The 27 Best Gin Brands for G&Ts, Martinis & Cocktails, According to Master Distillers

Christina Heiser
·17 min read

These spirits are delicious in gin and tonics, gimlets and more.

Gin has officially made a comeback as the top spirit choice for many cocktail connoisseurs. In fact, according to recent market research, gin sales in the United States are expected to grow by close to 4% every year from 2023 to 2027.

It was really only a matter of time before gin would experience such a renaissance. After all, it’s a versatile spirit with a striking botanical flavor that can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails, including gin and tonics, martinis and gimlets.

Want to stock your bar cart with gin but not sure where to start? Below, we explain everything you need to know about gin and share our picks for the best gin brands at every price point to fit your budget.

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Related: How to Make Gin Cocktails

What Is Gin Made From?

Ever wondered how gin gets its unique flavor? “Gin is made from grains and at its essence is flavored with botanicals,” explains Phil Lecours, master distiller for Victoria Distillers, which produces Empress 1908 Gin. “The distinct flavor of pine and the main botanical in gin comes from the juniper berries.”

David Muhs, head bartender at Sama Street in Brooklyn, New York, adds that juniper must be the predominant flavor in gin for a spirit to be considered a gin (although it can contain other botanicals as well). “From there, the options are only limited by imagination,” he says.

How Is Gin Made?

“Gin is made from distilling a mash or re-distilling a neutral grain spirit,” explains Muhs. “It gets [its] distinct flavor from the botanicals it is distilled with.”

Ciarán "Rowdy" Rooney, head distiller for Glendalough Distillery, says that in the case of distilled gin, which is the best standard of gin, the flavors are achieved by re-distilling the base alcohol along with the botanicals that have been infused with the alcohol prior to re-distilling.

Why Is Gin the Healthiest Alcohol?

Gin is sometimes referred to as one of the healthiest types of alcohol due to its low sugar content, says Muhs. It also tends to be very low in calories. A one-ounce serving of gin has approximately 65 calories and zero grams of sugar. However, keep in mind that this can change depending on what you mix it with, adds Muhs.

Related: 18 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks of 2023

What Are the Different Types of Gin?

Not all gin is the same. There are quite a few different types of gin you’ll find, each with a slightly different flavor profile. The most popular options include:

London Dry

Also known as “dry gin,” London Dry is the most traditional and popular type of gin. As the name implies, this gin originated in England (although it can be produced anywhere), and it typically is produced at a high proof. Muhs says London Dry gin is the most versatile type of gin and can be used in a larger variety of cocktails than other gins to achieve different results. The most dominant flavor in London Dry gin is juniper, although some varieties also contain citrus peel for brightness.

Plymouth

Plymouth gin is another classic type of gin, says Muhs. It’s actually drier than London Dry gin and is also more citrus-forward with less of the juniper taste. It usually has a lower proof as well. Plymouth gin originated in the south of England and can only be produced by the Plymouth Gin Distillery in England. Plymouth gin is a good fit for most gin cocktail recipes, says Muhs.

Navy Strength

Navy Strength gin is a higher proof gin (typically 57% ABV!) and is ideal for traditional gin lovers, says Laura Unterberg, head bartender at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a very potent gin that stands up to being diluted in highball cocktails like the gin and tonic.

Old Tom

Old Tom gin is an older style of gin. Sometimes, it’s aged in barrels, and it usually has a sweeter taste than other traditional gins. It used to be the gin of choice in the 18th century before London Dry came onto the scene. Old Tom gin works well in a Tom Collins cocktail.

Genever

Genever originated in the 16th century in Holland and is the original style of gin. It has quite a rich flavor thanks to the fact that the base grains are malted. It contains less juniper and other botanicals than other styles of gin and instead is maltier. Because of its robust flavor, it’s best used in richer cocktails, like a gin Old Fashioned.

New World

New World, or international-style, gin is generally categorized by less traditional botanicals and lower juniper content, says Unterberg. These modern gins are produced across the globe, from the United States to Japan to Spain to India and feature ingredients local to the area. Pair them with one of the many unique types of tonic water available now for a twist on the gin and tonic, suggests Unterberg.

What Cocktails Can You Make With Gin?

One of the best things about gin is there are so many cocktails you can make with it! Muhs points to the following classic gin cocktails as great options:

  • Gin and tonic: a cocktail made with gin and tonic water over ice

  • Gimlet: a cocktail made with gin and sweetened lime juice

  • Negroni: a cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth and Campari

  • Tom Collins: a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda

“In 2023, even more people are falling in love with gin through stirred classics like Negronis and martinis and refreshing staples like Last Words and gin and tonics,” adds Unterberg.

