The Best Gins for a G&T 2023

Gin and Tonics can take some getting used to, but if you’re served a good one then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. With just gin and tonic, it’s so important that the driving force, the gin, is perfect.

The following bottles deliver an array of botanicals that pair perfectly with various tonics, plenty of complexity to keep things interesting, and enough bold flavour to be the star of the show.

Cross Keys Gin

Cross Keys Gin, the key to a perfect G&T! Straight from the heart of Latvia, this small-batch wonder is like a botanical bouquet with a Baltic twist. With botanicals like chamomile, linden blossoms, rosemary, and juniper, it's like a walk through a blooming garden. Pair this award winner with a twist of lemon, a sprig of rosemary and a splash of Mediterranean Tonic and away you go.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £25.89

Canaïma Gin

Invented to support the Amazon rainforest and the natives that still occupy parts of it, this gin gets closer to its cause than any we’ve seen. Not only does it use an intricate blend of rare botanicals like uve de palma and copuazu merey fruit, but they’re even hand-picked by these Venezuelan native tribes. The result makes for an earthy, more savoury led G&T with plenty of herbaceous notes and a fruity tang. A great story, and a fantastic gin at the end of it all.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: UK £31

Orkney Rhubarb Old Tom Gin

There’s been a flurry of rhubarb-infused gins and this is one of the best. Locally grown rhubarb adds a twist and tang to Orkney’s classic Old Tom, creating a harmonious balance of tartness and smooth sweetness. Other botanicals include citrus, rose petal, cinnamon and citrus which round off a really classy gin that makes for G&T with notable zest, florality and warmth.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £32.90

BVI Gin

Here's a gin with a heart as big as its flavour. BVI Gin, born from the aftermath of Hurricane Irma which devastated the British Virgin Islands in 2017. It’s full of flavour this one, with a beautiful richness and intensity from punchy juniper, hibiscus flower, angelica root and most noticeably, vivid grapefruit that works a treat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.95

Lind & Lime Gin

Inside this stunning bottle is a zesty gin packed with pink peppercorn and lime. In fact, it’s so limey that it’s named in honour of Dr. James Lind, who pioneered the battle against scurvy with limes. It’s one of the most refreshing gins out there, and a little tonic and of course, a lime slice makes for a stonking G&T.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.40

Blackeye Gin

Blackeye, created by rugby legends Mike Tindall, James Haskell, and Alex Payne, this gin is like a scrum of botanicals from rugby-playing nations worldwide. It's got a citrusy kick, a floral twist, and even a secret ingredient. This all comes together for a silky, citrusy G&T with a hearty crunch of juniper at its core.  Don't forget the orange garnish – it's a game-changer.

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

Blue Bottle Dry Gin

A true sip of Guernsey's charm, Blue Bottle is crafted with juniper, nutmeg, and even local gorse flowers, it's like a botanical bouquet from the Channel Islands. It’s eyebrow raising in its smoothness, with a delicious fresh and lively profile that prevails even with the higher alcohol percentage. Vanilla and cubeb back up a juniper-forward gin that goes well with Mediterranean or Indian tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £38.95

Seven Hills Tokaj Gin

You’re looking at a serial award winner with Seven Hills, scooping gongs at all the top international competitions. Hungary’s rich winemaking history meets the depth of 21 handpicked botanicals including local Hungarian Linden leaf grapes. Juniper, pine and pink grapefruit keep things fresh in a totally unique and delicious gin that makes for a floral and woody G&T. A must try for gin connoisseurs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £38.95

If you want to try something a little more elaborate than a G&T, then try making the best versions of The Most Popular Gin Cocktails with these delicious bottles above.

The Perfect Autumn Sangria Recipe

Who says sangria is just for summer? With a perfect Fall switch up, you can embrace a cosy Autumn without completely waving goodbye to summer. The natural sweetness of ripe fruit, the warmth of cinnamon, the heart of apple cider and the crisp elegance of your favourite white wine – it’s refreshing, comforting and full to the brim with flavour.

