeare Distillery, Warwickshire

Shakespeare Distillery is an artisan gin producer that takes inspiration from the tudor garden. Tour the distillery and visit Gin School to distil your own gin on a mini copper still. 

Tours:
Distillery Tour and Taste £20
60 min Gin Cruise £30 per adult
Gin School £99 per person or £125 for two sharing a still.
Other tasting and cocktail experiences - see website.

Address: Unit A, Drayton Manor Drive, Drayton, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 9RQ

21/ Nelson’s Distillery, Staffordshire

Experience the finest in premium craft spirits. Experiencing the thrilling world of craft spirit production is officially the best thing to do in Staffordshire according to Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards 2024. Gin, Vodka and Rum School. 

Tour & Experiences:
Tour, Talk and Taste £25
Single Still £115 per person
Shared Gin & Vodka Making Experience £155

Address: Unit 5a, Grindley Business Village, Grindley, Uttoxeter ST18 0LR

22/ The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, Greater Manchester

Home of Manchester Gin, the signature product range inspired by the city where it all began. Dandelion and Burdock root is a nod to the Northern heritage that distinguishes these gins that are some of the most highly awarded in the world.

Voted Manchester’s #1 thing to do on TripAdvisor, your hosts guide you through spirit tasting, and teach you how to make your own gin.

Experiences:
Gin Tasting from £30
Gin Making experience from £95
Gin Making experience for two from £135

Address: 10-15 Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP

23/ Hotham’s Gin School, East Riding of Yorkshire

Voted Yorkshire’s Number 1 Visitor Experience in 2020 and 2021. Multi award-winning Gin School Experience (also Rum School and Vodka School) in a purpose-built distilling room. Hear about the Hotham’s history, brand, try the gins and be guided on how to make your own using botanicals of your choice.

Experience:
Masterclass £125 per person or £150 for two

Address: 2nd floor, Hull Gin School and Distillery, 55 Whitefriargate, Hull HU1 2HU

24/ Whitby Gin Distillery, North Yorkshire

A family-run distillery on the rugged North Yorkshire coast, crafting award-winning coastal spirits using ocean-inspired botanicals from the coast and moorland close to Yorkshire. Make sure you try the Bramble & Bay, Wild Old Tom and Navy Strength Whitby Gins. The Original Edition is a true taste of the region distilled with locally foraged sugar kelp, heather and honey for a bold, balanced flavour.

Tour:
One hour distillery tour £25

Address: 8 Botany Way, Whitby YO22 4QX

25/ Shed One Distillery, Cumbria LA12 9AU 

Situated on the outskirts of the Lake District, Shed One was Cumbria Tourism’s Experience of the Year in 2022 and Visit England’s Experience of the Year Silver Winner in 2023. First to offer Make Your Own Gin experiences in Cumbria and the Lake District.

Tour & Experiences:
Distillery tour and tasting £22.50
Afternoon G&Tea £29
Make your Own Distilled Gin Experience on selected Sundays. Enquire online.

Address: The Old Calf Shed, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9AU

26/ Durham Distillery, Durham

This distillery offers a real sense of place. Situated in the heart of a cathedral city close to the world-famous UNESCO world heritage site, visitors get to learn about craft spirits in this special place. Good honest spirits made with the finest locally sourced ingredients.

Experiences:
Distillery Experience £17.50
Cocktail Classes £35
Gin Making Class from £85

Address: Prince Bishops Place, 30-31 High Street, Durham DH1 3UL

Scotland 

27/ Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh

Sip your way through the award-winning Height of Arrows Gin range with this relaxed, interactive, conversational gin-tasting experience and sample behind-the-scenes future projects accompanied by a delicious gin chocolate truffle. 

