8 Best Gins for Your Cocktails, According to Bartender

Gin is a classic spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by distilling a neutral grain spirit with botanicals, most notably juniper berries. The resulting spirit is a complex blend of flavors and aromas that can be enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail.

When it comes to cocktails, gin is a popular choice due to its versatility. It can be used in a variety of cocktails, from classic martinis to refreshing gin and tonics. However, not all gins are created equal when it comes to cocktails. Some gins have a more pronounced juniper flavor, while others have a more complex blend of botanicals.

When choosing the best gin for cocktails, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, the gin should have a balanced flavor profile that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail. It should also have a smooth texture and a clean finish.

One gin that fits the bill is Tanqueray No. Ten. This gin is made with fresh citrus fruits and botanicals, which give it a bright and zesty flavor that pairs well with a variety of mixers. Its smooth texture and clean finish make it a great choice for cocktails.

Another excellent gin for cocktails is Hendrick's. This gin is infused with rose and cucumber, giving it a unique and refreshing flavor that is perfect for summertime cocktails. Its floral notes pair well with fruit juices and other sweet mixers.

If you want to know what Gin is - make sure to read our thorough Gin guide

Overall, when choosing the best gin for cocktails, it's important to consider the flavor profile, texture, and finish of the gin. Both Tanqueray No. Ten and Hendrick's are excellent choices that will elevate any cocktail.

Gin Fizz Cocktail

Best Gins for Cocktails

When it comes to making cocktails, the type of gin you use can make all the difference. We've scoured the market to find the best gins that are perfect for mixing into your favorite cocktails. These gins have been selected for their unique flavor profiles, botanical blends, and versatility in creating a wide range of cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic gin and tonic or a more complex cocktail, these gins are sure to elevate your drink game. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best gins for cocktails.

Gin and Tonic Cocktail

No. 3 London Dry Gin

If you're looking for the best gin for cocktails, then No. 3 London Dry Gin is the one for you. The six botanicals, including juniper, citrus, and spice, give it a unique taste that's perfect for mixing.

Pros

• Voted the ‘best Gin in the world’ four times, No. 3 Gin is the choice of discerning Gin drinkers the world over.
• No.3 Gin is the most versatile mixer for cocktails of any denomination, but if your tastes run to something a little simpler, like a traditional Gin & Tonic, there’s nothing better than the No. 3 London Dry Gin.
• Recognised as the most famous mixer of this century, Gin is the #1 choice of discerning drinkers from James Bond to Ernest Hemingway to Michelle Obama. Now, with the No.3 Gin, you too can join this illustrious company.

Cons

• No.3 Gin is a bit expensive compared to other gins available in the market.
• Some people might not like the strong juniper taste of No. 3 Gin.
• The packaging of No. 3 Gin is not very attractive.

No. 3 Gin is a perfect blend of traditional production with modern thinking. The earthy dryness of angelica kicks in at the finish, giving it a unique taste that's perfect for cocktails. The spicy, warm cardamom and citrus ‘zing’ complemented by the gingery spiciness of coriander make it a perfect mixer for any cocktail.

If you're a gin lover, then you must try No. 3 London Dry Gin. It's not just a gin, it's an experience.

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Sloe Gin Fizz Cocktail

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

We highly recommend Tanqueray London Dry Gin for your cocktails. It is a smooth and classic gin that is perfect for mixing with other ingredients.

Pros

• Distilled four times for absolute smoothness
• Flavors of the four classic gin botanicals shine through
• Perfect for mixing cocktails

Cons

• Some may find it too strong
• Not suitable for those who don't like the taste of gin
• Higher price point compared to other gins

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is a perfect addition to your cocktail-making arsenal. It is distilled four times, resulting in a smooth and refined taste that is perfect for mixing with other ingredients. The flavors of the four classic gin botanicals - juniper, coriander, angelica, and liquorice - shine through, making it a great choice for those who want a classic gin taste.

One of the greatest advantages of Tanqueray London Dry Gin is its versatility. It is perfect for mixing with tonic water, soda, or any other mixer of your choice. It also pairs well with various fruits and herbs, making it a great choice for creating unique and flavorful cocktails.

Overall, Tanqueray London Dry Gin is a great choice for those who are looking for a classic and smooth gin that is perfect for mixing cocktails. Its refined taste and versatility make it a staple in any bar or home.

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Ramos Gin Fizz Cocktail

Roku Japanese Gin

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful gin, we recommend trying ROKU Japanese Gin.

Pros

• The blend of six Japanese-based botanicals gives this gin a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other gins.
• The scent of cherry blossoms and green tea with hints of floral-sweet notes adds a delightful aroma to cocktails.
• The soft and velvety texture of this gin makes it easy to drink straight or in cocktails.

Cons

• The Sancho pepper provides a light spiciness on the finish, which may not be to everyone's taste.
• The price point is slightly higher than some other gins on the market.
• The flavor may be too complex for those who prefer a simpler gin taste.