Ingredients (for 1 jug/pitcher)

150ml apple juice
2tsp of cinnamon
1 tbsp of sugar
1 bottle of white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
30ml lemon juice
2 sliced apples
1 sliced pear
1 sliced orange
1 bottle of apple cider
Optional garnishes: cranberries, lemon wedges, pomegranate seeds, rosemary sprigs

Method
1.      Slice your fruits the night before (or just a few hours) and let them rest with cinnamon and sugar.
2.      Now the fun bit, start adding everything into your pitcher. Pour in the juices, cider, wine and gently tip in your cinnamon sugared fruits.
3.      The most important thing here is to let everything combine in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally longer. Remember to cover the pitcher too.
4.      Fill up individual glasses with ice before pouring out your Autumn Sangria. Almost anything goes with sangria, so garnish with cranberries, or leftover lemon, pomegranate seeds, sprigs of rosemary – any fruits and berries you’ve got!

For more autumnal cocktail recipe, how about our Spiced Rum Hot Toddy and Fig Martini.

6 Mezcal Cocktails Perfect for Autumn

Mezcal is hitting the mainstream and it makes the perfect cosy cocktail for Fall, so if you want to try a new serve this Autumn, try mezcal.

If you’re not sure what mezcal is, then check out our article, ‘Tequila vs Mezcal: What’s The Difference?’ In short, it covers all agave-based spirits, whereas tequila is only Blue Weber. It tends to be smokier and more savoury than tequila, which is usually smooth and a little sweet, but just like its more famous partner, it’s malleable during production and the bottled liquid varies hugely.

Trying it in a cocktail is always the best introduction, so let’s indulge in these delightful concoctions that explore mezcal and embrace the season.

Mezcal Martinez

Mezcal replaces gin here for a delicious twist on a classic. It’s a rich combination of cherry and vanilla with herbal undertones and wafts of smoke., balancing sweetness and bitterness perfectly.

Ingredients
50ml mezcal
30ml sweet vermouth
15ml Maraschino liqueur
3 dashes of Angostura
Absinthe rinse
Garnish: orange zest

 Method
Stir everything with ice and strain into a chilled glass that’s been rinsed with absinthe, finishing with fresh zest or an orange slice.

Mezcal Cider

This harmonious balance will warm your soul. Inspired by the Margarita, it brings sweet and sour flavours together with the sugary fruits of apple cider and brandy, the sour zip of lemon, the earthy, charred Mezcal and warming aromatics of cinnamon. Delish.

Ingredients
50ml mezcal
20ml apple brandy
70ml apple cider (sweet)
20ml lemon juice
1 dash of Angostura
Garnish: cinnamon, sugar, and apple slice

Method
Use the lemon to wet the rim of the glass and roll it in a cinnamon sugar mix. Next, shake everything else with ice and strain over fresh ice before finishing with an apple slice.

Mezgroni

The Negroni might be the best cocktail in the world for adaptations, and replacing gin with an agave spirit adds amazing flavour. The smoky sweetness locks horns with the herbal bitterness of the Campari, bringing that vermouth and citrus through more noticeably. Simple to make, but complex on the nose and palate.

Ingredients
30ml mezcal
30ml sweet vermouth
30ml Campari
Garnish: orange wheel

Method
Add ingredients to a mixing glass full of ice and stir until thoroughly chilled, before straining into a rocks glass with large ice cubes. Don’t leave out the orange wheel here, it makes all the difference.

Mezcal Mule

Mezcal pairs with the spice of ginger beer deliciously – smoke and spice are paired all the time in food, so why not in mixology?

Ingredients
50ml mezcal
30ml lime juice
120ml ginger beer
Garnish: lime wheels and/or fresh mint

Method
If you’ve got a gorgeous Mule mug then fill it with ice, mezcal and lime juice. Stir until it feels chilled, top up to the top with ginger beer and finish your creation with a lime wheel or sprig of fresh mint. Voila!