Tours & Experiences:
Stills & Staves Highlights Tour £18
Self-Guided Tasting Flight £20 (choose between whisky and gin)
Whisky and Gin Distillery Tour £28
Gin Tasting Experience £28
EH Evenings (free to attend for anyone with an EH postcode) 

Address: 19 St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH

28/ Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, Leith

Lind and Lime say this: “We’ve been to a lot of tours at a lot of distilleries. When it came to creating our own tour, we decided to put all of our favourite things into the single best experience that we could create.”

So they offer Tour, Tasting, Bottle Filling and Cocktail Making on their 75-minute tours on Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sundays.

Tour:
Gin Tour and Tasting £25

Address: 24 Coburg Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HB

29/ Crossbill Distilling, Glasgow

If you want hands-on, in-depth gin experiences, Crossbill is the place to go. Start by learning about the history of gin making, then tasting, then distil your own in the distilling class. Free flowing gin and you get to take your own bottle home, what’s not to love?

Experiences:
Tasting Experience £15
Gin School Blending Experience £60
Gin School Distilling Class £110

Address: Unit 1, BAaD, 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow G40 2SB

30/ Stirling Distillery, Stirling

In the shadow of Stirling Castle, Stirling Distillery offer daily gin and whisky experiences. Voted the number one thing to do in Stirling on TripAdvisor.

Experiences:
Distillery Gin Experience £27.50 (Driver’s experience for those not drinking £12.50) 
The Old Smiddy Gin School £90 per person or 
The Old Smiddy Gin School £140 for two sharing a still

Address: 9 Lower Castlehill, Stirling FK8 1EN

31/ North Uist Distillery

Bursting with island charm, this distillery is situated on a historic island steadings, right by the beach on North Uist where Bonnie Prince Charlie once sheltered.

This 1700s home has played a long and dynamic role in the island’s history. Some Downpour Gin will ultimately go down well too, amongst its many awards, it won Overall Spirit of the Year in the London Spirits Competition 2023.

Experience:
Downpour Gin Tasting £25

Address: Baile Nan Cailleach, Nunton Steadings Benbecula HS7 5LU

32/ City of Aberdeen Distillery

Hidden within a historic railway arch in the heart of the city you will find Aberdeen’s first distillery for over 75 years and its first ever gin school. All tours start with a double G&T, include tastings from the current range of demijohns and are led by the head distiller.

Tour & Experiences:
Discovery Tour from £27
The Flight of Fancy £30
Gin Tasting Masterclass from £54 
Gin School Experience from £120

Address: Arch 10, Palmerston Rd, Aberdeen AB11 5RE

33/ Kinrara Distillery, Aviemore

Award-winning distillery, tasting experience and shop located just outside of Aviemore in a beautiful remote setting in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park beside the beautiful River Spey. Fun and engaging hosted gin-tasting experience that goes beyond a standard gin tour. 

Experience:
Tasting Experience £15 

Address: Linwilg Farm Steading, Aviemore PH22 1PZ

34/ North Point Distillery, (home of Crosskirk Bay Gin), Thurso

Overlooking the picturesque Crosskirk Bay, North Point Distillery is the most northerly distillery on the British mainland on the site of the former U.S. Navy base in Forss. One of the most sustainable distilleries in Scotland and multi award-winner of the Gin Guide’s awards for sustainability in 2021, 2022 and 2023, North Point advocates responsible procurement, carbon-neutral production methods and fully recycled and recyclable packaging. 

Tour:
30 min Copper Distillery Tour £10
Weekend Cocktail Events 

Address: Forss Business & Energy Park, Thurso KW14 7UZ

You can find other Gin Distillery Experiences and Tours in Scotland here:

IRELAND AND THE Isle of Man

Getting there:

Cross to the Isle of Man from England by Manx Ferry from Heysham, Liverpool, and Birkenhead from 2hrs 20mins. 
The island is also accessible by air from many UK domestic airports.
From/to Ireland, ferries and flights operate from Belfast and Dublin. 

