In case you were ever in any doubt, gin is still very much Britain’s most-loved tipple. And as the festive season arrives, it’s probably sensible to have your gin cupboard fully stocked. Alternatively, a cracking bottle of gin also makes a great failsafe gift for someone – so if you’re present-hunting, why not have a browse?
Bloom passion fruit and vanilla blossom gin
If you’re shopping for someone that prefers a flavoured gin, treat them to this tropical passion fruit and vanilla blossom gin from Bloom. Yes, it is quite sweet but that sweetness is nicely balanced with a creamy hit of vanilla. Serve as a straightforward G&T to balance out the sweetness or try it in a cocktail; such as a twist on a Gin Fizz. Available from Tesco (£24.50).
Mermaid pink gin
The Isle of Wight distillery’s Mermaid gin sent people into a frenzy when it first hit the shelves, and their latest strawberry-infused pink gin is already having a similar effect. Its subtle flavour is perfectly balanced, and although sweet to taste, contains zero added sugar. The outrageously pretty bottle is made from sustainable materials and is entirely plastic free – with a focus on sustainability being at the heart of the brand. This is a great gift for someone who loves to collect gin bottles when they’re finished – what a statement it looks on any shelf! Available from John Lewis (£38).
Glaswegin dry gin
It’s very easy to get lured in by the funky bottle design and witty brand name of Glaswegin but this small batch tipple offers so much more than that; having been crowned Scotland’s Best London Dry Gin in this year’s World Gin Awards, it’s clear to see why it’s a popular choice. Serve with your favourite tonic and garnish combo – whatever floats your boat! Available from Glaswegin (£39).
Selfridges Earthly Spirits gin
There are so many reasons to love this gin. The first is that it’s carbon negative (they have the docs to prove it) made using renewable energy. The second is that it’s produced and bottled in Yorkshire by Cooper King, who use local Yorkshire wheat and juniper in their distilling. The third is that it tastes seriously fantastic: clean, crisp and with citrussy notes that go so well in a Christmas cocktail. Available from Selfrides (£39.99).
Hernö sloe gin
This crimson red gin is made with organic sloe berries and local honey, giving it a vermouth-like sweetness that makes it fabulous in cocktails or a simple gin and tonic. The berries’ natural tartness is notable in the finish which balances out the spirit’s sweetness perfectly. Try it in a French 75 with a little champagne, or opt for a sloe gin martini – either way, a bottle of this is sure to go down well at Christmas. Available from Master of Malt (from £37.42).
Edinburgh Gin clementine & ginger liqueur
Nothing heats you up more than a warming hit of ginger… this festively spiced tipple is a great way to ramp up the Christmas spirit. The addition of clementine will definitely appeal to those who like a citrus-flavoured gin and tastes great served warm, i.e. if you were to swap whisky for this in a hot toddy. Otherwise, enjoy over ice with a splash of tonic and a large slice of orange. Available from Edinburgh Gin (£16.50).
Cotswolds cloudy gin
For a bottle with a bit of magic, try Cotswold’s cloudy Christmas gin. Its notes of sweet clementine and cardamom offer a hint of warm spice on top of that traditional clean juniper flavour, and the joy of this gin is that it radiates a cloudy glow when ice or tonic is added. And who doesn’t love a bit of theatre when it comes to at-home cocktails? Available from Cotswolds (£34.95).
Reverend Hubert winter gin liqueur
This winter gin liqueur is a unique drink – sweet, rosey and warming – it’s almost like a tawny port. The gorgeous bottle makes this a winning gift – the drink is wintery and festive enough to give at Christmas, but not too Christmassy in flavour that you can’t enjoy it with ice and tonic well past the 25th. Available from Reverend Hubert (£36).
Sipsmith coffee gin
You can trust the experts at Sipsmith to make a quality flavoured gin. New limited edition ‘Sipresso’, distilled using cinnamon, vanilla and beans from Pact Coffee, is just the ticket for an espresso martini; the distillery’s online shop has the full kit with the gin, coffee, jigger and garnish stencil. Available from John Lewis (£28.50).