Oaxacan Chocolate Hug

Oaxaca is one of the Mexican states most associated with mezcal... but also chocolate, and they just so happen to be a dreamy marriage. On particularly cold Autumn days, the hot chocs start to appear, and the peppery earthy character of mezcal balances against the rich sweetness divinely. Coffee brings some complimentary bitterness for balance, and a gentle dash of citrus rounds it off.

 Ingredients
30ml mezcal
30ml coffee liqueur
120ml hot chocolate (dark works well)
A tablespoon of heavy cream
3 dashes of Angostura

Method
You can make hot choc however you usually do, but we like dark chocolate chips added to hot milk, so make this and set it aside. Pour mezcal, liqueur and bitters into a glass or even better, mug. Next, add your hot choc and finally, pour some heavy cream over the back of a spoon slowly and gently, creating an appetising marbling effect.

Mezcal Jackson

Adapted from a Sean Lisik recipe, the Mezcal Jackson has incredible depth of flavour. You might not expect them to fit that well together, but boy do they – smoky almonds, delicate coconut, and luxurious sweetness. Totally unique.

 Ingredients
30ml mezcal
30ml amaretto (preferably Disaronno)
30ml coconut rum
3 drops bitters (Bob’s Abbotts)

Method
Simply stir everything with ice and strain over a large chunk of ice and it’s a thing of beauty.

Well, now you just need the most important thing. You can flick through some of our go-to mezcal bottles here!

8 Seriously Smooth Vodkas You Need To Try

There’s nothing quite as disappointing as pouring a vodka, taking a sip, and finding out that there’s nothing but an unpleasant burn. Despite being one of the most popular drinks on the planet, standards vary hugely. If you want an easy-drinking vodka that doesn’t contort your face, then check out these smooth operators at various price levels for whatever your budget is.

£15-£30

Puschkin Vodka

This German gem is simply fantastic for the price, offering a flavour profile as classic as a Pushkin novel. Crafted with pure spring water and an ice filtration process, it's so smooth, even the bear on the bottle seems to be giving it a friendly wave rather than a ferocious roar. Puschkin is a  completely steadfast vodka that won’t let you down for any cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £15.99 (usually more!)

Rekyka Vodka

We love Reyka at The Three Drinkers. It’s an Icelandic vodka crafted from wheat and barley with green production thanks to glacial water and geothermal heat, and the end result is to die for – as clean as a whistle, and as smooth as a polar bear’s slide. The whole mouthfeel is so gloriously rounded, with a slight creamy, vanilla note playing off peppery spice, but mostly is the icy cleanliness that stands out. Top notch.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.80 (usually more!)

Vusa Vodka

Say hello to Vusa Vodka, South Africa's premium sip with a touch of sweet swagger! Crafted in small batches with sugar cane straight from KwaZulu-Natal, it's smooth, clean, and wallet-friendly, providing a superior drinking experience to many brands twice the price. It’s ideal for sipping neat but mix up some magic with an Espresso Martini and make the most of that gentle sweetness. Oh, and what a glorious bottle, celebrating South Africa and standing out amongst the other vodka bottles – love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.98

Haku Japanese Craft Vodka

From The House of Suntory comes a must-try Japanese rice vodka (Haku means white in Japanese). Suitably though, the word can also be read as brilliant. Crafted from Japanese white rice, twice distilled and filtered through bamboo charcoal, what’s bottles is complex and aromatic, encompassing a subtle botanical character you’d usually find in a gin. Think of cardamom, bitter lemon and peppermint, all gently flavouring the crisp and clean feel.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95

£30+

Dingle Vodka

In County Kerry, lies a master of all trades with the Dingle Distillery, producing Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka... the latter of which came first. Crafted with a quintuple distillation technique it's pure, smooth, with a touch of creamy sweetness to raise an eyebrow or two.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £31.74

Fire & Ice Gold Premium Vodka

Fresh from the alpine water of the Swiss Alps comes Fire & Ice, filtered with real gold and edible gold leaves for the luxury touch. The softness on the palate is what hits home here, with crisp minerality cutting through for a refreshing feel. Lovely as a gift or sipping over a splash of tonic and slice of lime – depending on how generous you’re feeling.