What’s the Best Gin for a Gin and Tonic?

The best gin for a gin and tonic depends on your flavor preferences. “Personally, I love a classic London Dry style for most things including a G&T,” says Muhs. Lecours, meanwhile, prefers Pacific Northwest style gin for gin and tonics. “While London Dry Gins contain a big juniper burst, Pacific Northwest style gin is more subtle and balanced,” he says.

Related: 16 Best Non-Alcoholic Gins of 2023

How Do You Make a Gin and Tonic?

Here’s Muhs' go-to recipe for a gin and tonic: In a cold highball glass, add two ounces of very cold London Dry Gin, fill the glass with good-quality ice cubes or an ice spear if you have and top with cold tonic water and a lemon twist. Pro tip: He suggests keeping your gin in the freezer for extra cold martinis and highball cocktails.

For a twist on the classic gin and tonic, Rooney offers this option: “My go-to recipe for a gin and tonic is Glendalough Rose or Wild Gin, Fever Tree pink grapefruit tonic with fresh berries or a slice of lime/pink grapefruit and a freshly slapped mint sprig to garnish,” he says.

What Are Top-Shelf Gins?

“Top-shelf gins have to have quality, natural ingredients that are slowly distilled in small batches,” says Rooney. “This is where the flavor will stem from and it is the most important part of the liquid.” Rooney adds that price isn’t necessarily equal to top-shelf quality. “A luxury, well-made gin is one that is cared for and produced with meticulous attention,” he says.

What’s the Most High-End Gin?

One of the highest-end, most expensive gins is Cambridge Distillery Watenshi Gin from the U.K. It currently sells for $2,500 a bottle! The brand says their “couture” gin goes through a unique distillation process that reveals intense flavor compounds you can’t find in any other gins.

Related: 18 Best Vodka Brands

What Features Should You Look For in a Gin?

Once you’re ready to shop, there are a few features to keep in mind. “When searching for the right gin, I recommend selecting a product with all-natural ingredients, no added sweeteners and no artificial coloring,” suggests Lecours.

Rooney adds that it’s important to read the tasting notes to ensure quality ingredients and freshness. “Look for small batch distilled gin and ideally one that is distilled slowly and includes some botanicals that you like or would like to taste,” he says.

Best Gin Brands to Shop Right Now

1. Beefeater Gin, $33+

“Give me Beefeater any day,” says Muhs. “It's a classic and always holds up.” Beefeater Gin is one of the top five-selling gin brands in the world, and for good reason. It has a bold juniper flavor that’s balanced by strong citrus notes. Muhs says this gin will easily fit in most cocktails, so you can use it to make gin and tonics or any other gin-based beverage you crave. Beefeater Gin, $33+

2. Tanqueray, $30+

Another classic Muhs recommends is Tanqueray London Dry Gin. This award-winning gin (which comes from the second-best-selling gin brand in the world!) is handcrafted with a slew of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica and licorice. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing with that juniper-forward flavor you expect from this spirit. From gin and topics to martinis, it’s ideal for all the standard gin cocktails. Tanqueray, $30+

3. Plymouth Gin, $38+

Plymouth Gin is another classic Muhs says is a good one to add to your collection due to how it seamlessly blends into most gin cocktail recipes. It contains a mix of seven botanicals, including juniper, coriander seed, orange peel, lemon peel, green cardamom, orris root and angelica root, making for a complex flavor. The green cardamom is quite unique and adds a hint of spiciness. Plymouth Gin, $38+

4. Empress 1908, $39+

Empress 1908 Gin is handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills and is inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, explains Lecours. “On top of traditional botanicals, we add a signature blend of black tea served at the Empress Hotel and butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that balances the traditional citrus notes of gin with a warm herbal earthiness and that gives the gin its natural indigo color.” Empress 1908, $39+

5. Glendalough, $30+

Glendalough slowly distills their gins in a small 500-liter copper pot still, using high-quality botanicals that are freshly foraged in the mountains around the distillery. “To my best knowledge, we are the only distillery in the world that has a full-time forager and the benefit of this is very clear when you taste our liquid,” says Rooney. In addition to this Wild Botanical Gin, the company also makes a rose gin, which is Rooney’s favorite. “I developed it to honor my mom, whose name was Rose, and each bottle contains roses from my late mother’s garden,” he says. Glendalough, $30+