35/ Fynoderee Distillery

Home of the Spirits of Mann, enjoy a ‘fyn and tonic,’ learn about the beginnings of the distillery, fascinating Manx folklore, meet the stills and learn about the crafting process of Manx gins, vodka and rum. Substitute drink for drivers and 5cl ‘fyniature’ bottle to take home.

Tour:
Fri/Sat Distillery Tour and Tasting £21

Address: Parsonage Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 2EE

36/ Seven Kingdom Distillery

A small distillery specialising in ultra-smooth, delicately balanced spirits. 

Tour:
Gin tours and tastings in the distillery can be arranged by appointment.

Address: Banks Circus, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 4LN

For more inspiration about visiting the Isle of Man, click here:

37/ Copeland Distillery

Situated on the coast directly opposite the Copeland Islands, 20 miles outside Belfast, sample the gins, rum and whiskey this special place has to offer, walk around the historical distillery which was once a picture house dating back to 1915 and hear stories of smuggling and seized contraband in the local area.

Experience:
One Hour Distillery Experience £22.50

Address: Manor Street, Donaghadee BT21 0HF

38/ Echlinville Distillery

Experience excellence with a tour and tasting at Ireland’s first farm distillery, home of some of the country’s best known whiskeys, gins and poitin crafted in the heart of County Down. Gin distilled here includes Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin, Weavers Irish Gin, Jawbox and Feckin Irish Gin. 

Tour:
Tour and Tipple from £23 (includes two drinks)

Address: 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 1AJ

39/ The Boatyard Distillery, Fermanagh

Located on the banks of Lough Erne, close to Tully Castle and next to the Marina, meet the team and stills and discover the secret behind the famous ‘Erainn’ copper still. Excellent tour in a beautiful setting.

Tour:
90 min tour, tasting and two cocktails £55 (price includes a bottle of gin)

Address: 346 Lough Shore Road, Drumcrow East, Enniskillen BT93 7DX

40/ Still Garden Distillery

Small but perfectly formed Garden Distillery. TripAdvisor Travellers Choice for 2023. Wide range of options include Gin School and Distilling Academy, Tastings, Cocktail Masterclasses and Tours

Tours & Experiences:
Distillery Tour from €15
Premium Distillery Tour from €20
Gin Tasting Masterclass from €30
Cocktail Masterclass from €35
Afternoon Tea and Gin Tasting from €55
Gin School from €95

Address: Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 D08 EWK2

The Channel Islands

Getting there:

Flights operate to the Channel Islands archipelago in the English Channel off the French coast of Normandy. Main routes are to Jersey and Guernsey from Dublin, Belfast and many other UK airports including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, East Midlands, Bristol, London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Southampton.
Daily ferries also cross from Poole and Portsmouth to Jersey and Guernsey.
Once you’re in the Channel Islands, you can island hop using ferries.

For more information about this beautiful part of the British Isles visit here:

41/ Channel Islands Liquor Co, St Helier Jersey

Located in the Old Sail Loft at the historical French Harbour in St Helier, Channel Islands Liquor Co produces award-winning gins and rums that are exported all over the world. Private tastings usually happen in the evenings. The Old Sail Loft Distillery in Jersey hosts one hour ticketed tastings without having to book a private party. 

Tasting:
£40 for a 2-hour tasting 
Minimum numbers apply

Tour:
£30 per person, no minimum numbers.

Address: South Pier Harbour, S Pier, St Helier, JE2 3NB Jersey

42/ Wheadon’s Gin, Guernsey

Wheadon’s is a small batch distillery in the atmospheric cellar lounge of Guernsey’s Bella Luce, known as ‘The Gin Hotel’ - the perfect bolthole for a long stay or a few days away. A historic Norman manor house on Guernsey’s stunning south coast. The perfect destination for those travellers for whom experience is everything.  Book gin experiences in advance via the website.

Experiences:
The Gintroduction £25
Breaking Down The Botanicals £35 per person (min 4 people)
Design Your Own Distillation £50 per person (min 6 people)
Gin and Dine, includes gin-tasting and 3 course set menu dinner for £50 per person. Booking essential.

