The 19 Best Gins For Everyone, From Beginners to Aficionados

Gin can seem intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, especially considering its broad, dynamic flavor profile and the countless available options. Unlike vodka or rum, it’s not typically mixed with fruity drinks due to its complex flavors, but it can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks or even with vermouth in a martini. This liquor is also frequently paired with more neutral mixers⁠—like tonic water, soda water, or ginger ale⁠—because they add just enough carbonation to ease the bite of each sip while still highlighting the unique flavor of your beverage. We know choosing the right gin can be tricky, so we surveyed experts on the 19 best brands of gin for beginners and gin lovers alike.

Have you been hit with a wave of gin-spiration? Try our recipes for refreshing gin and tonic pops and delightfully boozy gin and tonic pickles, or treat yourself to one of these gifts for gin lovers.

What are the different types of gin?

Gin (aka “Dutch Courage”) is arguably one of the most versatile liquors out there in terms of flavor profile and production style. Gin is usually made from a minimum of 10 botanical ingredients, the most common of which is juniper berries—thanks to this antioxidant-rich "super fruit," gin has long been considered one of the healthiest spirits ever. In the 16th century, it was even used to treat stomach aches and anxiety! Additionally, gin has a lower sugar content than other alcohols, though mixers can quickly change that. Despite the fact that this distilled grain spirit's primary flavor comes from juniper berries, its secondary flavors can be derived from a wide array of ingredients, such as fruit, herbs, spices, and, of course, other botanicals. Most gins can be classified into four categories:

London Dry: Also simply referred to as “dry gin,” this is the most traditional and most popular type of gin⁠—and, despite its name, it doesn’t actually have to be produced in England. It does, however, have to be made according to strict purity standards, which were established by an 18th century European Parliament to ensure the absence of toxic distillation byproducts. In short, the phrase "London dry" means that the spirit must be distilled in a column still to at least 70% alcohol by volume (ABV). Natural botanicals can be added to the resulting neutral spirit only through re-distillation, but any additions after distillation beyond water and a little bit of sugar disqualify the gin from being considered a London dry. This classic, juniper-forward gin offers a crisp, clear taste that forgoes most sweetness in favor of a more woodsy palate… So it’s basically like sipping on a Christmas tree infused beverage.

Navy Strength: If you can remember your last “gincident” (though that might be a big “if”), chances are you were shooting back some Navy Strength gin. At 57% ABV, this overproof London dry packs quite a punch. However, this big, bold gin variant isn't just about "everybody in the club gettin tipsy"—as the alcohol content increases, so does the flavor. Navy Strength definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, or your typical lightweight, but more experienced gin fans might be pleasantly surprised by this fully-loaded style of gin.

Plymouth: As the only regionally-restricted type of gin, Plymouth gin uses slightly more botanicals than traditional London dry gins, giving it a sweeter, earthier taste. This gin must be made in Plymouth, England, but only one distillery and brand remains in the Plymouth region⁠—the aptly named Plymouth Gin.

Old Tom: Old Tom gins⁠—which are usually sweeter and easier to drink than Plymouth gins⁠—use more ingredients for a broader taste and less bite, making them perfect for cocktails because of their mildness and added flavor. As the story goes, its name originates from black cat (aka old tom) signs used by underground pubs after gin sales were curtailed in 18th-century England. Savvy drinkers would reportedly approach these signs, insert money into a slot, and a shot of Old Tom Gin would be delivered to drinkers through a tube in the wall. And we thought American speakeasies were clever!

How We Picked These Products

Here at Delish, we take our alcohol very seriously, so we knew we had to find some reliable experts to help us find the perfect gins, from Tanqueray to top shelf. We turned to experts ranging from master bartenders to beverage directors at some of the top restaurants in the country (as well as a few knowledgeable gin lovers on our own team) to learn about their favorite whiskey brands, and they certainly did not disappoint. After reviewing their recommendations and brand reviews, as well as gauging factors like distillation process, flavor profile, and affordability, these are the best bottles of gin you can buy in 2022:

