15 Outstanding Gins for Summer Cocktails
15 Outstanding Gins for Summer Cocktails
Ah, gin. Arguably one of the most refreshing yet divisive spirits of all time. Using the wrong gin can turn what was intended to be a crisp, herbaceous late-afternoon cocktail into a hellish piney ordeal. With such a drastic disparity in style, taste, price, and even color, it's no wonder some timid souls steer away from the juniper juice altogether. To help steer you in the right direction, we've put together a list of our favorite tried-and-true varieties of gin for summer cocktails. You bring the tonic.
Hendrick's Gin
$50, drinkupny.com
"Curious, yet marvelous," this unique Scottish spirit is distilled in small batches using 12 high-quality botanicals. The particularly soft and subtle infusion of cucumber and Bulgarian rose makes Hendrick's both an approachable gateway gin for newbies and a refreshing go-to summer staple for more seasoned aficionados.
Martin Miller's London Dry Gin
$35, drinkupny.com
This London Dry variety prides itself as being the ambassador for super premium gins, and for good reason. Miller's packs a full-bodied citrusy trip for the taste buds, ending with a clean, soft crispness that makes it ideal for warm-weather cocktails. Reach for this bottle when you're feeling nautical on a balmy summer evening.
Boodles British London Dry Gin
$22, liquorama.net[link target="_blank" link_updater_label="external"]
One of the most versatile and affordable options on the market, Boodles is a must-have for any [link target="_blank" link_updater_label="external"]home bar this summer, swim-up or otherwise. It's versatile, clean, and uniquely distilled without citrus, making it an excellent option for an already lemon-heavy Tom Collins. Plus, Boodles... it's fun to say every time.
Plymouth English Gin
$33, drinkupny.com
One of the oldest and most well-known English gins, Plymouth is smooth, refreshing, and has a subtle balance of earthy and citrusy notes, making it as tasty in a classic Negroni as it is simply topped with a splash of tonic. Plus, it's coined "The Authentic Spirit of Discovery," so there's your nerdy pick-up line.
Tanqueray No. Ten London Gin
$35, liquorama.net
More citrusy than the original juniper-forward (aka "this tastes like pine needles in my mouth") Tanqueray, the addition of fresh white grapefruit, lime, orange, and camomile flowers lifts Tanqueray No. Ten's botanical mix into a lighter category, perfectly suited for summer cocktails.
Few Spirits American Gin
$40, liquorama.net
Lemon peel and vanilla stand out the most in this fun American Gin from Illinois-based Few Distillery, though each sip closes with a refreshing reminder of crisp juniper. You'll definitely want to keep sipping.
Beefeater London Dry Gin
$29, bevmo.com
Affordable, versatile, and exceptionally refreshing in a gin and tonic or Tom Collins, Beefeater is a classically crisp London Dry Gin that's ready to mingle in your favorite warm-weather cocktails.
Ransom Old Tom Gin
$45, drinkupny.com
Produced in Oregon, this American gin is aged for three to six months in wine barrels in accordance with the Old Tom style that was popular back in the day. It's zesty, citrusy, and slightly woodsy, making it an ideal mixer for warmer months. Plus, you'll definitely impress your guests with this old-school bottle.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
$46, astorwines.com
This name of this quirky gin made in Germany's Black Forest comes from the number of botanicals used during distillation as well as its rather high ABV. With flavors that travel from spicy and earthy to cranberry-tart, this gin will be memorable as long as you remember to... ehh... sip slowly.
Death's Door Gin
All of the ingredients that go into this craft American Gin are grown on or near the distillery's headquarters in Washington Island, Wisconsin, from the organic juniper to the fennel to the wheat-and-barley base. It's bold, refreshing, and slightly spicy, just like you!
Breuckelen Distilling Glorious Gin
$40, mouth.com
Lemon, rosemary, ginger, and grapefruit stand out most in this bright and crisp New York-based gin. It's divine in virtually any light summer cocktail and makes a great gift for your super cool gin-loving friends.
Nolet's Silver Dry Gin
Clean, dry, and balanced, Nolet's is a mellow and nuanced spirit made from an aromatic blend of fruit, floral, and herbal ingredients. A classic pick for a classic gin and tonic.
No. 209 Gin
$44, masterofmalt.com
This gin from San Francisco-based Distillery No. 209 is deliciously complex with a spicy, citrusy flavor proile thanks to the bergamot orange, lemon peel, cardamom, angelica root, and coriander seeds in addition to its base of juniper.
Ungava Canadian Premium Gin
$30, marketviewliquor.com
The botanicals in this unique spirit are handpicked in northern Quebec and include six indigenous herbs, flowers, and berries including cloudberries, Labrador tea, and wild rose hips, which lend this gin its sunny yellow hue. Have this bottle on hand for that Canadian friend of yours who loves Canada (and gin)!
New York Distilling Company Dorothy Parker American Gin
$46, masterofmalt.com
Dorothy Parker American Gin is made with a delicious blend of both traditional botanicals — like juniper and elderberries — as well as contemporary ingredients like hibiscus, making it a fun, unconventional pick for a gin and tonic.
Don't be afraid of the juniper juice.