Exploring The Cocktails and Drinks of James Bond

Despite a pretty hectic lifestyle, James Bond finds the time to enjoy a drink every 11 minutes throughout the films so it’s no secret how fond he is of a tipple. In Casino Royale alone, he consumes 12 different drinks, but it was in the books that 007 focuses even more so on the details of these drinks, saying, “I take a ridiculous pleasure in what I eat and drink. It comes partly from being a bachelor but mostly from a habit of taking a lot of trouble over detail.”

So, if you’re planning a Bond themed party, love the films or you’re just curious, we’ve broken down all of the cocktails and drinks featured throughout the glamourous world of Bond! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll definitely know some, but others might surprise you so let’s begin with the most iconic cocktail in cinema history…

Vodka Martini

Where else could we start? The first ‘shaken not stirred’ martini is ordered on board Goldfinger’s private jet in 1964’s Goldfinger, where the splash of vermouth and twist of lemon is joined by Smirnoff Red Label, the world’s bestselling vodka. This partnership has persevered right up until the most recent film, No Time To Die (2021). Clear colour, no strong odour – the vodka martini is perfect for a quick, stiff drink whilst keeping a low profile.

Whilst we’re here, if you’ve ever wondered why Bond requests his cocktail shaken, it’s because it aerates the drink, reducing the temperature and diluting the mix slightly. Most mixologists will stir it though.

When it comes to the books however, the vodka martini doesn’t show up until the third novel, Moonraker (1955). So, what was Bond’s preference before this? Well…

Gin Martini

Yep, an initial staple of Ian Flemings novels was a gin martini, served with Gordons gin, Vermouth, and a slice of lemon peel – so not a million miles away. But it was very much Sean Connery in Dr. No ordering the vodka martini, ‘shaken not stirred’ with that signature pronunciation that made this Bond’s drink.

The Vesper

This one stands out a little, because Ian Flemming actually invented it – a man of many talents it seems. In Bond’s own words, it’s, ‘three measures of Gordon’s [gin], one [part] of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shaken very well until it’s ice-cold.” These days, you would replace Kina Lillet with Lillet Blanc. It’s slightly sweeter and more bitter than a gin martini, with those botanicals tapered by the clean vodka.

Champagne

Vodka Martini may stand out as 007’s go to, but it actually seems to be Champagne that he goes for more often, especially in a more relaxed setting. With caviar on the train, late at night with bacon and eggs, at the baccarat table, or washing down a tense dinner, Champagne is probably Bond’s favourite option, with Bollinger featuring in every film since Moonraker (1979).

The first to appear is the Taittinger Blanc de Blanc Brut of 1943, which Bond orders as room service in Casino Royale, before later switching to Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut. Dom Pérignon 1946 accompanies Bond and M for their dinner in Moonraker, Veuve Clicquot Rosé in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Thunderball (1965) then Bond seems to find his favourite (that or it’s just a very lucrative product placement deal) with Bollinger. So Bond, perhaps unsurprisingly, has expensive taste. It doesn’t seem like author Ian Fleming had to stretch his imagination too far for this either, as he was a huge fan of bubbly himself, and a letter of his is framed in Maison Taittinger in Reims!

Whisk(e)y

007 absolutely loves a whisky. Scotch, American, his choice varies depending on where in the world his missions take him. More often than not, he mixes them with soda which, for premium whiskies, over dilutes them but there we go!

Isle of Skye favourite Talisker pops up in two Pierce Brosnan era films, a massive boost to the distillery that led to many more discovering the smoky, maritime flavour. In fact, this particular drink plays a bigger role than most, because whilst staring at the glass Bond realises a bomb is about to be detonated.

Jack Daniel’s pops up in GoldenEye (1995) too, at the request of M (Judi Dench) who states that she prefers bourbon to cognac. Jack Daniel’s is more of a Tennessee whiskey than an official Bourbon, but we’re not one to argue with M!

For a proper Bourbon, it’s no surprise that CIA counterpart Felix Leiter is the one providing it. He offers Timothy Dalton’s Bond a glass of Jim Beam in The Living Daylights (1987).

