The Best Gin Brands: Mainstream to Premium

Tanqueray is an indispensable gin that embodies tradition, consistency, and the classic London dry style. With origins dating back to 1830, Tanqueray remains a cornerstone in many bars and restaurants worldwide.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice
• Flavor Profile: Crisp, clean, with a strong juniper backbone and a hint of spice
• Best Use: Perfect for quintessential gin cocktails like the Martini or Gin and Tonic

Why Include Tanqueray?

Widely recognized for its consistency and quality, Tanqueray has become a staple for customers who enjoy classic gin flavors. This brand appeals to traditional gin enthusiasts, ensuring your menu caters to a broad customer base. Tanqueray’s balanced profile also provides a solid foundation in cocktails, allowing other ingredients to shine without compromising the gin’s core character.

Incorporating Tanqueray on your menu signals customers that your establishment values quality and heritage. It’s also an easy recommendation for staff to make to patrons seeking a familiar, reliable choice in their gin cocktail.

Crafted in Scotland, Hendrick’s Gin burst onto the scene in 1999 with a uniquely floral profile, incorporating cucumber and rose petal infusions that contrast distinctly with traditional gins. Hendrick’s has become a modern classic known for its playful and unconventional branding.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, cucumber, rose petals, elderflower
• Flavor Profile: Light, floral, and slightly sweet, with a refreshing cucumber note
• Best Use: Ideal for a twist on the classic Gin and Tonic, served with a cucumber garnish

Why Include Hendrick’s?

Hendrick’s attracts patrons who are looking for something different. It’s particularly popular among those who enjoy gin but seek a lighter, less juniper-heavy experience. Offering Hendrick’s allows you to appeal to a younger demographic or those new to gin, as its botanical complexity and unique flavors make it an inviting, approachable option.

Highlighting Hendrick’s on your menu as a “floral gin” can make it a popular choice for customers seeking refreshing cocktails. Including suggested garnishes like cucumber slices can also provide an engaging experience that adds to the appeal.

Bombay Sapphire’s eye-catching blue bottle and its use of ten botanicals create a flavor profile that is both smooth and accessible. Known for its broad appeal, Bombay Sapphire is a safe bet for bars seeking a versatile gin that suits various cocktails.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, lemon peel, coriander, angelica root, and grains of paradise
• Flavor Profile: Smooth, light, with balanced citrus and floral notes
• Best Use: A go-to for cocktails like the Gin and Tonic or a refreshing Tom Collins

Why Include Bombay Sapphire?

Bombay Sapphire’s balanced taste makes it a versatile choice that complements a range of cocktails. As a gin that’s light on juniper, it’s a favorite among customers who may be newer to gin, offering a gentler introduction to the spirit’s botanical complexity.

Its wide recognition and approachable flavor make it an ideal option for high-traffic bars. It’s also an excellent choice for establishments that serve large crowds, as it appeals to customers looking for a familiar, easy-to-drink option. Featuring Bombay Sapphire on your menu shows you’re attentive to both gin connoisseurs and casual drinkers.

Beefeater Gin is steeped in history, offering an unmistakable London dry profile that has defined traditional gin for over 150 years. Its robust, juniper-forward character makes it an essential choice for those seeking a classic gin experience.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, Seville orange peel, lemon peel, and angelica root
• Flavor Profile: Bold, crisp, with pronounced juniper and a touch of citrus
• Best Use: Classic cocktails like the Martini, Negroni, and Tom Collins

Why Include Beefeater?

Beefeater is a must for a bar or restaurant aiming to offer an authentic London dry gin. Its bold juniper flavor stands up well in cocktails, especially those with strong complementary ingredients. Beefeater’s heritage also lends credibility to any gin selection, positioning your bar as knowledgeable in classic spirits.

Featuring Beefeater on your menu as a “traditional London dry” can attract customers who appreciate classic gin cocktails. Its robust and straightforward profile can also appeal to those looking for a bold flavor in mixed drinks, making it a versatile addition.

Monkey 47 is a premium gin from Germany’s Black Forest, crafted with a remarkable forty-seven botanicals. Known for its complexity and high-quality distillation process, Monkey 47 is ideal for upscale establishments or gin-focused bars.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, lingonberry, elderflower, jasmine, and spruce shoots
• Flavor Profile: Complex, layered, with floral, citrus, and herbal notes
• Best Use: Served neat, in a Martini, or upscale gin cocktails

Why Include Monkey 47?

Monkey 47’s exclusivity and intricate botanical blend make it perfect for specialty bars or high-end dining establishments. As a premium gin, it appeals to discerning patrons willing to pay a little extra for quality and uniqueness.

Promoting Monkey 47 on your menu with tasting notes can encourage customers to savor it neat or in simple cocktails, allowing the complex flavors to stand out. Highlighting it as a “luxury gin” provides an elevated experience that can become a talking point, especially among connoisseurs.

Plymouth Gin is protected by geographical indication, meaning distillers can only produce this gin in Plymouth, England. Known for its smoother, earthier profile, Plymouth Gin has a loyal following among those who appreciate English heritage spirits.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, orange peel, cardamom, and orris root
• Flavor Profile: Earthy, smooth, slightly sweet with a rounded finish
• Best Use: Ideal for sipping or using in classic cocktails like the Gimlet

Why Include Plymouth Gin?

Plymouth Gin’s distinctive, heritage-rich profile makes it a valuable addition for bars emphasizing authenticity. Its smoother character is ideal for customers who prefer a gin with a softer juniper presence, adding variety to your menu.

Promoting Plymouth’s unique history can attract patrons interested in learning about gin’s origins. By positioning it as an “authentic English gin,” you can create a more profound experience for customers who enjoy heritage brands and appreciate the art of traditional gin distilling.

Crafted by Japan’s famed Suntory distillery, Roku Gin includes six Japanese botanicals, such as sakura flower and yuzu peel, for a unique and delicate flavor. Roku’s balance of floral, citrus, and herbal notes is a refreshing twist on traditional gin.

• Key Botanicals: Juniper, sakura flower, yuzu peel, green tea, sansho pepper, and gyokuro tea
• Flavor Profile: Light, floral, with subtle citrus and green tea nuances
• Best Use: Best enjoyed in a Gin and Tonic with a ginger garnish or in cocktails with Asian-inspired ingredients

Why Include Roku Gin?

Roku Gin adds international flair to your gin selection, appealing to customers looking for something unique and culturally rich. Its Japanese botanicals introduce a new flavor dimension, perfect for customers interested in artisanal spirits and global flavors.

Highlighting Roku Gin’s Japanese heritage and distinctive botanical blend can make it an exciting choice on your menu. Suggested garnishes like ginger or lemon peel can enhance the experience, offering patrons a memorable and refreshing taste of Japan.

Finding the best gin brands for your bar or establishment can elevate your reputation and attract a diverse customer base. Each brand has something unique to offer, from the classic flavors of Tanqueray and Beefeater to the innovative botanicals in Hendrick’s and Roku. Educate your staff on each gin’s characteristics, origin, and best-serving practices to create a memorable experience for your patrons