The 30 best gins (and low-alcohol gins) reviewed by the Stylist team
From Hendricks to Pinkster, there’s a gin for everyone (we know, we tried them all).
Summer brings many glorious things: BBQs, picnics, long walks, floral dresses and so on. A humble gin and tonic in the sunshine? That ranks pretty high, too.
Whether you’re a purist and stick to the clear, classic gins, or you’re partial to something a bit more adventurous (there’s so much to discover beyond those sticky pink gins); the Stylist team have gone through the, ahem, trouble, of trying loads for you.
Ahead you’ll find a comprehensive review of the 30 best gins to buy right now with notes of what to pair them with. Fill up your ice trays, ready your favourite glassware and tickle your tastebuds with the best of our favourite summer spirit. These deserve a spot on your home bar.
Fishers Gin Original
Best gins 2020: Fishers Alessia: “It’s very botanical with a strong aniseed taste. This would be perfect with an unflavoured tonic water and cucumber, but if you are a gin amateur I’d suggest you try it” (£39.95, fishersgin.com).
Atopia Wild Blossom
Best gins 2020: Atopia Amy: “Being sober needn’t be a compromise with the fresh apple notes and subtle smokiness. Mix with orange bitters and soda water for a delightful alternative old fashioned” (£24, masterofmalt.com).
Fatty’s Organic
Best gins 2020: Fattys Charlotte: “This is best served with a light tonic and a slice of grapefruit; very refreshing and crisp with notes of dill” (£45, fattysorganicspirits.com).
Aviation American
Best gins 2020: Aviation Colin: “Smooth and subtle, this craft gin casts citrus in a starring role. It’s A-list but cool about it, just like its owner, Ryan Reynolds” (£26.99, shop.proofdrinks.com).
Sipsmith London Dry
Best gins 2020: Sipsmith Francesca: “This kickstarted the Sipsmith brand (and the gin revolution) and quite honestly served with a pink Fever-Tree, lime and ice is an elegant delight” (£29, sipsmith.com).
Cardrona Source
Best gins 2020: Source Charlotte: “It is very strong but smooth and citrus with a hint of coriander. I topped it up after with an elderflower tonic which was just delightful. (£56, cardronadistillery.com).
Bathtub
Best gins 2020: Bathtub gin Megan: “I made some bramble cocktails with fresh blackberries which really highlighted the juniper and sweet orange notes. The coriander is also quite strong so may not be for everyone.” (£31, masterofmalt.com).
Ealing
Best gins 2020: Ealing Claire: “Although packing a punch, the 11 botanicals work together in harmony to provide a considerably well-balanced and refreshing flavour” (£44.50, ealingdistillery.co.uk).
Bloom Raspberry & Rose
Best gins 2020: Bloom Jenny: “Pretend like summer is just around the corner (please) by skipping the tonic and topping this fruity number with prosecco” (£24.50, tesco.com).
Chase Hedgerow Elderflower
Best gins 2020: Chase Amy: “With elderflowers picked from the wilds of Herefordshire, this sweet, floral gin requires only soda and a slice of lemon to make a fragrant summer cocktail” (£38.50, johnlewis.com).
Monkey 47
Best gins 2020: Monkey Michelle: “With full-on juniper flavours, my glass was enhanced with a slice of cucumber and a Thai red curry on the side” (£50, fortnumandmason.com).
Porter’s Tropical Old Tom
Best gins 2020: Porters Meena: “Made in Aberdeen, guava and white tea give this the taste of sunnier climes – garnish with passion fruit and be transported” (£31,shop.theginkin.com).
Cambridge Distillery Elderflower
Best gins 2020: Cambridge Elderflower Liquer Sue: “Smooth, subtle and tantalising as it went down – you could try with tonic, but tbh it was fab on its own, and I am not usually a gin drinker! (£29.99, theginkin.com).