The Daniel Craig era has leaned towards Macallan, with Javier Bardem’s Silva offering him the Macallan 1962 Fine and Rare vintage in Skyfall (2012), a nod to the 50th anniversary of the Bond films. Bond even has the Macallan 18 Year Old in his personal collection which he cracks open during Spectre (2015).

Rum

This one would make a great pub quiz question – What is the first drink Daniel Craig orders as James Bond?

The correct answer is, ‘large Mount Gay and soda’ and not a martini! A sweet and expertly crafted Barbadian rum, we love Mount Gay too and think a splash of soda is a good choice.

Mint Julep

Sat on a Kentucky Racecourse with Goldfinger (1964), Bond enjoys a Mint Julep – bourbon, sugar, mint and a load of ice. This sweet, cooling, boozy mix is an authentic serve in the Southern States so it’s no surprise to see it popping up.

Old Fashioned

More of a favourite in the books than the films, Bond repeatedly returns to this cocktail using ‘Old Grandad Bourbon’ with double measures. With how much he loves whisky, it only makes sense.

Americano

Another pub quiz cracker this. Did you know that the Americano is the first drink James Bond ever orders? In the Casino Royale book (1953), Bond points out how nice it is when dining at an outdoor café. Campari, sweet Vermouth and soda water, which, according to Bond, has to be Perrier. He returns to this cocktail in From Russia With Love (1963) as well as A View To A Kill (1985).

This is by no means an absolutely exhaustive list because, as we established, this is an agent with a serious alcohol intake, so drinks and cocktails pop up everywhere. Nonetheless, like everyone, Bond has his favourites – Martinis, Whiskies, and Champagne.

For more of the most famous cocktails and drinks from TV & Film, go to our breakdown here!

Halloween Potion: York Gin’s Mad Alice Bloody Orange

We’re always on the look out for new Halloween drinks, and never more so with it creeping around the corner, but we get extra excited when it’s from a producer we know and love already. Teaming up with Mad Alice of the Bloody Tour of York, York Gin have concocted Bloody Orange gin, complete with blood-red bottle, blood-splattered label, and an embossed red wax seal on some bottles.

Mad Alice is an iconic and award-winning tour guide in York, guides visitors through Europe’s most haunted city rich in history from the Romans to the Vikings to famous Outlaws and most importantly, rich with a ridiculous number of ghost sightings. Stabler, who plays Mad Alice says, “'I have loved York Gin ever since it launched years ago. The idea for a Mad Alice gin came to us over - yes, you guessed it - one or three G&Ts after my regular Friday night tour. I’ve tasted it - and it comes with my seal of approval. It’s bloody gorgeous. Ideal for a G&T or cocktail as the autumn nights draw in.’

If you haven’t heard us praise York Gin before then you can found out more about them here, but in short they have a spectacular portfolio of gins that not only taste delicious, but tell the rich historical story of the city also. Honestly, they never miss, and they’ve been wanting to make an orange elixir for a while. With the shadow of Halloween looming large, of course it had to be fresh blood orange - super smooth as always and bursting with vibrant zesty citrus.

If you want Bloody Orange to accompany you this Halloween, then you can pre-order now on the York Gin website for delivery at the beginning of October. Or, if you’re feeling brave and wish to descend into the darkness of York with Mad Alice lighting the way, then visit the city itself and enjoy 10% off at York Gin if you go on the tour, and vice versa!

Your Complete Guide to Celebrating Oktoberfest Near You

Get ready to raise your beer steins and embrace the Bavarian spirit because Oktoberfest is almost here! But wait its only September!? Well, despite its name, Oktoberfest actually kicks off in September each year, and carries on for just over two weeks so get a move on with the planning!

Originally a Munich celebration of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese’s marriage in 1810, this colossal beer bash now has folks around the world celebrating with a hearty "Prost!"

Sprawling tents with thousands of merry-makers, millions of litres of beer being guzzled, German music filling the air – if you want a slice of the biggest beer festival on the planet then don your finest lederhosen and find yourself an Oktoberfest near you with our guide below.

Or… host your own Bavarian bash and serve up some stunning Oktoberfest foods and drinks (also listed below!)

What should you drink at Oktoberfest?

