Base spirit — Botanicals
Gin
Juniperus communis
A neutral grain spirit redistilled with botanicals, with juniper as the lead flavour by law. One of the most versatile spirits behind the bar — equally at home in a crisp G&T or a stirred-down Negroni.
What is gin?
Gin is a distilled spirit that gets its defining character from juniper berries. The base is typically a neutral grain spirit — similar to vodka — which is then redistilled or infused with a blend of botanicals chosen by the distiller. Juniper has to be the dominant flavour by law in the EU and UK, but beyond that, distillers have almost unlimited freedom to build their own botanical recipe.
The name itself comes from the Dutch word jenever, and gin’s origins trace back to the Netherlands in the 17th century before it crossed the Channel and became an inextricable part of British drinks culture. Today it’s produced all over the world, with distinct regional styles from London to Japan to Scotland.
Flavour profile
Gin’s flavour depends heavily on the botanical blend, distillation method, and style. That said, most gins share a core flavour foundation you’ll recognise once you’ve tasted a few.
ABV by style
The main gin styles
The category has expanded enormously over the last two decades. Here are the styles you’ll encounter most often.
London Dry
The classic benchmark. Juniper-forward, dry, and clean — no artificial flavours or sweeteners added after distillation. Despite the name, it can be made anywhere.
e.g. Tanqueray, BeefeaterContemporary / New Western
Juniper is present but dialled back, making space for other botanicals — citrus, floral, or exotic notes. Lighter and more approachable than London Dry.
e.g. Hendrick’s, Monkey 47Navy Strength
Bottled at 57% ABV or above — the strength at which gin wouldn’t spoil gunpowder if a barrel leaked at sea. Intense, full-bodied, and excellent in cocktails.
e.g. Plymouth Navy, Sipsmith VJOPOld Tom
Historically sweeter than London Dry, sitting somewhere between the drier London style and the original Dutch jenever. Used in classic cocktails like the Tom Collins.
e.g. Hayman’s Old TomGenever (Jenever)
The Dutch original. Made with malt wine and botanicals, giving it a fuller, grainier body closer to whisky than modern gin. Served neat in the Netherlands.
e.g. Bols GeneverSloe Gin
Technically a liqueur — gin infused with sloe berries and sugar. Fruity, plummy, and lower in alcohol. A British countryside staple, especially in autumn.
e.g. Gordon’s Sloe, Sipsmith SloeCommon botanicals
The botanical recipe is where gin gets its personality. Every distillery has its own blend, often kept secret, but most draw from a similar family of ingredients.
Quick facts
How it’s made: Neutral grain spirit is redistilled with botanicals (or cold-compounded with botanical extract). London Dry must be redistilled — no flavours can be added post-distillation.
Key producing regions: UK (London, Scotland), Netherlands, Spain, Germany, USA, Japan, Australia.
Legal minimum ABV: 37.5% in the UK and EU. Must be predominantly juniper-flavoured to be labelled as gin.
Ageing: Gin is almost never aged. When it is (e.g. barrel-aged gin), the wood softens the botanicals and adds vanilla and spice notes.
Closest substitutes: Vodka for cocktails where gin is just the base. For botanical complexity, try white rum or a herbal aquavit — though the result will be different.
Cocktails that use gin
Gin is the base for some of the most iconic cocktails ever made. Here are a few to get started with.
Recommended bottles
A small, well-chosen selection across the main styles — from reliable everyday bottles to ones worth picking up for a specific cocktail.
Tanqueray London Dry
London Dry · 43.1%
The classic benchmark. Juniper-forward with clean citrus. A solid all-rounder for any gin cocktail.
Beefeater
London Dry · 40%
Affordable and consistent. Citrus-bright with a classic juniper backbone. Great for G&Ts and long drinks.
Hendrick’s
Contemporary · 41.4%
Cucumber and rose make it distinctive. Softer on the juniper than London Dry, which makes it divisive but interesting.
Sipsmith London Dry
London Dry · 41.6%
One of the gins that sparked the British craft gin revival. Rounded, classic, and works brilliantly in a Martini.
Plymouth Gin
Plymouth · 41.2%
Earthy and slightly softer than London Dry. One of the oldest gin distilleries still operating. Excellent in a Negroni.
Monkey 47
Contemporary · 47%
47 botanicals from Germany’s Black Forest. Complex, spicy, and unlike anything else. Worth it for a special occasion G&T.
Storage & shelf life
Gin is relatively low-maintenance to store compared to wine or beer — but a few simple rules will keep it tasting its best.
Temperature
Room temperature is fine. No need to refrigerate, though chilling doesn’t hurt.
Light
Keep away from direct sunlight. A cupboard or dark shelf is ideal.
Sealing
Always reseal the bottle. Exposure to air over time can dull the more delicate botanicals.
Shelf life
Indefinitely if sealed and stored properly. Once open, best within 1–2 years for optimum flavour.