13 Gins for Making a Gin and Tonic

When it comes to mixing up a refreshing gin and tonic, the choice of gin can make all the difference. The best gin for a classic G&T is one that complements the crispness of the tonic water and adds its own unique botanical flavors to the mix. Whether you’re a gin aficionado or just starting to explore the world of cocktails, finding the right gin for your gin and tonic can elevate your drinking experience to a whole new level.

Gin enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of juniper, citrus, and other botanicals in their drinks will find that the perfect gin can transform a simple gin and tonic into a delightful sensory experience. With a wide range of gins available, from traditional London dry gins to more modern and experimental varieties, there’s a gin out there for every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer your G&T light and refreshing or bold and aromatic, discovering the best gin for your gin and tonic can be a delicious adventure.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is the king of gins. 12 botanicals infuse the bright, clean liquor with delicate herbal flavors. Bombay Sapphire uses the unconventional vapor infusion method to make its superior gin. Bombay Sapphire guards its ingredients jealously. The gin owes its success to a recipe used since 1761. The results, however, speak for themselves. The gin has strong citrus notes, providing the perfect flavor for a gin and tonic.

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Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Sam Galsworthy, Fairfax Hall, and Jared Brown created Sipsmith London Dry Gin in 2007. Though younger than many distillers on the market, Sispmith quickly established itself as the perfect gin and tonic foundation. The smooth spirit tastes subtly of orange zest and honey. Sipsmith London Dry Gin goes down smoothly, lending a gin and tonic a tart bite.

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Citadelle Gin

The French proved they could improve upon any liquor with Citadelle Gin. Alexandre Gabriel began the company in 1996, and the Chateau de Bonbonnet has been growing juniper berries ever since. The distiller harvests its site-grown berries and turns them into a top-shelf gin. Citadelle highlights the flavor of juniper with a bright citrus twist. The strong, smooth taste makes Citadelle an ideal cocktail gin that shines through other ingredients.

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The Botanist Islay Dry Gin

Since its 2011 creation, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin has stolen the hearts of gin aficionados. The Scottish spirit is a rustic, heartfelt creation. Local foragers on Islay Island gather the gin’s 22 botanicals by hand. The Botanist uses two varieties of juniper berries. Notes of peppermint and pine infuse every sip of the clean, smooth spirit. The taste is powerful but not overwhelming. 

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Bluecoat

Philadelphia’s own Bluecoat gin broke a Pennsylvania dry spell. No distilleries were built in the state following Prohibition until Andrew Auwerda and Timothy Yarnall established Bluecoat in 2005. Bluecoat Gin immediately earned an ardent following and with good cause. Grapefruit and lemon zest provide a pleasant citrus burst, while coriander lends the gin a spicy zip.

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Beefeater London Dry Gin

Named after the distinctively dressed Tower of London guards, Beefeater London Dry Gin is an alcoholic institution. Beefeater has been a heavy-hitter since its inception in 1862. James Burrough’s little distillery could craft a unique gin from nine botanicals. Beefeater is a particularly juniper-heavy gin. Subtle citrus undertones provide contrast, while licorice notes round out the flavor palate. Beefeater stands well on its own two feet, making it perfect for any cocktail needs, but especially gin and tonics.

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Hendrick’s

Lesley Gracie developed the recipe for Hendrick’s Gin in 1999, using classic and rare stills. The unconventional method yielded undeniable results; in 2003, The Wall Street Journal dubbed Hendrick’s the “Best Gin in the World.” The spirit features vanilla and citrus notes. Hendrick’s recommends using cucumber instead of lime as a gin and tonic garnish to better complement the clean cucumber elements present in each sip.

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Aviation Gin

Ryan Reynolds has contributed a lot of great things to the world. However, Aviation Gin may trump them all, even Deadpool. The distillery, which opened in 2006, focuses on crafting delicious, classic gin. Aviation Gin has a stronger spice taste than many spirits of its kind. Cinnamon flavor and cardamom anchor the drink, while citrus notes round out the flavor profile. Aviation is bright, clean, and plenty strong enough to shine through any cocktail.

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Tanqueray

Tanqueray is pedigreed. The distillery opened in 1830, quickly becoming a worldwide favorite. Tanqueray survived near destruction during World War II and became the best-selling gin globally in 2016. Tanqueray owes its worldwide popularity to its bright, lemony flavor. Juniper is the star, however. The berries anchor the flavor profile, providing a solid foundation for pleasant, herbal notes.

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Barr Hill Gin

Barr Hill Gin is the fruitful result of the unlikely partnership between a fermenter and a beekeeper. The Vermont distillery opened in 2011 and, within a year, won the Double Gold and Best Gin of the Year awards. The apiarist’s contribution is immediately apparent. Barr Hill Gin tastes of raw honey and wildflowers. In addition, it provides a complex, slightly sweet, and floral fin, making it the perfect base for every cocktail.

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Roku Japanese Gin

Roku Gin is a uniquely Japanese gin spirit with plenty of traditional gin components. Founded in 2017, Roku combines six Japanese botanicals with eight classic botanicals to craft a distinctive, memorable gin. What the gin is? It’s pleasantly bitter, with Yazu undertones, and lightly tastes of tea. The spirit finishes peppery on the palate. While the liquor makes a more unconventional gin and tonic, drinkers seeking a unique and delicious cocktail experience can’t find a better gin option than Roku.

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Monkey 47 Gin

The Germans outdid themselves with Monkey 47 Gin. Launched in 2010, the Teutonic spirit swiftly enchanted the gin world with its unusual flavor and unexpected ingredients. The titular 47 refers to the number of botanicals used in the recipe. However, the inclusion of lingonberries is the spirit’s greatest deviation from tradition. The aromatic gin tastes earthy and a bit spicy. Monkey 47 has a potent flavor profile, capable of shining through any cocktail.

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Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

PJ and Denise Rigney founded Ireland’s top gin brand in 2016. The distillery uses medieval copper pots to craft the unique, flavorful gin. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin fuses botanicals from Ireland and the Orient to create a distinctive flavor profile built around gunpowder tea. The spirit is citrus-heavy, grapefruit in particular. Delicate licorice notes round out each sip.

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