ROKU Gin is an excellent choice for cocktails. The unique blend of botanicals and cherry blossom and green tea notes add depth and complexity to classic gin cocktails like a Gin and Tonic or Martini. The soft and velvety texture of this gin also makes it a great choice for sipping straight or on the rocks.

We recommend trying ROKU Gin in a classic Gin and Tonic with a slice of cucumber or in a Japanese-inspired cocktail like a Sakura Martini with cherry blossom syrup and a splash of lemon juice. The Sancho pepper finish adds a light spiciness that pairs well with citrus and floral flavors.

Overall, we highly recommend ROKU Gin for those looking for a unique and flavorful gin to elevate their cocktails.

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Gin Sour Cocktail

Gordons Gordon's London Dry Gin

If you're looking for a gin that's perfect for cocktails, Gordons Gordon's London Dry Gin is a great choice. It's a versatile gin that can be used in a variety of cocktails, and it's also great on its own.

Pros

• Gordon's gin is triple-distilled, ensuring the purity of the gin.
• The blend of botanicals, including handpicked wild juniper berries, coriander, angelica, and liquorice, results in a distinctive juniper taste that makes for a classic G&T.
• Gordons Gordon's gin is an award-winning gin that has earned its reputation as the ginniest of gins.

Cons

• Some people might find the juniper taste to be too strong.
• The bottle might be too large for some people.
• Contains Sulphur Dioxide/Sulphites.

We've found that Gordon's gin is a great gin for cocktails because of its juniper-dominant taste. The juniper flavor is what makes gin unique, and Gordon's gin has a crisp and refreshing taste that really shines through in a cocktail. Whether you're making a classic G&T, a Negroni, or a Martini, Gordon's gin is a great choice.

One of the things we love about Gordon's gin is that it's a versatile gin that can be used in a variety of cocktails. It's also great on its own, and we love sipping it over ice with a splash of tonic and a juicy lime wedge.

Overall, we highly recommend Gordons Gordon's London Dry Gin for anyone looking for a great gin for cocktails. Its unique blend of botanicals and juniper-dominant taste make it a great choice for any cocktail enthusiast.

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Gin Squirt Cocktail

Alkkemist Gin

If you're looking for a gin with a unique personality, full of tints, Alkkemist Gin is a great choice for you.

Pros

• Made with samphire and muscat grape, this gin has a bright and powerful taste that's perfect for cocktails.
• The floral notes on the palate with hints of grape and fruit make this gin stand out from the rest.
• The purely Mediterranean aromas perceived nose give this gin a refreshing and unique taste.

Cons

• This gin is on the more expensive side, so it might not be the best option for those on a budget.
• Some people might find the taste too strong or overpowering, so it's not for everyone.
• The bottle is quite heavy, so it might not be the most convenient to carry around.

We recently had the opportunity to try Alkkemist Gin, and we were impressed by its quality and taste. The gin contains 19 botanicals, including salvia, verbena, chamomile denim, lemon balm, rock tea, thyme, cat tail, agronomy, or orange or lemon rinds, and others. All of these ingredients come together to create a unique taste that's perfect for cocktails.

One of the things that we loved about Alkkemist Gin is how well it pairs with other ingredients. The taste is strong enough to stand out in a cocktail, but not so overpowering that it takes over the drink. We found that it worked particularly well with citrus flavors, but it was also great with other fruits and herbs.

Overall, we would highly recommend Alkkemist Gin to anyone looking for a high-quality gin that's perfect for cocktails. Its unique taste and high-quality ingredients make it stand out from the rest, and we're confident that you won't be disappointed with your purchase.

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Hendrick's Gin

If you are looking for the best gin for cocktails, Hendrick's Gin is an excellent choice. Its unique blend of rose and cucumber essence adds a refreshing twist to classic gin and tonic cocktails, making them taste better than ever.

Pros

• The subtle flavors of rose and cucumber make Hendrick's Gin a refreshing and delicious addition to any gin cocktail.
• Its smooth and balanced taste makes it perfect for both neat and mixed drinks.
• The striking black gin bottle and vintage design make it a decorative addition to any drinks cabinet and a great gift for gin lovers.

Cons

• The engraved bottles cannot be returned or refunded, so make sure you are happy with your purchase before ordering.
• The bottle is not transparent, so you cannot see how much gin is left inside.
• Hendrick's Gin is a premium spirit, so it may be more expensive than other gins on the market.

We highly recommend Hendrick's Gin for anyone looking to elevate their gin cocktails. Its unique blend of flavors and smooth taste make it an excellent choice for any occasion, from festive events to leisurely nights in. Try it in a refreshing gin and tonic with thinly sliced cucumber or get creative and mix up a Hendrick's Martini or Negroni.

Overall, Hendrick's Gin is a premium Scottish gin that stands out from the crowd. Handcrafted by William Grant & Sons, it is a rare union of lightness and complexity that is sure to impress even the most discerning gin connoisseur.

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Silent Pool Gin

If you're looking for a premium gin that's both sophisticated and refreshingly individual, Silent Pool Gin is the perfect choice.

