The gin and tonic is a classic drink that was created in India in the early 19th century. Since then, it has retained its status as one of the top options in bars and homes around the world. The mixture of tonic water and gin is both refreshing and satisfying without being too heavy, which is why many people choose this drink during happy hour or dinner. But what is the best gin for gin and tonic?
There are countless options out there, and it’s easy to get confused. But fortunately, many of the gins currently available are time-tested and of excellent quality. In fact, some of the original products from the 19th century are still available today, and many new drinks have been created in the meantime. Today, we will have a closer look at how the flavor of some of the best gins differs.
What Is the Best Gin for Gin and Tonic?
Whether you want to wow your guests or enjoy the best quality G&T on your own, it’s important to choose a gin that fits the occasion. Undoubtedly, there are some drinks that are more flavorful than others, but a lot depends on your individual tastes and what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s hard to choose a gin that is better than all the others.
Instead of choosing just one, why don’t you try out a range of options and discover what suits you and your guests? Most of the gins discussed in today’s post are available locally, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them in your area. What’s more, there are distilleries in your neighborhood that produce their own gin. The best way to find out more is to sample a variety of products and develop your own taste.
Tanqueray Gin
If you’re looking to create a traditional G&T, Tanqueray is one of your top options. This London dry gin has been on the market for almost two centuries, and it is now the number one seller in the world. It contains only four botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice, with the most prominent flavor being juniper.
Because Tanqueray is simple and subtle, it doesn’t overpower the tonic water, and you can expect your G&T to have a straightforward taste. People who enjoy a fresher and more unique drink could try Tanqueray No. 10. It has a juicy taste, which is achieved by using real citrus fruit instead of dried peels during the manufacturing process.
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Beefeater is another bestselling classic that was created in the 19th century, but at 44%, it has a slightly higher ABV than Tanqueray gin. When reading older reviews, you should keep in mind that this gin was reformulated for US consumers in 2020, and the previous version had an ABV of 47%. The botanicals used are macerated for an entire day, so you’ll taste strong juniper notes as well as fresh rosemary and candied lemon.
For anyone who enjoys the juniper taste, this is one of the best options for a G&T. In addition, the Beefeater gin is extremely versatile, and you can use it in a wide variety of other cocktails, including the Martini, Negroni, Gimlet, and Gin and Soda. In fact, some connoisseurs even prefer to drink it neat.
Fords Gin
One of the main advantages of Fords gin is that it’s very low-maintenance, and you won’t even need a mixing glass and strainer to create your G&T with this liquor. It contains nine botanicals, which lend it a unique and flavorful taste. At its core is a mix of the traditional juniper and coriander seed, which are complemented by various florals, spices, and notes of citrus.
Fords gin is steeped for 15 hours before it is distilled, so you can expect a fresh and floral taste. What’s more, experts will notice hints of grapefruit and jasmine, which aren’t present in many of the other gins on this list. Because Fords was created specifically for cocktails, it is a great choice that is favored by many bartenders.
Hendrick’s Gin
In 1999, William Grant & Sons launched a new type of gin in their Girvan distillery in Scotland. Their creation is unique and often considered the best gin for gin and tonic because it is made up of eleven botanicals that include some unusual flavors such as cucumber and rose. As a result of the careful mix of ingredients, you can expect a smooth yet distinct taste that is unlike any other gin you’ve tried before.
When using this product for gin and tonic, most bartenders decide to use cucumber instead of a slice or wedge of lime as garnish. This highlights the different flavors of the drink and lends your cocktail a unique look.
Highclere Castle Gin
If you’re a fan of the iconic English show Downton Abbey, you’ll recognize Highclere as the castle where you can see the rooms featured in the series. But the gin far predates the TV show. In fact, this drink is still distilled on a 19th-century copper pot in the Langley Distillery. The botanical blend of this product includes locally grown oats and lime flowers from the Highclere estate.
Some experts describe Highclere Castle gin as similar to Beefeater because of its strong juniper taste, but there are also notes of orange zest, and you’ll notice hints of magnolia and linden flower. This mixture lends the gin a warm and floral taste. In addition to the great flavor of this drink, it comes in a very unique and appealing bottle that is sure to wow your guests.
Sipsmith Gin
While many of the most iconic UK gins are several centuries old, there has been a craft renaissance in recent years. As a result, a whole new range of gins has been created. One of them is Sipsmith, which originated in 2009 and is the first copper-pot-based distillery in London in 189 years. It is fairly traditional, with a base spirit of wheat and botanicals that include angelica, coriander, and licorice.
Despite this, there are distinctive notes that make Sipsmith gin different from some of the other products on the market. You’ll taste warm orange blossom honey, which complements the classic juniper-based flavor. When you use this product in your G&T, connoisseurs will recognize it instantly, despite the fact that there have been several updates and changes to the formula over the years.
Junipero Gin
The English aren’t the only ones who can produce an excellent gin. Junipero comes straight from San Francisco, and at 49.6%, it has one of the highest ABVs available. Since has been around for over 25 years, many people believe that it is the first craft gin distilled in a copper pot in the US since the prohibition. Junipero gin has a classic flavor profile, but it also features cardamom, both bitter and sweet orange, and cassia.
While Junipero is unique and different to the traditional English gins, it still delights purists due to its bold and piney taste. Aside from a G&T, you can create a wide range of flavorful cocktails that include Gin Alexander, Ramos Gin Fizz, and Gin and Juice.
Greenhook Ginsmiths’ American Dry Gin
Unlike most other gins, Greenhook Ginsmiths’ product is produced in a process called vacuum distillation, which uses lower temperatures. Experts agree that this drink rivals its most celebrated competitors, and some even consider it the best gin for gin and tonic. Aside from the familiar juniper taste, it includes Ceylon cinnamon, elderflower, and chamomile.
What’s more, the juniper used comes from Tuscany, which is also the case in some Tanqueray products. While the overall character of this gin is quite classic, the added ingredients make it a unique choice. Unlike the other vacuum-distilled gin currently available, Oxley Classic Dry Gin, Greenhook Ginsmiths’ isn’t unusually expensive. For under forty dollars, you can get one of the richest and boldest gins for your G&T.
Nikka Coffey Gin
The final option on our list is Nikka Coffey Gin, a Japanese drink from the Yoichi Distillery. It was designed in the 1960s and has since become one of the biggest names in the gin industry in Japan. This product delights with a base spirit of barley and corn, which is the featured element. Additionally, you can find several novel Japanese botanicals such as peppercorn, hirami lemon, and amanatsu. For a unique G&T, this is a perfect choice.
As you can see, there are countless great gins currently available, and there isn’t one best gin for gin and tonic. Some of the big traditional names include Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Highclere Castle, but there are also newer versions such as Sipsmith and Junipero, which have become popular in the last few decades. Since distilling has experienced a renaissance in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, more local distilleries are producing their own products.
If you’re interested in trying something new, you could come to see us at our Stillhouse, restaurant, and bar in Apple Valley, CA. We will be more than happy to show you around and explain to you the distilling process. What’s more, you can order spirits in full charred oak barrels, featuring your family or business name. Get in touch with us now at Town’s End Stillhouse & Grill to find out more.