• Best Contemporary Gin: Dorothy Parker American Gin
• Best Budget Contemporary Gin: Aviation American Gin
• Best Splurge Contemporary Gin: Hendrick's Gin
• Best London Dry Gin: Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• Best Budget London Dry Gin: Aria Portland Dry Gin
• Best Splurge London Dry Gin: Suncliffe Dry Gin
• Best Japanese Gin: Nikka Coffey Gin
• Best Budget Japanese Gin: Roku Gin
• Best Argentinian Gin: Principe de Los Apostoles Mate Gin
• Best Irish Gin: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
• Best Sweet Gin: Malfy Rosa Gin
• Best Gin to Drink Straight: Koval Dry Gin
• Best Botanical Gin: Bloom Gin
• Best Barrel Aged Gin: Koval Barreled Gin
• Best Navy Strength Gin: Plymouth Navy Strength
• Best Gin for Gin and Tonics: Empress 1908 Original Indigo Gin
• Best Gin for a Gin Fizz: St. George Terroir Gin
• Best Gin for Martinis: Beefeater London Dry Gin
• Best Gin for Negronis: St. George Botanivore Gin

New York Distilling Company

Drizly

$33.00

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Named for renowned poet, satirist, critic, and activist Dorothy Parker, it’s no surprise Dorothy Parker American Gin is just as iconic as the woman who inspired its moniker. For Natalie Grindstaff, Director of Beverage for celebrity chef Tom Colicchio's Italian restaurant Vallata, Dorothy Parker was an easy choice for the best gin: “It has a hibiscus topnote, that [holds] true even when mixed… Our ethos in both food + booze is ‘what’s local or what’s best,’ and we especially love when what’s local is what’s best!” Aaron Moses Robin, Beverage Director at one of New York's leading cocktail destinations, The Standard, High Line in downtown Manhattan is likewise enamored with this American gin, saying “One of my… favorite gins of all time is Dorothy Parker by New York Distilling Company. [The] distinct floral note from the hibiscus… shines through in any cocktail from gimlet to negroni. It’s balanced, interesting and distinct.” This contemporary gin may not impress classic gin fans, but we think even they’ll appreciate it in a Bees Knees.

Aviation

Total Wine & More

$25.00

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No, we’re not just putting Aviation Gin on our list in hopes Ryan Reynolds slides into our DMs. (Though Ryan, if you’re reading this…) If celebrity endorsements mean something to you, Aviation is co-owned by Reynolds, who constantly raves about this versatile liquor and hides it in his movies every chance he gets. However, he’s not the only fan⁠—our Director of Video, Julia Smith, praises this brand for being “a great gin for the cost.” Since its launch in 2006, this contemporary brand’s flowery notes of creme de violette, lavender, and cardamom and long finish have made it a polarizing subject for diehard traditional gin fans, but we think gin and tonic lovers will especially get a kick out of Reynolds’ ode to fatherhood, the “Vasectomy” cocktail.

Hendrick's

Drizly

$39.00

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Hand-crafted in the Southwest coastal town of Girvan, Scotland, Hendrick's is made 500 liters at a time to ensure each and every batch is up to their impressively high standards. On its own, you'll taste roses, cucumbers, juniper, and 10 other fine botanicals, which earns praise on Flaviar for being “clean, crisp, and utterly refreshing.” Overall, this is a good bottle to reach for when you're crafting a cocktail or some Gin and Titonic Shots.

Tanqueray

Drizly

$39.00

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When you think of gin, you probably think of the icon green bottle of Tanqueray⁠—which makes sense, considering it’s one of the most awarded gins on the market. Boasting a spicy, woody, and juniper-forward flavor, this revitalizing gin is distilled four times to ensure a dry, crisp taste. As one reviewer on Flaviar points out, the “near perfect balance of floral and citrus notes” makes it a great option for cocktails, such as the evergreen Tanqueray and Tonic or a Spicy Bees Knees. Its longstanding history may take the focus of other, more balanced gins on the shelf, but overall, Tanqueray London Dry Gin is sure to appeal to a broad range of gin fans.

Aria

Total Wine & More

$25.00

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Whoever said Americans can’t make a great London dry gin clearly hasn’t tried Aria Portland Dry Gin, which is distilled right here in the U.S. at Bull Run Distillery in Portland. This well-balanced beverage offers excellent complexity and depth at a price that won’t break the bank. In fact, Noah Manksar, bartender at Colonia Verde in Brooklyn, calls Aria Portland Dry Gin “an incredibly versatile take on the London dry style… Using a remarkably well-balanced mix of botanicals—juniper at the forefront, underpinned by spice and citrus—Aria delivers a classic London dry flavor profile with more complexity and less bite than its cousins from across the pond.” Though contemporary gin fans might find this traditional option to be a bit too, well, traditional, Maksar assures this spirit will shine in “just about any gin cocktail and is delicious sipped with tonic.”