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

Nykur Vodka

Nykur is an organic vodka from the Faroe Islands, but one that won the top Master award at the 2023 Vodka Masters. Crafted with water drawn from Kirvi mountain, filtered through 12 layers of basalt rock, it glides down the throat with unparalleled smoothness. Not only that, but the slightly higher alcohol is perfectly integrated, buffing out the texture for a premium, mature, and elegant liquid perfect for a classy Martini.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.60

X Muse

If you’re lucky enough to sip on X Muse, you’ll know why we rave about it. Crafted from old heritage barley varieties up in Scotland, the result is not only the gloriously sleek profile you want from vodka, but also a surprising but amazing flavour. Enjoy the in-your-face florality with the sweet, toasted barley backbone riding on a wave of intoxicating viscosity, with delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg. Try it with an olive because the salinity makes for an unforgettable mix. Worth every penny.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £55 (usually more!)

Well, how about some Martini recipes for these silky vodkas? Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!

Pumpkin Ales To Enjoy This Autumn

It was a few years ago when ‘pumpkin spiced’ took over Autumn, and although it was a little later to the party, you can now find pumpkin popping up in a load of craft beers with delicious results.

Pumpkins ale, or beer, is brewed flavoured with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and often brewed with real pumpkin meat. This isn’t just a few days over Halloween either, but from September right through to the New Year, Pumpkin Ales soar in popularity.

Some traditionalists see it as a tacky gimmick, but in fact fruit ‘n’ veg have been used in beer making for centuries, as a relatively cheap way to add sugar or natural flavour. Now, don’t get us wrong, some of them are pretty naff, but, don’t dismiss them just yet because there whilst many end up cloyingly sweet with baking spice, others get it spot on…

Abbeydale Brewery - Pilgrim

An independent brewery since founding in 1996, Abbedyale have introduced pumpkin to their pale and hoppy house style with Pilgrim, part of their small batch Brewers’ Emporium range. It’s a fragrant and  full-bodied golden ale with an elegant bitterness to the finish that emits so much cosiness with those autumnal spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice.

Size: 440ml
ABV: 5%
Price: £18.50 for 6

Elusive Brewery – Carve’n Yams Pumpkin Coffee Porter

A deliciously dark seasonal Porter next, with pumpkin meat and pumpkin spice added to Elusive’s sweet Coffee Porter, creating a swirl of bright single origin Hasbean coffee layered up with aromatic baking spice. Everything is balanced subtly, and the touch of creaminess combined with the flavours mirrors a Pumpkin Spiced Latté somewhat.

Size: 440m
ABV: 5.2%
Price: £25.90 for 6

Wychwood Brewery – Hobgoblin - Pumpking

This has been at supermarkets like Aldi and Morrisons in the past so keep your eyes peeled. It’s unusually light for pumpkin beer and doesn’t overload with the pumpkin spice if you’ve been put off by either of those things in Autumns gone by, then give it another go. It’s ruby coloured, earthy, apricot-y, and only presents a delicate biscuity, vanilla sweetness, rather than the intense fruity sweetness of stronger ales.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 3.8%
Price: £1.99

Barrier - The Carver Pumpkin Beer

This New York beer costs a little more because of the import, but it’s gone down very well. Tastefully brimming with all spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and of course, full-bodied pumpkin, the balance of sweetness, malt and hops is perfect, an the foamy mouthfeel plays into the pumpkin pie vibes.

Size: 473ml
ABV: 6%
Price: £7.40

Some might say that just trying a pumpkin ale is experimentation enough, but why not go the whole hog and see how they do in cocktails? The spicy sweetness could work very well in many of the recipes in our Beer Cocktails guide.