6. Hayman’s of London, $28+

Hayman’s of London makes a few gins, including this Royal Dock Gin, a Navy Strength option that Unterberg likes. For traditional gin lovers, she says this one is hard to beat. It’s a refreshing, smooth gin that features a balance of juniper, coriander and citrus notes without ever becoming overpowering. The bright flavors make it the perfect match for gimlets. Hayman’s of London, $28+

7. Sipsmith, $55+

Unterberg is also a fan of Sipsmith VJOP Gin (the VJOP stands for Very Junipery Over Proof). It’s a high-proof gin with a strong juniper flavor that stands up to the dilution of a gin and tonic. This gin is handcrafted by the brand at their U.K. distillery and truly captures the gorgeous flavor of juniper you come to expect in a gin. Sipsmith, $55+

8. Gordon’s, $18+

Fun fact: Gordon’s is the number-one-selling gin brand in the world. They offer a slew of different gins in their portfolio, including this London Dry that is created with handpicked juniper berries and blended with botanicals. The recipe goes back almost 250 years. This classic-style gin is ideal for gin and tonics. Gordon’s, $18+

9. Bombay Sapphire, $33+

Bombay Sapphire is the third-best-selling gin brand in the world, and for good reason. The brand revolutionized the gin category in the 1980s, thanks to its nifty vapor-infusion process and use of a whopping 10 botanicals, including juniper, citrus, coriander and pepper. The name of the brand was inspired by the famous “Star of Bombay,” a 182-carat sapphire. Bombay Sapphire, $33+

Related: 85 Best Summer Cocktail Recipes

10. Seagram’s Gin, $25+

If you’re looking for a gin made in the USA, then look no further than Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin. From the fourth-best-selling gin in the world, it’s made from 100% grain-neutral spirits and botanicals and aged in oak casks. It has a balanced blend of botanicals, including juniper, sweet and bitter orange, coriander and angelica. The finish is incredibly dry (yes, it really does live up to its name!), with a hint of spice for a nice kick. Seagram’s Gin, $25+

11. Larios, $32+

Hailing from Málaga in the south of Spain, Larios is the sixth-best-selling gin brand in the world. The recipe for their gin was inspired by the beauty of Málaga and is made using local citrus. The gin is distilled four times to lock in the flavor, then orange blossom is added again during the fifth distillation. The bright, herbal flavor really captures the taste of the Mediterranean. Larios, $32+

12. Hendrick’s Gin, $42+

Hendrick’s Gin is a standout option in the gin category. This Scottish gin comes from the seventh-best-selling gin brand in the world. The company uses a unique distillation process and infuses interesting ingredients into its products. Yep, this gin is infused with rose petals and cucumber to give it a fresh, one-of-a-kind flavor you can’t find anywhere else. Hendrick’s Gin, $42+

13. Ford’s Gin, $26+

“Ford’s London Dry Gin is my go-to everyday bottle,” says Unterberg. “Affordable and available, it’s a perfect fit in most classic and modern gin cocktails.” Distilled in London, this dry gin has a base of juniper and coriander seed which is balanced by citrus, florals and spices. There are also notes of jasmine and grapefruit. Ford’s Gin, $26+

14. Aviation Gin, $30+

Created by actor Ryan Reynolds, Aviation American Gin deserves a spot on your bar cart. It was developed specifically to go in the Aviation, a classic gin cocktail that also contains creme de violette and maraschino liqueur. Plus, it comes housed in a beautiful Art Deco-inspired bottle reminiscent of the Jazz Age. It’s modern, sophisticated and a total treat. Bonus: The brand also makes an Old Tom gin! Aviation Gin, $30+

15. Roku Gin, $30+

Roku Gin is a premium Japanese gin that combines Japanese botanicals with the traditional botanicals you come to expect in a gin. (FYI: The name Roku means six!) The Japanese botanicals, including Sakura flower, yuzu peel and green tea, are harvested during their ideal season from the best growing areas in Japan. This means they have the freshest flavor possible. Unterberg says this gin can be paired with delicate tonics for an easy entrance into gin if you want something that’s not quite so juniper-forward. Roku Gin, $30+

Related: Downton Abbey-Inspired The English Garden Gin Cocktail

16. Citadelle Gin, $28+

Unterberg says Citadelle Jardin d’Été Gin is another good gin to try if you want something that’s not so heavy on the juniper. This French gin is delicate and fresh. It was inspired by the garden at Château de Bonbonnet, a nature preserve where beautiful flowers, fruits and herbs grow and thrive. The gin features bright ingredients like lemon, yuzu, orange and melon. It’s a great companion to fizzy tonic water, so whip up some gin and tonics! Citadelle Gin, $28+