No surprises here, it’s all about German Beer. 

So many German producers will release Oktoberfest specials, but we like the hoppy, fruity profile of Hofmeister, made in the heart of Bavaria.

Erdinger is another that you can’t wrong with, in particular their Weissbier with its gentle spice and lively flavours.

For Alcohol-Free Oktoberfests, we have to shout out Lucky Saint, a classic, refreshing lager with a hoppy, citrus finish and they’re German too.

Not everyone likes beer of course, and why should you miss out on all the Oktoberfest fun? Well, sticking with the German theme, get stuck into their Pinot Noir. Did you know that they are the third largest producer of this varietal, labelling it Spätburgunder – it is so distinct. Also, that way, if anyone has a go at you for drinking Pinot at Oktoberfest, you can tell them it’s Spätburgunder and they’ll probably accept it. It’s a cool-climate red berry wine, with lots of crunch, acidity, tartness and we find it so refreshing and easy drinking – give it a go!

What should you eat at Oktoberfest?

Bratwurst is a must. Grilled onions, brioche buns, good German mustard, sauerkraut on the site – mouthwatering… and the best thing is, it all goes so well with hearty, refreshing German bier.

Other than that, Schnitzel is traditional, as our roasted almonds (often sugared as a kind of candy), all kinds of potato dishes, Currywurst and Pretzels.

Where should I go for Oktoberfest around the UK?

Oktoberfest UK, the largest tour in the country is coming to the following cities in the SOUTH OF ENGLAND, bringing authentic German bier, live oompah bands, bratwurst on the sizzle and some of Europe’s biggest Oktoberfest tents:

Chelmsford – Central Park – Friday 6th and Saturday 7th October
Crawley - Southgate Park - Friday 6th & Saturday 7th October
Guildford - Stoke Park - Friday 13th & Saturday 14th October
Milton Keynes - Campbell Park - Friday 13th & Saturday 14th October
Southend - Priory Park - Friday 20th & Saturday 21st October
Beverley - Beverley Racecourse - Friday 20th & Saturday 21st October
Colchester - Lower Castle Park - Friday 27th & Saturday 28th October
Plymouth - Central Park - Friday 27th & Saturday 28th October

For more information click here.

In BRIGHTON, there’s Oktoberfest Bottomless Brunch at Post Cook & Bier Haus every Saturday throughout the celebrations, with oompah, DJs, tables dancers and three litre sizes of Bavarian beer.

For more information click here.

LONDON obviously has a tonne of Oktoberfest events such as:

Craft Oktoberfest:
-        E&C Brewgarden (Friday 6th October and Saturday 7th October with 12+ craft beers in London’s biggest beer garden)
-        Kraft Dalston (Saturday 21st October with Korean-German fusion before Berlin techno until 2AM)
-        Mayfair Cyrpt (Saturday 14th October for the first time, a full meal and drink package for Oktoberfest).

For more information click here.

There are so many Oktoberfest events across London, like Oktoberfest At Pergola Paddington, Oktoberfest Brixton, Munich Cricket Club, Craft Beer Cruise, ALToberfest and Camden Oktoberfest, from budget options to lavish blowouts. Find one near you and Lederhosen up!

In MANCHESTER, the sprawling Freight Island will host an all-singing, all-dancing beer half on Friday 29th September and Saturday 30th September.

For more information click here.

In SHEFFIELD, Stein Haus offer a complete Bavarian offering with all the bands, dancers and live DJ sets you could wish for on Saturday 14th October.

For more information click here.

Honestly, as a nation we’ve fully embraced Oktoberfest and we can’t list every event here, so if you’re not in one of the hubs above then don’t worry, because there’s almost certainly somewhere transformed into a beer hall near you offering Oompah bands, bratwurst, schnitzel, and sloshing steins.

The Best Cider for Crisp Autumn Days

What better way to embrace the warm hues and cosy joys of autumn than with a crisp cider? For years, cider was underappreciated but now it’s back and a lot of that is down to the success and invention of flavoured ciders, many of which suit fall perfectly.

Original apple cider, whether hearty or light, still or fizzy, sweet or sharp, and everything in between, is also blossoming and we’ve picked out some ciders from both categories that, once you’ve had a sip by a roaring fire, will be the apple of your eye.