Suncliffe

Drizly

$43.00

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Distilled with juniper berries that have been freshly shaken off Sedona’s trees, the complex and aromatic Suncliffe literally bottles up everything there is to love about its home state. As another American-made London dry gin, you'll get notes of fennel and cedar on the nose, while the nutmeg and coriander centered palate leads to a peppery finish. Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen's General Manager Sergio Campos says “I love to support local spirits that taste like the region they come from. Suncliffe Gin is made in Sedona, Arizona and a true passion project that is women, and LGBTQ-owned. It tastes like Arizona, a true nature distillation and makes a killer gin and tonic.”

Nikka

Drizly

$52.00

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When the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Company in 1934, the rest, as they say, was history. After the distillery added Nikka Coffey Gin to its roster in 2017, it quickly made a name for itself⁠—in fact, Jodie Battles, Beverage Director for Boston staples Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey, says she “loves introducing gin drinkers to this liquor because Japanese gin is rare to come across, so not many gin drinkers have experienced its distinctive flavors.” This modern beverage offers a more complex flavor profile, which Battles describes as having “notes of apple and citrus… [with] just a kiss of pepper.” This may be a turn-off for those who prefer a more traditional taste that doesn’t overpower mixers, but gin fans are sure to enjoy the unique, complex layers when drinking it straight.

Roku

Drizly

$32.00

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For the adventurous imbiber with a serious case of wanderlust, consider Roku Gin, which is an all-time favorite of Bobby Leonardo, Head Bartender at homestyle Thai restaurant Wayla on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Made by the House of Suntory in Osaka, Japan, the distillery dates all the way back to the 1930s, so it's safe to say they know what they're doing. Leonardo assures tasters “will definitely uncover more flavors [with each sip],” explaining “It has a really unique taste to it aside from the botanical flavor. Roku takes it to another level of gin with its six Japanese ingredients: yuzu, sansho pepper, green tea, gyokuro tea, sakura flower, and sakura leaf.” (Fun fact, these ingredients are how this gin gets its name⁠—“roku” is Japanese for “six”!) Though the flavor profile is a bit unbalanced and bitter, we think Roku will impress fans of martinis or complex botanical gins.

Principe De Los Apostoles

Flaviar

$34.00

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Is the Principe de Los Apostoles Mate Gin the next-best thing to traveling to Argentina? Well, we’re certainly not saying it isn’t. This excitingly herby spirit is distilled with peperina (which is native to the Andes mountain range) to provide a perfect balance of bitterness, mintiness, and a whisper of juniper. Greg Kong, Head Bartender at Kimika, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant in the heart of Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood is a huge fan of this gin and was quick to sing its praises: “While not as juniper forward as more traditional gins, it includes Yerba Mate, eucalyptus, and peppermint as some of its botanicals to give it a unique flavor profile. Apostoles also has a great weight and texture to it⁠—making it a good option for stirring up a more herbaceous take on a martini⁠—but [it’s] also bold enough to stand out on its own in a cocktail, especially if you're using mint, cucumber, or thyme.”

Drumshanbo

Drizly

$35.00

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Finding a good, botanical-heavy Irish gin doesn’t have to be as difficult as finding, say, an elusive jackalope like the one pictured on this bottle of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. Certified gin lover Kate English Mankoff, who serves as the Associate Publisher, Marketing, at HGTV Magazine, appreciates the appeal of this gin, both in its design and its taste. Though the name may suggest otherwise, there’s no gunpowder in this bottle⁠: Drumshanbo distills their Gunpowder Gin with gunpowder green tea, which means each leaf has been rolled into a tiny round pellet that looks similar to, you guessed it, gunpowder. The result is a well-balanced, citrus-forward gin that—although botanical-heavy, yet slightly one-note—is sure to please contemporary gin lovers.

Malfy

ReserveBar

$34.00

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Move over, Molly Ringwald: Malfy Rosa gives a whole new meaning to “pretty in pink.” Distilled using Sicilian pink grapefruit peel and sweetened afterwards with a rhubarb distillate, this northern Italian gin’s bright pink hue and chic bottle will make it a standout on your bar cart. But there’s more than just beauty to this blushing beverage⁠—Smith loves its versatility of this liquor, which can be sipped on the rocks or mixed into a summer cocktail: “Malfy Rosa Gin has botanicals and the bitter-sweet grapefruit flavors in one bottle, so [it's] more drinkable… and is perfect in a grapefruit crush.”

Koval

Drizly

$41.00

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At first sniff, the earthy scent of woodland spices just might make tasters forget that Koval Dry Gin was distilled in Chicago and not a wildflower-filled meadow. Tasters will note a round mouthfeel and hints of juniper, fresh pine, and florals like lavender, resulting in an overall pleasant experience that, unlike other gins, isn’t reminiscent of sipping on rubbing alcohol. In fact, Smith ranks this gin in her “top three,” citing “it’s woman-owned and gets great reviews.”