17. St. George Spirits, $35+

Muhs is a fan of St. George Terroir Gin. “Drinking a martini with this immediately takes you to the California outdoors,” he says. Indeed, this gin was inspired by the hiking trails of Mount Tam in California’s Bay Area. The gin contains 12 botanicals and has a piney flavor. The flavors of juniper and fir will have you feeling like you’re in a forest. St. George Spirits make other gins as well as other spirits like whiskey and vodka too. St. George Spirits, $35+

18. Du Nord Social Spirits, $41+

Du Nord Prominence Gin is an award-winning London Dry style that comes from a Black-owned brand in Minneapolis, Minnesota, revolutionizing the spirits game. The gin marries the deep, earthy flavor of juniper with a combination of orange, lemon, coriander, angelica, licorice and ginger. The result is a gin that isn’t too overwhelming on the juniper and instead is just right. Du Nord Social Spirits, $41+

19. Jin Jiji, $24+

“We use Jin Jiji at the bar in a few of our cocktails,” says Muhs. “It’s a great gin for shaken cocktails, and the price point can’t be beaten. Jin Jiji India Dry Gin is an Indian gin that’s distilled in Goa, India, with Darjeeling tea and wild foraged Himalayan juniper. Other ingredients include the Tulsi leaf, which is used in Ayurveda, and the chamomile flower. Jin Jiji, $24+

20. Monkey 47, $65+

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin contains a blend of 47 (yes, 47!) botanicals sourced from India and the Black Forest in Germany. The gin is crafted with lingonberries, hand-peeled citrus fruits, herbs, flowers and spices. The unexpected flavors from around the world come together for one unique gin that’s complex and delicious. Monkey 47, $65+

21. No. 3 Gin, $52+

If you like classic London Dry gins, then you’re sure to be a fan of No. 3 London Dry Gin. This award-winning gin contains the ideal balance of juniper, citrus and spice. It’s especially good in classic gin martinis but can also be used in other gin cocktails as well. No. 3 Gin, $52+

22. Nolet’s Gin, $37+

Nolet’s Silver Gin is a modern take on gin. It contains rose, peach and raspberry, which are individually macerated and then distilled to reveal their full flavor. The result is a fruit-forward gin that has a classic dry finish. Nolet’s Gin, $37+

23. The Botanist, $43+

Distilled on the remote Isle of Islay in Scotland, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is, you guessed it, a dry gin. What sets this brand apart is that they use a combination of 22 botanicals that are locally and sustainably foraged on Isaly. The flavor is delicate and smooth, with juniper and various barks, seeds and peels. It’s excellent when served neat, in a gin and tonic or in a chilled martini. The Botanist, $43+

24. Tanglin, $39+

Introducing Singapores’ first-ever gin brand. Their Tanglin Orchid Gin has been crafted to reflect the cultures and cuisines of Singapore. It blends old-world botanicals like coriander seed and licorice alongside Asian ingredients like Java Pepper, Vanilla Planiflolia Orchid and Amchoor (mango powder). Tanglin, $39+

25. HH Bespoke Spirits, $52+

HH Bespoke Gin reimagines the traditional London Dry style. It combines moderate juniper flavors with an infusion of lavender, rose hip and plum and pairs well with everything from tonic water to stronger bitter and sweet flavors. The gin and its chic packaging were inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and are the brainchild of the family behind the Black-owned boutique Harlem Haberdashery. HH Bespoke Spirits, $52+

26. Malfy Gin, $35+

You'll feel pretty in pink while sipping Malfy Gin Rosa from this world-renowned Italian gin brand. It's distilled with the peel of Sicilian pink grapefruits (grown in citrus groves on the Mediterranean coast!), Italian juniper berries, rhubarb and a host of other botanicals that will transport you to the A-Malfy coast upon first sip. Malfy Gin, $35+

27. Tulchan Gin, $38+

This luxury Scottish gin is a great fit for herbaceous cocktails. A London Dry style gin, it's crafted with 14 botanicals that reflect the landscape of Speyside, Scotland, which is traditionally known as whiskey country. The Scottish botanicals in this gin include sloe berries, blackberry leaves and elderflower, which are included alongside more traditional gin botanicals like juniper, angelica root and licorice root. Tulchan Gin, $38+

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