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Gin • 11 min • 29.09.2023
10 Best Gins for Gin and Tonic: Explore the Perfect Mixed Drink

Among all the usual mixed drinks like a rum and coke, or a whisky soda, a gin and tonic, also known as G&T, is often the standard choice for many.
A classic G&T utilises gin's versatile nature and wide range of botanical flavours, making it a beloved drink for many occasions. So, let's visit the 10 best gins for a perfect gin and tonic.
A Quick Look at Our Top 10 Gins for Gin and Tonic
- Best Overall Gin for Gin and Tonic: Hendrick’s Gin
- Best Japanese Gin for Gin and Tonic: Suntory Roku Japanese Gin
- Best American Gin for Gin and Tonic: Bluecoat American Dry Gin
- Best British Dry Gin for Gin and Tonic: Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Best Vintage Gin for Gin and Tonic: Blackwoods Vintage Dry Gin
- Best Traditional Gin for Gin and Tonic: Broker's Gin
- Best Versatile Gin for Gin and Tonic: Sipsmith London Dry Gin
- Best Irish Gin for Gin and Tonic: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
- Best Scottish Gin for Gin and Tonic: The Botanist
- Best London Gin for Gin and Tonic: Beefeater
1. Best Overall Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$79.95 - $85 ($74.95 member price)
- ABV
41.4%
- Region
Scotland
- Distiller
William Grant & Sons' Girvan Distillery
Hendrick's was the first gin I got to work with that changed my opinion about gins being one-dimensional (namely due to the juniper). Being a flora-forward gin, Hendrick's was an olfactory delight for me.
The subtle cucumber notes shine through in a G&T with a Japanese cucumber slice. The balanced and nuanced profile results in a harmonious gin and tonic that appeals to both seasoned gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
A whisper of rose petals and cucumber adds a unique freshness, softening the juniper notes
- Palate
Classic juniper pushes through, orange bursts, and a tinge of earl grey
- Finish
Long and astringent, black pepper and a passing notes of rose
2. Best Japanese Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$67.95 - $88 ($62.95 member price)
- ABV
43%
- Region
Japan
- Distiller
Suntory Roku's blend of six Japanese and traditional botanicals is reflected in its hexagonal bottle which is a testament to the attention to detail. I really enjoy the subtle ginger notes in this gin, and it truly shines in a gin and tonic, bringing a delicious zing to the palate.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Sencha and pepper lead, with wafts of sakura
- Palate
Exploding with tea flavours, earl grey seeps in, with sakura and juniper close behind as the flavour opens
- Finish
Short, herbaceous, and a touch of pepper brings astringency to the tongue
3. Best American Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$76.69 - $107
- ABV
47%
- Region
United States (Pennsylvania)
- Distiller
Philadelphia Distilling
Bluecoat's citrus explosion marries well into any gin and tonic, while the herbs blend nicely with any tonic's inherent bitterness, bringing a new meaning to a well-balanced beverage that invigorates with every sip.
Bluecoat also boasts 100% organic botanicals used to make this smooth drink, held in a bright blue, eye-catching bottle.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Woody juniper notes, lemon and orange citrus come through with a passing coriander
- Palate
Bright citrus pushes through, grapefruit and lemon hold strong, juniper takes a back seat with notes of cardamom sweetness
- Finish
Medium finish, with a pleasant gentle backwash of warmth
4. Best British Dry Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$53.80 - $69.50
- ABV
43.1%
- Region
United Kingdom
- Distiller
Diageo Cameronbridge Distillery
Tanqueray emphasises juniper as the key to this classic London Dry Gin, and it works best with softer tonics such as Fevertree Mediterranean so that the other botanicals in the gin have a chance to push through.
This is a refreshing, timeless gin that continues to shine in an age of contemporary and artisanal crafts.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Classic juniper takes centre stage, accompanied by subtle hints of citrus and botanical spices
- Palate
Layers of coriander complement a bold burst of juniper, angelica root, and a touch of spice
- Finish
A crisp and dry finish, with juniper and citrus notes lingering on the palate
5. Best Vintage Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$65.10 - $72.50
- ABV
40%
- Region
Scotland (Shetland Islands)
- Distiller
Blackwood Distillery
Blackwoods' vintage nature adds an air of exclusivity to your gin and tonic experience. The botanicals are switched up with every vintage released, so you'll never really get the same G&T experience with this. Blackwoods favours small batches during distillation in traditional copper pots to bring out the true Scottish flavours.