Bloom

Total Wine & More

$28.00

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Another favorite of English Mankoff’s, the elegant and aesthetically-pleasing Bloom comes in an intricately etched bottle that she notes “look[s] pretty on my bar” and is handcrafted by one of the world’s first female Master Distillers. This London dry gin may only have seven botanicals, but it sure knows how to use them. Well-suited for beginners or tasters who just want to dip their toes into the contemporary side of the gin pool, Bloom offers a flowery, sweet, and well-balanced palate with a long, peppery finish. Whether drunk straight or in a cocktail, fans of more modern brands are sure to be impressed by this bold, luxurious gin.

Koval

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$40.00

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Whiskey lovers are sure to be wowed by Koval Barreled Gin, which features the same recipe as Koval Dry Gin, but its 6-month-long maturation in Koval’s whiskey barrels gives it a sweeter kick. Drawing inspiration from dark liquor, the additional layers of butterscotch, citrus, and spice give it an all-American twist⁠—making it a perfect option for elevating classic cocktails like an old fashioned. With some Flaviar reviewers noting “It's gin, and yet it's not,” this may be too far an offshoot from traditional gin for some drinkers, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.

Plymouth Gin

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$46.00

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As the name implies, Plymouth Navy Strength has a long association with the British Royal Navy. For nearly 200 years, Her Majesty’s Naval Fleet was sustained by this 57% ABV gin, to the point that no ship dared leave port without an ample supply. Perfect for bold cocktails or taking the edge off after a long day, Flaviar reviewers call this citrus-heavy bottle the “best gin to date,” “super smooth,” and “easily the best gin I have ever had.” Though the strong alcohol content brings out different notes in this liquor, it may be just a tad too intense for most tasters—consider the less expensive, regular Plymouth Gin if you don’t drink gin often (or aren’t planning to be bored at sea anytime soon).

Empress 1908

Drizly

$46.00

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For a breathtaking twist on a classic gin and tonic, our Senior Food Producer, June Xie, recommends the earthy and contemporary Empress 1908 Original Indigo Gin, which is named for and inspired by the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. The vivid indigo hue of this Canadian spirit is achieved by infusing it with butterfly pea blossom, which can change color when you alter a drink’s pH… and that’s exactly what happens when tonic water is added to this transformative gin. The team behind Empress 1908 sought a balanced citrus-and-spice palette that flexes plenty of juniper, so it's crafted to perfection in a small copper pot. Take note, though: If you care more about flavor than novelty, you can find better balanced (albeit less colorful) gins for the same price.

St. George

Drizly

$36.00

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Aptly named, it doesn’t get more woodsy than St. George Terroir, which our Assistant Food Editor, Justin Sullivan, lists as “a favorite of mine.” The taste of this gin is derived from classic ingredients like fir, pine and sage, which will transport you to a heavily wooded forest the moment you take a whiff. Though it’s a bit “too much” for more adventurous cocktails, its thick, rich flavor and minty, ever-so-slightly spicy finish make St. George Terroir a perfect choice for a rosemary gin fizz. (Or try it out in an equally bubbly French 75!)

Beefeater

Drizly

$39.00

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Distilled in the heart of London using the same recipe since 1863, Beefeater’s London Dry Gin is a classic that stands the test of time. With over 200 ratings on Flaviar, this bottle is considered the gold-standard (or at least a good baseline) for most gin drinkers, with one reviewer saying “This is your milestone gin, the one that all others [refer] to. No, I’m not saying that this is the best or the most exotic one out there. However, if you’re getting into the world of gins, and you haven’t tried this yet, you’re doing yourself a great disservice.” Beefeater’s juniper-heavy flavor and medium finish make it better for mixing in classic drinks like a martini than sipping it neat, but it’s still a worthy addition to your at-home bar.

St. George

Drizly

$37.00

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Another favorite of Battles’, St. George Botanivore “is super versatile and perfect for negronis,” as well as other traditional, gin-based drinks, like “gin and tonics or martinis.” (Or, for a refreshing twist, try a frozen negroni!) This contemporary style gin features “unique floral and herbal notes from 19 different botanicals used during the distillation process,” which Battles says results in a “clean and well-balanced” flavor. It may not be as big on the juniper notes beloved by classic gin fans, but we’re still impressed with St. George Botanivore's ability to not overwhelm the taster.