APPLE CIDERS

Thatchers Vintage

Thatchers recently revamped their Vintage and it’s all the better for it, with a new premium 8.3% appealing to seasoned cider drinkers. Entirely produced at Myrtle Farm, traditional bittersweet apples are pressed with lighter apples for a deep, full and rich flavour with crisp sparkle and medium-dry feel. Delicious to wash down a Sunday lunch, especially pork.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 8.3%
Find here: £2.35

Henry Westons Vintage Cider

We already shouted out this cider in our Best of British article, but it’s perfect for autumn so here we go again! Their vintage is one of, if not the bestselling cider in the UK, and for an 8.2% that’s impressive but when you taste it you know why. Medium dry, with a deep oaky flavour, it’s got an easy drinking mellow personality with a full-bodied mouthfeel. It’s unashamedly and unapologetically all about the apple too, with a slight tartness, gentle fizz and perfectly poised touch of sweetness.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 8.2%
Find here: £2.35

Armagh Cider Carsons Crisp

This Northern Irish cider was inspired by the crunch of footsteps walking on snow, so it set out to be crisp and fresh from the start. Made in County Armagh, Carsons Crisp represents great value with gentle, light cider that feels remarkably fresh but sleek also. The flavours are subtle enough to pair well with food too.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4.5%
Find here: £2.99

Burrow Hill Fermented Stoke Red

Burrow Hill has been an iconic site for cider production going back centuries and all this expertise has led to huge competition success, the epitome of which is this traditional method cider. Made from 100% Stoke Red apples in the depths of Somerset, its secondary fermentation is a year long giving time for woody spice to infuse with blood orange and dried apple. It’s bone dry, ripe, velvety and if you’ve never taken to cider before, then a premium beauty like this is a great way to give it a second chance.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16.50

FLAVOURED CIDERS

Kopparberg Spiced Apple

This is one that comes in and out of stock which is strange because although it is seasonal, it goes down so well. The original Kopparberg apple is mixed with the winter warmer that is cinnamon to create a delicate yet intense woody aroma. The balance here is spot on, with just the right levels of sweet and spice and it’s another cider that you need to try warm on a cold autumn night – simply heat in a pan until warm but do not boil.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2

Brothers Toffee Apple Cider

Of course, when it comes to autumn, we can’t look beyond a Toffee Apple cider. If you really don’t get on with sweet ciders, then this may not be for you but a bottle of this around Halloween or on a brisk evening is delicious. The distinct toffee apple flavour is recognisable straight away, and mixing with crisp apple and cream soda, it’s so nostalgic. Brothers have also got a very appetising Hot Toffee Apple Toddy recipe here!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2.45

Gospel Green Raspberry '17 Cider

This Hampshire cidermaker expertly make some delicious high-end vintages, such as their Brut, but for autumn their Raspberry 2017 vintage is the perfect match. The subtle sweetness of fresh raspberry decorates the robust apple foundation deliciously, transitioning from summer to autumn. Classy, unique, and refreshing.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.4%
Find here: £9.95

Napton Cidery Spiced Ginger Cider

Napton started as a simple hobby to avoid the village’s apples going to waste, but now their shelves are strained with awards and they’re making cider splash after cider splash. We could have easily recommended their dreamy blackcurrant blend, but then we heard about their Limited Edition Spiced Ginger. Infused with a mulled spice syrup, this still cider is brimming with cinnamon and ginger and even more so when served warm – though cold is delicious too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £10.70

If you want more cider recommendations, then check out our Best of British guide here!

The Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that can be endlessly reinvented, and one version we love is The Maple Syrup twist. It really brings the warm caramel flavours out of the Bourbon for a rich cocktail layered up with those delicately poised herbal and aromatic bitter notes. If you opt for the crispy bacon garnish, then the salty and smoky touch is an obvious winner with Bourbon and maple syrup and adds a wonderful intrigue to the flavour. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

Ingredients
60ml/2 oz whisk(e)y (preferably Bourbon)
7.5ml/0.25 oz maple syrup (or to taste)*
2 dashes angostura bitters
Garnish: 1 orange peel or if you’re feeling fancy a piece of crispy bacon

Method
1.      Take a tumbler and stir together your whisky, bitters, ice, and syrup* - make sure you get your hands on proper maple syrup and not maple flavoured syrup because you will definitely notice the difference!
2.      Strain over large ice cubes, ideally in a rocks glass.
3.      Finish with your garnish. Now, orange peel is the traditional choice and works but if you want to try something different, try a piece of crispy bacon!