Address: La Fosse, St Martin’s, GY4 6EB Guernsey 

So there you have it, a lip-smacking taster of just some of the amazing gin schools, experiences, tours and more being offered by just 42 out of hundreds of gin distilleries up and down the UK and Ireland. You began in London, the Gin Capital of the World and ended up in The Gin Hotel in Guernsey. Having worked your way all around the British Isles, which take your fancy? Go and explore the United Gindom!

By Robbie Jerram

9 Sipworthy Flavoured Gins from the British Isles

In celebration of our rich tapestry of local botanicals and offerings, let’s discover more about the flavoured gin phenomenon, from some of the most popular gin flavours at the moment to other equally sipworthy gins being made all across the Isles.

Any gin lover wishing to liven up a G&T and bring exciting new sensations to the palate needn’t just change tonic or mixers to achieve exciting ‘liquid to lips’ moments. By selecting a new flavoured gin that tickles your taste buds you can deepen your appreciation in brand new ways. Let’s tour the gin isles and get sipping new flavours...

What is the MOST POPULAR ‘FLAVOUR’ OF GIN?

According to Google Trends, Pink Gin has been the undisputed top search term alongside ‘gin and tonic’ since 2018. Many distillers have introduced pink gins because of this popularity - and what wonderful choices we have.

So, what botanicals are used to make pink gin? Well, basically it’s anything that turns a gin-clear liquid pink! Predominant flavour profiles include strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb, cherry, pink grapefruit, rose and other florals. 

Mermaid Pink Gin - Isle of Wight Distillery 

A vibrant variation of Mermaid Gin, this delightful gin boasts a flavour profile that’s naturally sweet. It gets its rosy hue from an infusion of locally-picked IOW strawberries. There’s an intriguing juxtaposition with the botanicals already in the mix, with coastal hints of savoury rock samphire, herbaceous hops and Sicilian lemon. It pairs swimmingly well with a light tonic. Garnish with a strawberry and sprig of fresh garden mint!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £32.95

The Only Way Is Gin - Raspberry Pink Gin 

A lip-smacking infusion of raspberries grown in Essex are championed in this vibrant gin which beautifully balances with drying hints of juniper, citrus peels and a slow build of earthy, toasty spices. Less sweet than most raspberry gins, this multi-award-winning signature gin tastes of both distinct juniper and the fruit it is made from. Enjoy neat over ice, as a G&T or with lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £37.50

Aber Falls Rhubarb & Ginger Gin 

From the Aber Falls distillery comes the comforting, homely taste of a rhubarb and ginger crumble in the form of gin! Uniquely sourced and distilled in Wales, this gin brings fond memories of home-cooked Sunday dinners of yesteryear. Tastes amazing with ginger ale or a light premium tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26.00

WHAT ARE THE BEST LOCALLY-SOURCED FLAVOURed Gins from THE BRITISH ISLES?

Assay Rosehip & Crab Apple Gin 

This quintessentially English tasting gin from Sheffield Distillery gives a generous helping of rosehips and locally-grown crab apples, blended to give a taste reminiscent of locally foraged autumn hedgerows all year round. Pairs nicely with Franklin & Sons Cloudy Apple and Rhubarb Soda or a sparkling apple juice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £37.90

Isle of Bute Heather Gin

Bring the taste of Scotland to your palate with this classic gin that uses wild heather flowers hand-picked on the Isle of Bute. This delicious small batch gin brings a fine balance of citrus and floral, bringing the brightness of pink grapefruit to complement the heather and other classic gin botanicals. Serve with a slice of pink grapefruit, tonic and ice. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £32.20

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

Now for something completely different as we sail across the Irish Sea away from fruity and floral influences to soft, salty sea notes to be savoured in this coastal-flavoured gin from Ireland. It’s a vibrant spirit from Sliabh Liag Distillery that captures the magic of the seas using five locally harvested varieties of seaweed, as well as six other botanicals giving it a buttery oyster smoothness. Pairs well with premium tonic or bitter lemon. 

