Gin gifts: the best bottles for gin lovers this Christmas

Gin is one of the easiest spirits to buy as a present, and one of the hardest to choose. There are hundreds of bottles out there, many with beautiful labels and not much else going for them. So we’ve done the sorting for you. These are the gin gifts we’d happily give, from crisp classics for the purist to fruity, flavoured bottles for anyone who loves a pink G&T, plus a couple of clever extras for the gin fan who has everything.

Before you buy: what kind of gin lover are they?

All gin starts with juniper, but after that the styles go off in very different directions. A quick think about what they drink now will save a lot of guesswork:

• The traditionalist likes a crisp G&T with a slice of lemon. Go for a classic London dry.
• The explorer loves trying new things. A craft gin with unusual botanicals will go down well.
• The fruit fan reaches for pink gin and fruity tonics. A good flavoured gin is the answer.
• The sweet tooth might prefer a gin liqueur, lower in strength and lovely over ice.

Classic gin gifts for the purist

A beautifully made dry gin never goes out of style, and it’s the most versatile choice: perfect in a G&T, a Martini or a Negroni.

Tanqueray No. TEN is our top pick. It’s made in small batches with fresh citrus fruit, which gives it a bright, zesty character, and it makes an outstanding Martini. Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin is a lovely craft choice from Cornwall, fresh and floral with a citrus lift. And Plymouth Original is a softer, slightly earthier style from one of England’s oldest working distilleries, much loved by bartenders.

If they like something a little different but still classic, Hendrick’s adds cucumber and rose to the mix and is a firm favourite with many gin drinkers.

Premium gin gifts with a story

For the gin lover who has tried the supermarket favourites, a premium bottle with a sense of place makes a memorable present.

KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin comes in a gift box and is made in Kyoto with a rice spirit base and Japanese botanicals including yuzu and gyokuro tea. It’s elegant and quite unlike anything else on the shelf. Roku is another Japanese gin, using botanicals such as sakura flower and yuzu, and it’s beautifully balanced in a highball. The Botanist comes from a whisky distillery on Islay and uses botanicals foraged on the island, giving it a fresh, herbal, floral character.

Flavoured gin gifts for fruity G&Ts

Flavoured gin has come a long way. The best bottles taste of real fruit rather than sweets, and they make a fantastic gift for anyone who loves a colourful glass.

Malfy Arancia is made with Sicilian blood oranges and is wonderful with tonic and a slice of orange. Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger is a warming, tangy favourite that’s especially good in winter. For something softer, Tarquin’s Blackberry and Cornish Honey is rich, fruity and lovely with a splash of soda.

You’ll find plenty more in our flavoured gin range.

Gin gift sets and the gin advent calendar

If you’d like to give a selection rather than a single bottle, the That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar is a showstopper. There’s a different gin behind each of its 24 doors, so it’s perfect for an explorer who wants to try new styles through December. Order early, as it needs to arrive before the first of the month and stock is limited. Our guide to drinks advent calendars compares it with the wine and beer versions.

To build your own gin gift set, pair one of the bottles above with a few good tonics, a gin glass and some fresh citrus. It feels personal and costs far less than many pre-made sets.

Gin liqueurs: a sweeter gift

Gin liqueurs are lower in alcohol than gin and noticeably sweeter, which makes them great poured over ice, topped with prosecco or added to a cocktail.

Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur is tangy and warming, and makes a cracking fizz topper at Christmas. Aber Falls Wild Raspberry Gin Liqueur from Wales is bright and fruity, lovely over ice on a winter evening. Both make thoughtful presents for anyone who finds neat spirits a bit much.

Making gin gifts feel special

A few finishing touches go a long way:

1. Add the perfect serve. A note with their bottle’s ideal garnish (orange for Malfy, grapefruit for Tanqueray No. TEN) is a nice touch.
2. Include a mixer. A premium tonic, or a ginger ale for the rhubarb gins, means they can enjoy it straight away.
3. Think about cocktails. A French 75 mixes gin with Champagne; our Champagne cocktails guide has the recipe.

Shopping for a whisky fan too? Our whisky gifts guide has picks for every taste.

FAQs

What is the best gin to give as a gift?

A premium dry gin such as Tanqueray No. TEN is a safe, impressive choice. For adventurous drinkers, a Japanese craft gin like KI NO BI feels special.

Is flavoured gin a good gift?

Yes, for anyone who enjoys fruity G&Ts. Choose a well-made bottle such as Malfy Arancia or Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger.

What is the difference between gin and gin liqueur?

Gin liqueur is sweeter and lower in alcohol than gin. It’s often enjoyed over ice or topped with fizz.

What goes in a good gin gift set?

A quality bottle, a couple of premium tonics, fresh citrus or a garnish and a nice glass make a lovely homemade set.