I particularly enjoy this 2017 vintage for its round, balanced character, making for a delicious gin and tonic.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Classic juniper and citrus lead, with a floral undertone
- Palate
A well-balanced ensemble of juniper, citrus and, spice tantalise in waves
- Finish
Long, with an interesting sweet warmth
6. Best Traditional Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$55.50 - $88.00
- ABV
40%
- Region
England
- Distiller
Broker's Gin Distillery
Broker's Gin is a big, bold spirit. Juniper dominates and carries the other botanicals (like orris root, cinnamon, and cassia bark) with a heat that is reminiscent of classic gins. This gin is a timeless and straightforward option with no frills for a classic G&T. Just add a fresh lime squeeze to top off your cocktail.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Juniper heavy with a herbaceous whisper
- Palate
Classic juniper continues to lead, bringing a citrusy heat that brings out a herby note midway
- Finish
Long, warm and pleasantly herby
7. Best Versatile Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$74.95 - $98.00
- ABV
41.6%
- Region
United Kingdom
- Distiller
Sipsmith Distillery
Known as "the quintessential London gin ", Sipsmith brings a medley of juniper and citrus to the table; a perfect canvas for crafting various styles of gin and tonic.
The harmonious flavours, like lemon tart and orange marmalade, make it ideal for mixing and matching various tonics or juices to create a unique gin and tonic experience every time
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Classic juniper notes, laced with orange zest, an interesting honey note lingers
- Palate
Juniper leads, but quickly gives way to a lemon meringue twang midway
- Finish
Spices push through as the citrus fades, with notes of cinnamon and coriander
8. Best Irish Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$96.50 - $125.00 ($93.50 member price)
- ABV
43%
- Region
Ireland
- Distiller
The Shed Distillery
Drumshanbo Gunpowder takes on a herby front by using Chinese tea leaves rolled into a small ball, much like gunpowder. But make no mistake, despite the earthy character, there is a complexity in this gin from the citrus fruits and juniper used in the distillation process.
This gin is an absolute gem when you use a heavier tonic to complement the earthy notes.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Light, breezy citrus and juniper notes carry a note of green tea effortlessly
- Palate
Grapefruit bursts onto the palate while the juniper follows closely midway, a tannic touch of green tea towards the end
- Finish
A sweet and lingering finish as the juniper and tea give way to spices like cardamom and vanilla
9. Best Scottish Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$118.09 - $145 ($113.09 member price)
- ABV
46%
- Region
Scotland (Islay)
- Distiller
Bruichladdich Distillery
The Botanist is made in a slow distillation process using an astounding 22 botanicals and still manages to create a gin that is perfectly balanced in every element. It gives a delightful, round mouthfeel in a gin and tonic with fresh botanical notes.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Perfumy at first, juniper and lemon zests take a front seat as the orchestra of botanicals slowly opens up in the background
- Palate
An almost oily texture coats the palate with pine and mint before chamomile and birch bark come through
- Finish
A long, intimate astringency lingers, leaving notes of liquorice and Herbs de Provence in a gentle heat
10. Best London Gin for Gin and Tonic
- Price
$51.95 - $64.80
- ABV
47%
- Region
England (London)
- Distiller
Beefeater Distillery
Beefeater is an iconic gin with a long history and a hand-crafted recipe that originated in the 19th century. Beefeater's juniper-forward profile is a testament to the roots of London Dry Gin. Its classic character provides the ideal canvas for crafting a gin and tonic that satisfies every single time.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye
Crystal clear
- Nose
Pine-forward juniper dominates the nose, with hints of orange in the background
- Palate
Orange and lemon come forward, juniper lingers on as spice comes through in the end
- Finish
Short and sharp, coriander and liquorice waft through on the tail note, bringing a warm sweetness
Make Your Gin and Tonics Perfect With the Best Gins
No matter which type of gin you pick, with this guide, you've embarked on a journey that celebrates the art of mixology and the diversity of flavours. From the elegance of Hendrick's to the versatility of Sipsmith, each gin on this list has demonstrated its unique capacity to elevate the classic gin and tonic.
The choice of gin is paramount in determining a gin and tonic's final character. So why wait? Sign up for a membership with Paneco today and enjoy exclusive, members-only prices on these amazing gins and more.