You can find other autumnal easy-to-make cocktail recipes all across our website like our Spiced Rum Hot Toddy and Fig Martini! If you want other Old Fashioned variations, go here!

The Best Spiced Rums Under £40

Ahoy rum enthusiasts! Spiced rum is an area that contains a lot of variety. It doesn’t help that production rules are super strict in some countries, whilst totally relaxed in others, and all kinds of characteristics can be affected including ageing and sweetness. On the plus side, this means that there will be something for everyone so rather than just splashing out on a bottle with a hefty price tag hoping that it’s a guaranteed hit, check out the best spiced rums for under £40 below!

£20-30

Redleg Spiced Rum

For value, there aren’t many if any spiced rums better than Redleg. It’s pure Caribbean spirit in a bottle, infused with Jamaican vanilla and ginger. Rich custard and apple slices rolled in cinnamon invite on the nose before delicious sweetness hits after sipping, with gingerbread and creamy vanilla. The warmth of the pepper and ginger last the distance too. This is an adventure for both rum newbies and connoisseurs and goes well served simply in a Cuba Libre.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £21.99 (usually more!)

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

Crafted from top-notch Caribbean rum and a medley of spices, Depth Charge is a flavour explosion. Picture this: brown sugar, honey, caramel, and zesty citrus dancing together with cinnamon, clove, and peppercorn. It’s definitely smooth and layered enough to enjoy over ice with a lime wedge, but a splash of cola takes it in a new direction too. A Hurricane cocktail also comes to mind with this one.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.95

Black Magic Spiced Rum

Black Magic Spiced Rum, the mystical concoction of light and dark rums, unveils a flavour spectacle with vanilla, cherry, caramel, and a hint of black pepper – a proper carnival in a glass! The awards speak for themselves, picking up Gold at the World Rum Awards in 2022. This rum isn't shy either; it loves to mingle, especially with cola. But for a real "Lift Off," try it in a cocktail with amaro, honey, and a splash of Prosecco.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.74 / US $17.99

Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum

Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum, straight from St. Lucia, is a tropical taste sensation that punches well above its price point. Cinnamon, clove, vanilla and allspice get the party started, but it’s the balance and smoothness that’s staggering. It’s just so drinkable. A Spiced Rum Old Fashioned with this is a dream.

Size: UK 700m/ US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28 / $26.99

£30-40

Sly Dog Spiced Rum

We loved their Christmas Crackers last year, but you really just want a full bottle. Made with aged rums from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, it's the smooth operation of rums – suave, sophisticated, and with a hint of mystery (thanks to their secret spice recipe). There are some classical rum profile flavours, but also some unusual but very welcome notes. You'll taste pineapple chunks, brown sugar, a touch of clove, and salted caramel, but it’s how harmoniously put together everything is that won it a Gold at the World Rum Awards 2022.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Pull the Pin Spiced Rum

The explosive, eye catching bottle hints at the interesting origin story of Pull the Pin, because co-founder Tom left the army to pursue the perfect Spiced Rum, and he has to be happy with the results. Guyanese in origin, if you don’t like too much sweetness in your spiced rums then this is the one for you. It’s all about the spice – a treasure trove of aromatic baking spices with cinnamon at the fore, intertwining with silky butterscotch, brown sugar, and tobacco for a super comforting drinking experience. We’d like to see (and taste) it in an extra spicy Dark & Stormy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £34.49

Mermaid Spiced Rum

Crafted with a blend of aged sugar cane and molasses rum from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic, Mermaid is infused with a bevvy of exotic botanicals from the Isle of Wight to bring sweet honey, apricot, rock samphire and black salt to the smooth, caramel notes. This is an instantly distinct rum that may very well surprise drinkers who don’t normally go in for spiced rums, with vibrant fruity Christmas spice and floral sweetness. It’s fun to explore this one neat but topping up with ginger ale isn’t a bad idea either.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £37.99