The Only Drop: A One-of-a-Kind Whisky Sculpture

A whisky ‘one of one’ always gets our attention, and when it’s part of a sculpture, well, it’s definitely worth a look. Combining the rich flavours of Scotch whisky with the artistry of sustainable design, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is about to unveil their masterpiece, "The Only Drop," at the Distillers One of One auction at Sotheby's on October 5, 2023, a full event dedicated to whiskies that will never be repeated.

Teaming up with a team of artists and craftspeople led by STCKMN, James Cropper and Matter Agency, The Only Drop stars the 33-year-old dram as part of a meticulously designed paper pulp sculpture, embedded with shavings from the original casks, reuniting the whisky with the cask it was once within. The lovingly crafted ripple formation is not only beautiful but relates to the unrepeatable pattern of water in nature, with the droplet hinting at the precious whisky within. It's a marriage of craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistry that brings the whisky full circle, reuniting it with its origins.

It's not just the presentation that makes this a special offering either. Born in 1989 at the mysterious Distillery No. 24,, it matured for 30 years in an Oloroso sherry butt, but in 2019, the experts decided to split it into two hogsheads – one Oloroso and one Pedro Ximénez. Three years later, they were reunited to create a one-of-a-kind bottle that will never be replicated.

This decadent and elegant dram combines the dry, nutty flavours of the Oloroso with the dark, treacly notes of the Pedro Ximénez for a Scotch rich in complexity and flavour. ‘But how will the lucky owner taste it?’ you might be thinking. Well, to leave the 700ml bottle as part of the art, a 100ml miniature will be included for sampling, sharing the same charming design with wax neck, foil embellishments and hand-bound stitched copper-foiled paper book documenting the entire journey. What a treasure trove.

And here’s the best part, the proceeds from this great project will support The Youth Action Fund, transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and skills for a brighter future.

The Only Drop also ties into the 40th anniversary of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society so we can expect more exciting ventures on the way, but for now, if you’re lucky enough to be considering a bid at the auction, then make a note of October 5th in Edinburgh to get your hands on a collector’s dream dram.

The Dead Rabbit, NY : The World’s Most Awarded Pub

If you walked past 30 Walter Street, New York throughout the 1830s, you’d have seen and smelt a dilapidated five-story townhouse, and you’d probably be witnessing the closing down of yet another failed business there.

People that weren’t prepared to give up on it however were The Dead Rabbit gang, who saw the potential of this Manhattan haunt and fought to own their poverty-stricken slum. Remembering the fighting spirit of their leader, boxer, businessman, politician and criminal John Morrissey, The Dead Rabbit opened in 2013 and has overcome a hurricane and a fire to expand and become known as ‘The World’s Most Awarded Pub’.

On the back of making The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant in Belfast the World’s Best Cocktail Bar in 2010, Sean Muldoon teamed up with Bar Manager Jack McGarry and regular customer Conor Allen to take on the most competitive drinking hub on the planet – New York.

Taking inspiration from the world-renowned craic and comfort of the Irish Pub, they set out to make an Irish Bar in New York... the world capital of Irish Bars. With the Dead Rabbits gang concept planned, focusing on authenticity, 19th century drinks and a hybrid of American innovation and Irish tradition, The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog finally opened in 2013, winning the Best New Cocktail Bar award. Two years later, it won the coveted World’s Best Cocktail Bar. In 2022, the new went separate ways, but The Dead Rabbit is as alluring as ever… but why?

Well, it boasts a trio of immersive experiences: The Taproom, The Parlor, and the Occasional Room. It's like having a pub for every mood swing, and that's a concept that's hard to beat.

In the Taproom, it's all about the craic. This is the place to revel in traditional Irish pub fare, top-notch cocktails, bottled punches, and, of course, the famous Irish Coffee. Every Sunday, a lively Irish seisiún awaits, making it the perfect end to the week. And whiskey lovers, brace yourselves for a back bar that's a treasure trove of choices.

