Gin is one of the most versatile categories of spirits there is, due largely in part to its fairly lax requirements. This leads it to be an exceptional base for cocktails, as producers take more and more free reign in the botanicals used and techniques employed. However, there’s something about that quintessential gin and tonic pairing that makes you want to keep coming back to the classic. Quinine compliments juniper so well, and with the creative gins and refined tonics on the market these days, a G&T can be so much more than the sum of its two parts. Below, a handful of duos to inspire your next Gin and Tonic.
Best Updated Classic: Wild Roots London Dry
Hailing from Oregon, Wild Roots distills their signature gin to be classicly juniper-forward with bright citrus coming through on the finish. Their location in the Willamette Valley provides pristine local water that contributes to the overall flavor profile. While it’s a London Dry, this gin is distinctly Pacific Northwestern.
Mix this with something traditional like Q Mixer’s Spectacular Tonic and garnish with lime wheel and juniper berries for an elevated G&T that knows its roots.
Learn more at wildrootsspirits.com
Best Citrus: Settlers Yuzu Gin
Yuzu is a small citrus fruit that is incredibly fragrant and tart, making it a wonderful addition to any gin distillate. Settlers, out of Australia, utilizes local yuzu for a refreshing and balanced gin that drinks bright and fresh.
Top this off with Fentimans Grapefruit Tonic and an orange slice for layers of citrus flavor.
Learn more at settlersspirits.com.au
Best Transportive: Wilder Gin
Loaded with fresh herbs and botanicals that grow native to California’s Central Coast, Wilder Gin is made to taste like a hike through the mountains. Purple sage, bay leaf, and yerba santa combine with pixie mandarins for a vegetal and herbaceous gin.
Pair with East Imperial Tonic Water and garnish with an orange wheel and sage leaf for a forest-on-the-coast vibe.
Learn more at venturaspirits.com
Best Mediterranean: Mercato Mediterranean Gin
Though it’s made in England, this gin is all about Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil. Aromatic and savory, Jim & Tonic’s Mercato Mediterranean is produced sustainably and thoughtfully in South London.
Pair like with like, using Fever Tree’s Mediterranean Tonic, then garnish with lemon and a sprig of rosemary.
Learn more at jimandtonic.com
Best Aromatic: Berkshire Botanical Dry Gin
Besides its obviously adorable suited-fox label, this gin is one you want on your bar. Norway spruce, juniper, coriander, sweet orange peel, and grapefruit bring all the right aromatics, while maintaining balance.
Try this with Small Hand Foods’ Tonic Syrup and soda water, garnished with a grapefruit slice, for a truly handcrafted G&T that marries bitter, sweet, and herbaceous.
Learn more at berkshirebotanical.co.uk
