Today is International Gin & Tonic Day (October 19) which celebrates the historic drink from around the world. As a nation of gin drinkers, shoppers can’t help themselves and enjoy a nice G&T every now and then.
The day got us thinking about which gins are the best on the market in the UK, especially as there are plenty of choices in terms of flavours and brands.
We taste-tested some of the best supermarket gins all ranging from £16.50 to £37.
Even better the products tested are all easily available to buy from supermarkets, Amazon or online.
We then ranked each item out of 10 to determine the winner. One item clearly stood out in the taste test costing just under £40.
Penrhos Handcrafted Gin Wonky Raspberry 70cl
Price £30 from Sainsbury’s online or in-store.
The bottle is reusable with a great fruit flavour and just the right amount of sweetness. Penrhos also do another great flavour of rhubarb and apple which packs a punch.
Overall score – 7/10
Hayman’s London Dry Gin 70cl
Price £24.74 from Amazon.
This tastes better than your average gin with great herbal notes which is served perfectly with tonic and ice. It has a 41.2 percent ABV so may want to take it easy on the G&T’s.
Overall score – 8/10
Gordon’s Special London Dry Gin 1L
Price £19 from Asda online or in-store.
A classic but a goodie. Gordon’s does classic dry gin and is a firm favourite in the UK. The refreshing is the epitome of what a G&T is. Just don’t forget to add a slice of lemon.
Overall score – 8/10
Edinburgh Gin Elderflower Liqueur, 50cl
Price £16.50 from John Lewis online or in-store.
This gin is a unique flavour and one of the best from Edinburgh Gin. Refreshing and light it worryingly doesn’t like alcohol. This gin can be sipped with ice or paired brilliantly with tonic giving a slight twist on the usual dry gin.
Overall score – 6/10
Martin Miller’s Reformed Gin
Price £30 from Waitrose online or in-store.
The flavour has delicate hints of floral in the background, great for gin enthusiasts. There are touches of violet and cucumber making it a deliciously light drink.
Overall score – 8/10
Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Gin Bottle 70cl
Price £28 from Tesco online or in-store.
If a bottle could transport you to a warmer climate then this is it. Tanqueray’s offering has a light yet flavourful spin on a classic dry gin. Even better it packs a punch with its depth of flavour.
Overall score: 9/10
Herno Botanical Flavoured Gin – 50cl
Price £36.01 from Amazon.
Coming in at a slightly more expensive price on the list this gin is delicately made and worth the cost. Made in Sweden, the botanical flavour gin has juniper throughout with a rich and robust kick.
Overall: 7/10
Greenall’s the Original London Dry Gin 70cl
Price £17.50 from Sainsbury’s or £14.50 with Nectar card online or in-store.
A slightly stronger taste but is still enjoyable with its classic dry taste. Perfectly served with tonic it’s fitting for International Gin & Tonic Day.
Overall score – 6/10
Mermaid Gin 70cl
Price £33.90 from Master of Malt plus delivery.
Another slightly more expensive gin on the list. The beautiful bottle lives up to the taste with a smooth gin finish
Overall score – 6/10
Opihr Oriental Spiced London Dry Gin 70cl
Price £27 from Sainsbury’s or £22 with Nectar Card online or in-store.
A twist on the classic gin with enough spice and a little kick to make you want to keep coming back for more.
Overall score – 7/10
Cotswolds Dry Gin 70cl
Price £30 from Waitrose online or in-store.
Although you may think it doesn’t look like a gin bottle judging by its appearance, don’t let that fool you. There are hints of lavender and grapefruit flavours which justifies the price tag to be enjoyed every now and then.
Overall score – 7/10