Pros

• The unique blend of 24 botanicals creates a complex and romantic flavor that's perfect for cocktails.
• The fresh floral and clarifying citrus notes are grounded by earthy and spicy cassia bark and cubeb.
• The use of local honey gives the gin a smooth finish that's hard to resist.

Cons

• Silent Pool Gin is quite expensive compared to other gins on the market.
• Some might find the floral notes a bit too overwhelming.
• The glass stopper can be a bit tricky to handle.

Silent Pool Gin is a full-bodied yet fresh gin with depth and clarity of flavor. The rich and clean juniper-driven spirit is paired with floral extracts of lavender, elderflower, and chamomile, as well as citrus and kaffir lime notes. The result is a gin that's perfect for cocktails, especially those that require a floral and citrusy element.

The recommended serve for Silent Pool Gin is 50ml of gin, 200ml of premium Indian tonic water, a generous handful of ice, and a twist of orange peel to garnish. This combination brings out the best in the gin and highlights its unique flavor profile.

One of the things that make Silent Pool Gin stand out is its commitment to sustainability. The distillery is constantly minimizing its impact on both the local and wider environment by reducing its carbon footprint and removing plastic. This is a gin that you can feel good about drinking.

Overall, if you're looking for a premium gin that's perfect for cocktails and has a unique and complex flavor profile, Silent Pool Gin is definitely worth trying. It might be a bit expensive, but the quality of the gin and the attention to detail that goes into its production make it well worth the price.

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Brockmans Premium Gin

If you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious gin, Brockmans is the way to go.

Pros

• The dark berries and citrus notes create a refreshing and complex flavor.
• The smooth finish makes it perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails.
• The unconventional blend of botanicals sets it apart from other gins on the market.

Cons

• The price point is higher than some other gins, but the quality justifies the cost.
• The unusual flavor profile may not be for everyone.
• Some may find it too sweet for their taste.

Brockmans is the best gin for cocktails because its blend of dark berries, citrus, and botanicals creates a unique and complex flavor that enhances any cocktail. We love using it in a classic gin and tonic, but it also pairs well with fruity mixers like cranberry juice or lemonade. The smooth finish makes it easy to drink, and the unconventional flavor profile is sure to impress your guests.

When we first tried Brockmans, we were blown away by the depth of flavor. The traditional juniper notes are balanced by the sweetness of blueberries and blackberries, and the citrus and coriander add a refreshing kick. It's unlike any gin we've tasted before, and we love that it's anchored in tradition while still pushing the boundaries of what gin can be.

We also appreciate the attention to detail that goes into every bottle of Brockmans. The company takes pride in its heritage and uses only the finest botanicals to create a gin that is truly exceptional. Whether you're sipping it on its own or using it to craft a delicious cocktail, Brockmans is a gin that you won't soon forget.

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Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best gin, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Botanicals

Gin gets its unique flavor from the botanicals used in its production. Some common botanicals include juniper, coriander, citrus, and spices. Look for gins that use high-quality botanicals and have a well-balanced flavor profile.

Distillation

The distillation process can greatly impact the taste of gin. Look for gins that are distilled in small batches or using traditional methods. These gins often have a smoother taste and more complex flavor profile.

Proof

The proof of gin refers to its alcohol content. Most gins have a proof between 80 and 100. Higher proof gins tend to have a stronger flavor and are better suited for cocktails, while lower proof gins are often enjoyed neat or with a mixer.

Cocktails

When choosing a gin for cocktails, it's important to consider how it will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for gins with a strong juniper flavor and a balanced profile of botanicals. These gins will pair well with a variety of mixers and add depth to your cocktails.

Overall, choosing the best gin comes down to personal taste. Consider the botanicals, distillation process, and proof when making your selection. And don't be afraid to experiment with different gins in your favorite cocktails to find your perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 gins?

There are many great gins available, but our top 5 favorites are Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's, Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Sipsmith. Each has its own unique flavor profile and can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.

What brand is the best gin?

The best gin brand is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. However, some of the most popular and highly rated gin brands include Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's, Tanqueray, and Beefeater.

What gin is usually well?

Gordon's is a popular gin brand that is often used as a well gin due to its affordable price and versatile flavor profile. It is a great option for mixing in cocktails.

How can you tell good quality gin?

Good quality gin should have a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with a noticeable presence of juniper and other botanicals. It should also have a clean and crisp finish, with no harsh or bitter aftertaste. Look for gins that are made with high-quality ingredients and distilled using traditional methods.

Best gin for Martini

For a classic Martini, we recommend using a London Dry gin such as Tanqueray or Beefeater. These gins have a strong juniper flavor that pairs well with the dry vermouth and provides a crisp and refreshing cocktail.

Best gin for Negroni

A Negroni is a bold and flavorful cocktail that requires a gin with a strong and complex flavor profile. We recommend using a gin with a high ABV such as Navy Strength gin, which can hold its own against the other ingredients in the cocktail. Some great options include Plymouth Navy Strength, Tanqueray Navy Strength, and Four Pillars Navy Strength.