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £29.89

Atlantic Distillery Organic Earl Grey Gin

In celebration of Britain’s other favourite drink, from Cornwall comes this exquisite and organic Earl Grey Gin for the tea lovers. Distilled with real earl grey tea leaves, it brings gentle earthy characteristic notes of lemon citrus, bergamot and anise.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.0%
Find here: £35.07

Esker Gold Premium Gin 

This Aberdeenshire gin, according to the distillers, is a unique addition to the Scottish gin market, taking sap from the silver birch trees on the Kincardine estate on Royal Deeside. What is added to turn this sap into gold? A blend of spices and honey to provide subtle sweetness. This gin makes a delicious neat spirit over ice or mixed with ginger ale. Pure alchemy and a gold medal winning formula!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40.0%
Find here: £29.95

Pitwheel Original Spiced Gin 

This final gin from County Durham’s Pitwheel Distillery is a warming alternative for gin lovers looking for something special and different with a subtly spiced flavour. Developed to give a twist on a traditional recipe, its botanicals include pink peppercorn and green cardamom. It was a deserving winner in the Spiced Gin category at The Gin Guide Awards in 2023.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.0%
Find here: £41.25

So there you have it, many wonderful flavours from every corner of the British Isles. Remember to support your local gin distillery and buy local or pick out the flavours that most pique your interest. For more gin collection building advice, go here! There’s definitely something for every gin lover right here in the United Gindom - wherever you are in the world. Happy sipping!

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

Why Puerto de Indias Are Releasing An ‘Unfair’ Blackberry Gin

It’s not often that you’ll find us praising a bottle of booze being decreased in size, but on this occasion the point it’s making is well worth it.

Seville-based Puerto de Indias are rolling out special editions of their tasty Blackberry Gin, but with 14.3% less liquid inside than usual. Perhaps you’re wondering how they arrived at such a specific number? Well, it reflects the ONS figures that women earn, on average, 14.3% less than men per hour.

Set for a release on International Women’s Day this Friday 8th March, journalists, bartenders, and influencers will be sent these ‘unfair’ bottles to draw attention to the gender gap issue. Whether it’s the issue of women being paid less for the same work or not being given equal opportunities in various industries, this bottle and IWD is a reminder of the work still to be done.

To get people shouting about it, Puerto de Indias are encouraging #shakeforpayequality, where you can join in by making a cocktail and raising your glass to women.  Sticking with the blackberry gin as it was a women-led creation, you can whip up their delicious Black Mojito starring it.

As well as rolling up their sleeves when it comes to the big issues, their gin is award-winning for a reason. They’ve blazed a trail with premium berry gins, first with their renowned strawberry and now with this. If you want to join us with a Black Mojito this Friday, this is how you make it!

Ingredients
50ml Puerto de Indias Blackberry Gin
3 wedges of lime
2 or 3 good-sized blackberries
8 spearmint leaves
Sprinkling of sugar
Soda or sparkling water

Method
Take a fairly wide glass and drop your lime, spearmint, and blackberries into it, along with a teaspoon or so of sugar to let it macerate. Then the good stuff, pour in the beautiful Blackberry Gin and top up with some bubbles - soda or sparkling water. Cheers!

It doesn’t look like the special edition of the bottle is available to buy, but you can find the full-size bottle at a number of retailers including Master of Malt here, where it’s currently on offer for £26.95!

What Can I Mix With Gin Instead Of Tonic?

The only ever-present force in gin is juniper, with its earthy, piney flavour – everything else can and does change. Therefore, as long as your mixer pairs well with juniper, you should end up along the right lines. It does depend on the style and botanicals of the gin, however.