Now, let's step into The Parlor, the cocktail cathedral of Downtown Manhattan that was once it’s best-kept secret. Here, 16 carefully curated cocktails reign supreme, crafted with house-made ingredients and innovative techniques. Martini, Gimlet, Whiskey Sour, Tiki, Old Fashioned… The Dead Rabbit stamp their signature all over them.

Last but not least, we ascend to The Occasional Room, where tavern traditions take hold as everything combines for a private hire space, accommodating up to 60 guests. Tailored food and drink packages await, making it ideal for swanky New York gatherings.

The Dead Rabbit stands as a testament to the spirit of Irish heritage, with a dash of New York flair, managing to stand out amongst the world’s greatest bars because it caters to whatever you want, from the best pint of Guinness in the city to the smoothest Julep cocktail, from a Sunday roast and Irish Breakfast to Guinness Braised Rib Sliders and Irish Points Oysters, it has everything. ‘Tradition, meet tomorrow’ is the perfect tagline.

30 Water Street, New York, NY, 10004
www.thedeadrabbit.com

Double Chicken Please: From Pop-Up to Best Bar

There’s nothing unusual about elegant cocktails and delicious food coming together, but there is with Double Chicken Please because of the lengths they’ve taken it to. First though, let’s turn back time to 2017 when this award-winning bar was a travelling pop-up…

More precisely, a bright yellow 1977 Volkswagen minibus, undertaking two tours of the states, notching up 10,000 miles and serving 1,200 cocktails. In the van? Faye Chen and GN Chen. They met in Taiwan working the hospitality scene, before making their own ways (Chan at NYC bar Angel’s Share, and Chen at Speak Low in Shanghai). Reconnecting when Chen arrived on American soil, they began to look for a place of their own… but with real estate at a premium in New York, they struggled.

So… they set off on a road trip, showing off their signature style – famous dishes reimagined in liquid form. Creations like Red Eyed Gravy, Beet Salad, and French Toast remain on the menu today at their Lower East Side bar. After a difficult mid-pandemic teething stage, Double Chicken Please opened with two distinct spaces; The Back Room and The Front Room.

The Front Room, a casual, industrial space offers quick-serve numbered cocktails, each listed on felt letter boards on a gallery wall: some familiar, like #1 with Aperol, passion fruit, sparkling wine, and soda, and some with more peculiar inclusions such as #9, with White Rum, Pineapple, Coconut and Curry. Signature chicken sandwiches created by highly skilled and experienced Mark Chou are also available, such as Mochi Donut with pickled pineapple, habanero, cilantro and strawberry. The menu continues like this, a whirlwind of the familiar and the unusual combined, embracing Asian flavours, cultural diversity, and experimentation.

Head to the Back Room, or The Coop, for a larger, more luxurious experience that retains the comforting warmth of every corner of Double Chicken Please. Here, drinkers can indulge in the bar’s heart and soul, with innovations like Mango Sticky Rice (rum, coconut, mango, cold-brew, coconut, sticky rice pu’er tea and wakame), Cold Pizza (tequila, Parmigiano Reggiano, burnt toast, tomato, basil, honey and egg white), and NY Beet Salad (gin, beet, pineapple, cranberry, mascarpone, yoghurt). Everywhere you look, Chan & Chen have reimagined culinary dishes with delicious cocktail outcomes.

In a city known for its bars, perhaps more than any other on Earth, Double Chicken Please has managed to stand out, earning a 6th place spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, earning the Highest New Entry Award for 2022. Despite the industrial décor, peculiar and often savoury flavour combos, food merged with drinks and two separate rooms, there is a universal warmth, and joy running through every part of Double Chicken Please. ‘The bar is designed to make people happy’ says Chan, and they’ve certainly done that.

115 Allen St, New York, NY 1000
www.doublechickenplease.com