Rumbullion Spiced Rum

A prestigious Master award winner at the 2021 Rum Masters, Rumbullion is a warming spiced rum evoking the full-bodied and rich seafaring rums of years ago. Madagascan vanilla is added to the highest quality of Caribbean rum as well as a sprinkle of orange zest, cassia, cloves, and cardamom. Expertly crafted, intense in flavour, balanced perfectly, and packaged with such charm and attention to detail – Rumbullion on a cold evening is the stuff of dreams.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.6%
Find here: £39.95

If you’ve found yourself here then the likelihood is that you’re really enjoying your rum, so to enhance that at home drinking experience, why not have your own dedicated rum bar? Check out 7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs!

Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength: Liquid Legacy

Closing the chapter on their Legacy Series are 2,500 beautiful bottles of Torabhaig’s Allt Gleann Batch Strength, each one showing how far this distillery has come since 2017. It's like the grand finale of a captivating novel, leaving us yearning for more.

When Torabhaig began distilling, it was the first new distillery on the iconic Isle of Skye for 190 years, and only the second to focus on Single Malt. After much renovation and experimentation, their signature well-tempered peat style has really taken shape producing robust drams with serious smoke and brine.

This release is, ‘our way of bidding a fond farewell to Allt Gleann’ says Whiskymaker Neil Macleod Mathieson and it’s, ‘the last time we’ll get to see this specific style of Torabhaig, so we set aside a few hundred casks of this expression distilled during the experimental phases of 2017 and 2018 to release at its natural strength’.

That natural strength is a lip-smacking 61.1% with unforgettable punch behind it. Torabhaig's Allt Gleann Batch Strength draws inspiration from the dramatic landscape of crashing waves and salt and seaweed scented air, truly capturing the essence of the Isle.

It’s a confident whisky, with the rugged intensity of the peat smoke and brine blending with the refinement of the floral fragrance. The vanilla-led oaky spice is a comfort from nose to finish, with touches of green apple and subtle grain throughout.

It’s full of the Torabhaig character and complexity that we’ve come to expect, and with the confidence of a distillery that’s been around for far longer than they have too, which has to make us wonder, what’s next for Torabhaig?

You can try and pick up your bottle of Allt Gleann Batch Strength today whilst stocks last from the Torabhaig site where it’s priced at £75.

The Best Gins For A Negroni

The iconic Negroni is still surfing a resplendent resurgence, and the secret to them lies completely and utterly with the gin. Campari is Campari, and you won’t tend to find much choice when it comes to vermouth, so it’s the gin that can take your Negroni in the direction of your choosing.

The trick is to find one that amplifies the aspect of the cocktail you’re craving. Spicy, Fruity, Zesty, Floral or Earthy? We’ve taken all the guesswork out and identified the gins that will steal the show in these lead roles. But first, how do you make one?

THE ORIGINAL RECIPE

Ingredients
30ml gin (pick from below!)
30ml sweet vermouth
30ml Campari
Orange slice (optional garnish)

Method
Super simple. Pour the gin, vermouth and Campari into a mixing glass or shaker filled with ice and stir to mix. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish.

FOR A SPICY NEGRONI

Ophir Gin Aromatic Bitters European Edition

The Ophir range is a fabulous nod to the ancient spice route of the same name, and the European Edition is a treasure trove of flavours perfect for bringing some spice to your Negroni. Bitter cascarilla bark with burnt orange and smoked wood, this is a savoury-led spiced London Dry that will subtly steal the show. Definitely go for the classic orange wedge garnish here too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £24.99

Scapegrace Gold Gin

If you want a punchier gin with spice, then look to Scapegrace Gold – a Navy Strength number bursting with zesty orange peel and behind that, a core of spice with nutmeg, clove, and coriander. At 57%, everything hits with the citrus and the warmth of the spice, but the balance and smoothness is just what you want for a Negroni. Add the orange wedge and it’s a winner.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57%
Find here: £54.99

FOR A FRUITY NEGRONI

Brockmans Gin

Less of a juniper forward gin, Brockman’s is all about fruit and florality. Ten botanicals including blueberries, blackberries, coriander, and lemon peel combine perfectly, complimenting the power and herbal notes of the vermouth and Campari. The secret to your fruity Negroni lies behind the Gothic charm of Brockman’s – not traditional, but tasty all the same. Swap out the orange wedge for a blackberry garnish too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27 (usually more!)