For example, is it pink with berries? Is it umami and marine? Is it floral and citrusy? There are all kinds of complex flavours floating around, and you want a mixer that enhances those qualities. Of course though, you want a gin mixer that you enjoy, and that’s really all that matters.

If you’re not into tonic for whatever reason, then try these popular suggestions instead – we think they’re the best way to go.

Is Lemonade a Good Mixer with Gin?

Particularly with younger drinkers, the polls show that this is the country’s favourite mixer with gin, ahead of even tonic. Be it pink lemonade with a little kick of red berries like raspberry and strawberry, or regular, it’s probably the best gin mixer for those with a sweeter tooth.

There’s more to this classic combo than just providing a sugar injection though. The tart, bright citrus that comes through with the lemonade contrasts beautifully with the rich, earthy juniper profile of gin. As long as the gin isn’t too sweet to begin with, lemonade will likely work.

Is Soda a Good Mixer with Gin?

If you just can’t get on board with tonic but really don’t want to overshadow the delicately poised botanicals in gin, then how about soda? It’s simply carbonated water (even more so than sparkling water), so it tastes just like water. Therefore, similar to whisky, it can actually open up the botanicals in gin and enhance your libation – without the bitterness that tonic water brings.

What you’ll get is what you expect, a diluted version of the gin which usually leads to a more savoury, zesty drink – one of the purists! Of course, with garnishes like lime, lemon or mint, syrup and cordial, you can take this in any direction you like.

Is Flavoured Tonic a Good Mixer with Gin?

Alright, alright, so this is still tonic but hear us out. The main reason some people don’t like tonic water with gin is the bitter taste, mostly from the quinine. However, where there used to be no variation with tonics, there is now a tonne of it, and these flavoured tonics don’t have high quinine content.

The great thing about a flavoured tonic is that by retaining the lightness of water with only subtle flavourings, it still very much lets the gin shine as the star of the show. So, if you’ve never clicked with original tonic but still want the gin front and centre, we urge you to try some flavoured tonics.

For example, a simple Mediterranean tonic with a little citrus and herbs is fantastic with citrus and herbaceous gins and an elderflower tonic really emphasises the florality in floral gins – you really would be surprised at the difference it can make.

We love Franklin & Son’s range for its creativity and quality, and they have so many flavoured tonics, lemonades and sodas that are dreamy mixers for all kinds of gin – like Rosemary and Black Olive, Sicilian Lemon Tonic and Rhubarb and Hibiscus. Check out a few we love here!

Is Ginger Beer a Good Mixer with Gin?

Topping up your gin with the warming fizz of ginger beer has become a bit of a trend in the world of gin. You might not put the two together straight away, but it’s surprisingly versatile. Sweeter Old Tom styles go well, and with spiced, wintery gins it really emphasises the botanicals like cardamom, orange, cinnamon, and it goes without saying, ginger.

It works really well with big-flavoured gins that might need tempering a little, and the spicy feel is brilliant for standing up to bolder gin notes.

Is Grapefruit Juice a Good Mixer with Gin?

You’re never too far from citrus when it comes to gin combos.  Grapefruit juice is really handy for gin too because it’s a very popular botanical. It has a bittersweet, tart freshness that makes for a delicious combination with gin. Pink or red juices are dryer and sweeter, but the white is more bitter and acidic, so it’s down to personal preference really.

If you’ve got a very sweet pink gin for example, white may cut through nicely but for most gins, a ruby red grapefruit juice adds a nice layer. It’s also a lovely way of making your drink summery without too much sugar. Any fruity, citrusy gins and it’s a winner.

If you want some stunning gins to try out these mixers with, then we compiled some special bottles recently for our guide here.

There are a lot of questions like this one that float around the drinks world, and another one we get asked a lot is, ‘Is there a correct way to drink whisky?’

8 Gins to Watch Out for in 2024

Alongside Dry January, there was also Ginuary for those of us still heartily sipping away. Gin has been massively popular for years now, with a steady stream of botanical beauties focusing on sustainability, local ingredients, unique terroir, and innovative, fresh flavours. It helps that the bottles tend to be easy on the eye too.