Canaïma
Best gins 2020: Canaima Gemma: “Enjoy the tangy flavour with grapefruit soda while doing good – 10% of profits go towards reforestation of the Amazon” (£34.45, thewhiskyexchange.com).
Chapel Down Bacchus
Best gins 2020: Chapel Down Helen: “The best companion for champagne in a French 75, this gin has hints of elderflower and lemon” (£40, majestic.co.uk).
Hendrick’s Lunar
Best gin 2020: Hendricks Lisa: “Inspired by the moon, this limited-edition gin is light and smooth. Perfect for novice gin drinkers” (£47, harveynichols.com).
58Gin’s Make Your Own
Best gin 2020: 58 Alix: “Choose your own flavours, botanicals and colour and this East London distillery will deliver two personalised bottles to your door – clever” (£99, 58gin.com).
Kokoro
Best gin 2020: Kokoro Hannah: “Sansho berries are the crown ingredient in Kokoro’s light and citrusy London Dry; they also do a subtle cherry blossom liqueur (£30, kokorogin.com).
Zymurgorium Marmalade
Best gin 2020: Zymurgorium Sarah: “I tried this Marmalade Gin neat on ice and the zest of orange really comes through, fruity but still bitter” (£29.95, zymurgorium.com).
No.3 London Dry
Best gin 2020: London Dry Helen: “This has a real bite to it and is jammed with citrusy goodness. Drink with a slice of grapefruit and a stick of rosemary” (£36, bbr.com).
Zealots Heart
Best gin 2020: Zealots Chloe: “Brewdog’s bottle is the perfect gin for tonic and a squeeze of lemon; the simple juniper and citrus botanicals are strong but anything but basic” (£30, brewdog.com).
Portobello Road Butter
Best gin 2020: Portobello Road Polly: “Did I expect a butter gin to force its way into my repertoire of go-to gins? In a word, no. But its subtle creaminess complements the clean floral notes” (£30, portobelloroadgin.com).
Seven Crofts
Best gin 2020: Seven Crofts Rosanna: “Opulent in both design and taste, its Highlands heritage is reflected in notes of juniper and hints of warm woodiness. Match with tonic and a slice of orange” (£40, highlandliquorcompany.com)
Willow CBD
Best gin 2020: Willow Terry: “Drink this low-alcohol spirit with tonic and ice for a slight taste of pineapple and lime” (£30, thedrinkshop.com),
Haysmith’s Mango & Passionfruit
Best gin 2020: Haysmiths Lauren: “This tropical-flavoured gin is just as refreshing as you’d imagine. Pair it with tonic water to let the fruity flavours do the talking” (£15.99, aldi.co.uk).
Pinkster
Best gin 2020: Pinkster “A crisp-tasting spirit with a delicate hint of fruit. Drink with Franklin & Sons tonic, chuck in a raspberry and a sprig of mint” (£35, pinkstergin.com).
Salcombe Island Queen
Best gin 2020: Salcombe Nicole: “Tropical gin is not a combo I would have ever thought would work, but you’re hit with flavours of pineapple, mango and coconut. This limited-edition bottle is perfect for a gin lover who’s tried everything (£65, salcombegin.com).
Cambridge Distillery Japanese
Best gin 2020: Japanese Gin Sophie: “With shiso leaf, yuzu and sesame, this Japanese inspired gin is great with regular tonic and a slice of pink grapefruit. Or drink straight over ice to really savour the flavours” (£65, shop.theginkin.com).
Silent Pool Rose Expression
Best gin 2020: Silent Pool Ella: “This was like jumping into a fresh-water swimming pool. Citrusy, dry and crisp, it’s perfect for all those who have overdone the botanicals recently” (£37, silentpooldistillers.com).
Sipling Alcohol Free Gin & Tonic
Best gin 2020: Sipling Tom: “I’m not really one for non-alcoholic pre-made drinks but this was lovely with notes subtle bitterness and classic gin botanicals. Yum” (£19.49 for six, sipling.com).