Edinburgh Gin Raspberry

Edinburgh Gin Raspberry, distilled in the heart of Scotland's capital since 2010, is a fruity delight that surprises gin purists. Fresh Scottish raspberries and raspberry leaves bring a refreshing burst of fruity goodness with just the right level of tartness, never sickly-sweet. There is enough powerful gin essence to stand out in the Negroni still, but those elegant berries just add enough layer to a fruity Negroni that works a dream. Commit to the raspberry with the garnish too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.24

FOR A ZESTY NEGRONI

Malfy Con Arancia Gin

A modern gin icon, this vibrant blood orange gin glows on the shelf and meets those high expectations with bold flavour. Forget concentrated artificiality; it's all about fresh, juicy Sicilian blood oranges that paint your glass a seductive ruby red. These oranges are backed up by juniper, grapefruit peel, Amalfi lemon peel, coriander, cassia bar, orris root, and angelica root, all harmoniously balanced to bring fresh zest and intense, sunny flavour to your Negroni. A blood orange wedge for garnish would be the obvious ideal scenario.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £29.95

Jinzu Gin

Jinzu Gin, a British creation with a delightful Japanese twist, dances on your palate with delicate cherry blossom and zesty yuzu citrus notes, all wrapped up in the smooth embrace of Japanese sake. Jinzu Gin,a Show Your Spirit competition winner, is an adventurous blend with a fleshy, citrusy burst that harmonizes with the subtle juniper and a hint of floral cherry blossom. Perfect for a Zesty Negroni, it's a gin-sake hybrid that's refreshingly distinctive yet delightfully approachable. Give it a go and surprise yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £35.99

FOR A FLORAL NEGRONI

Eden Mill Love Gin

Distilled up in the charming St Andrews, Scotland, this gin is like a romantic bouquet in a bottle, plush with lightly floral notes, creamy vanilla sweetness, bursting berries, and a citrusy whisper. The way it unfolds with rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries, and a touch of rose water, it really adds such a soft lightness that’s so dreamy for a Floral Negroni. Rose petal garnish is a must.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.95

Bombay Sapphire

Perfect for a Floral Negroni, the iconic blue bottle of Bombay Sapphire is a star in the gin universe. Infused with care using perforated copper baskets during distillation, it's blend of ten botanicals, like licorice, cassia bark, and juniper berries, is both smooth and complex. It makes a classic Negroni with a subtle nod towards the floral whilst retaining that signature bitterness the cocktail needs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.99

FOR AN EARTHY NEGRONI

Forest Gin

This labour of love is a small-batch wonder, blending classic gin botanicals with foraged treasures from Macclesfield Forest - bilberries, gorse flowers, raspberries, and more. The charming porcelain bottle features a playful weasel, and the liquid inside is as refined as it gets, emphasising purity, cleanliness, and natural vibes. It’s perfect for a silky smooth, gently herbaceous Earthy Negroni.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £54.24

Plymouth Navy Strength Gin

Plymouth Gin, the Royal Navy's stalwart for two centuries, will surely anchor your Negroni. With classic botanicals like juniper, orange, lemon peel, angelica, orris root, and cardamom, it's juniper-led with zesty citrus notes. If you’re craving an extra bitter Negroni, Plymouth Navy Strength delivers. It also lets the Campari and vermouth shine, providing a robust backbone that delivers a more mellow overall profile.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57%
Find here: £27.24

There are all sorts of mixology tips and tricks you can pull out to elevate your cocktail, but ultimately the central spirit will be what makes or breaks it. Check out our guide on the Best Whiskies for an Old Fashioned here!

There’s more substantial variations and twists on the Negroni with these alternative recipes here.