But, as with any drinks trend, there are some not so impressive bottles sneaking in. With another gincredible year ahead of us, these are some of the bottles we really enjoyed this Ginuary to look out for in 2024.

Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin

We’ve featured some of the Sassenach portfolio a few times because it really is one of the finest ‘celebrity drinks’ going. If you don’t know, it’s the passion project of Outlander star Sam Heughan (aka Jamie Fraser). It’s a London Dry style that brings together 8 Dumfries and Galloway botanicals for remarkable freshness with rhubarb, bramble leaf, crabapple, toasted oats, and heather to name a few. The juniper heart is stunning. From the bottle to the last sip, everything about this gin is stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £44.90

Greater Than Broken Bat Gin

The winner of the Gin Guide Awards for India last year, this is a really interesting London dry style gin because it’s infused with toasted Kashmir willow... sourced from broken cricket bats. The resulting notes of mellow, woody vanilla intertwine with a little sweet spice for a distinct sipper that, at 47%, won’t go unnoticed. More Asian botanical based gins are expected in 2024, and this could be one of the most popular.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £36.95

Sir Edmond Gin

This is an incredible smooth Dutch gin with that has picked up some of the most prestigious awards going. If you like vanilla, then you will love this because Réunion Island vanilla takes centre stage alongside prominent juniper. The fundamental botanical backdrop (angelica and cardamom) lay in the wings alongside the warmth of ginger and cinnamon for sweet and earthy gem.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38.82

Henstone Rosè Gin

There is so much going on with this gin, which goes some way to explaining its emphatic victory in the highly competitive British category at Gin Guide Awards last year. First off, and what hits you on the nose, the oak. It’s aged in American oak giving a richness normally associated with whisky. These earthy woody notes carry a little spice with coriander and cardamom, and in terms of Rosé, expect less berries and more vanilla florality.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.9%
Find here: £38.50

Blackeye Gin

Behind this gin are rugby legends Alex Payne, James Haskell, and Mike Tindall, and £1.50 from each sale goes to the Blackeye Rugby Fund to aid research and recovery. It’s citrus forward this one, with a scrum of botanicals from some of the world’s biggest rugby playing nations. It’s even got a secret ingredient don’t you know! For a citrussy G&T, there’s not much better.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.95

Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin

If you’re into gin, then there’s a good chance you’re on board with Sky Wave already, but if not then 2024 is the year for it. A craft distillery from two adventures in Oxfordshire, they celebrate the places they’ve been as well as their home country. They’ve just had a premium rebrand that looks stunning, but more importantly the liquid inside is amazing. Winning gong after gong, their signature London Dry is zinging with crisp and tangy notes and balanced sweetness with locally foraged blackberries and raspberries. It used to be 500ml, but now it’s 700ml, which you will be very grateful for after that first sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £41.84 (usually more!)

Ukiyo Yuzu Gin

Yuzu has been one of the botanicals blazing a trail for Asian gins, and we expect that to continue because it is delicious. This Japanese gin makes the most of it, delivering a citrus explosion (similar to grapefruit and mandarin). The base spirit uses distilled shochu, which is redistilled with juniper, mandarin and of course, yuzu. Expect aromatic zest and elegant tang. One for summer.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.90

Broken Bones Old Tom Gin

This is one of the best Old Toms we’ve tried. Distilled in Ljublijana, Slovenia, it focuses on local juniper and a big hit of floral botanicals with rosehips and linden flowers. Slovenian honey is added for signature Old Tom sweetness, and it is just so difficult not to love the final expression. Serial award winner, bright with florality and citrus, a little juniper spice – nom. It costs a bit more than most at 500ml, but it is so worth it, honestly.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £44.49

These are the gins we think have a big year ahead of them, but of course there are many more that we loved last year. If a classic G&T is your go to, then what about these beauties?