We get it. Gin isn’t for everyone. Those who don’t enjoy this distilled spirit believe it tastes like a cup of boozy flower water. But those who like gin enjoy the myriad flavors, including juniper berries and various herbs and botanicals.
Other un-aged (or lightly matured) spirits aren’t known for their over-the-top flavor profiles. White rum is known for its very light, muted sweet, sugary, vanilla, and light fruity aroma and flavor, and vodka is distilled and filtered to have as little taste and aroma as possible. Gin, on the other hand, is known for its exceptional flavor.
It gets this from being infused with juniper beers, citrus peels, coriander, orris root, angelica root, licorice, and other herbs and botanicals based on the specific style or brand.
Why gin?
Since gin (besides the occasional barrel-aged gins) is un-aged, even premium gin isn’t overly expensive. There are bargains abound if you’re a fan of London dry gin, American artisanal gin, or any other style of gin.
That is, as long as you don’t head directly to the bottom shelf where you’ll find gin that tastes more like flower-flavored rubbing alcohol than gin, you’re likely to be happy with the value gin you’ve selected. There is such a thing as too good of a deal.
Our 4 favorite budget gin bottles, ranked
While you might spend upwards of $100 (or more) for a bottle of your favorite single malt scotch whisky, there’s a pretty good chance your favorite gin won’t set you back remotely close to that. There are myriad popular budget gins available for much less than that. We’re talking about flavorful, nuanced gins that are perfectly suited to be mixed into a gin & tonic, gin gimlet, and countless other gin-based cocktails. The kind of bottles that deserve a permanent spot on your home bar.
Fear not, we’re not going to make you find these gems on your own (unless you want to). We did the work for you. We selected four of the best fan-favorite budget gins you should immediately add to your home bar cart. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Gordon’s London Dry Gin
For under $20 for a 750ml bottle, you can grab this award-winning gin. This classic London dry gin gets its classic flavor from the addition of handpicked juniper berries, coriander, citrus peels, and various herbs and botanicals. It’s a great pick for a Gin & Tonic because of its complex, balanced flavor profile. Buy one bottle, and you’ll never want to be without this classic London dry gin.
Citadelle Gin
France isn’t necessarily known for its gin prowess. But perhaps Citadelle, with its flavor profile of juniper berries, coriander, violet root, orange peel, angelica, lemon, cassia, grains of paradise, licorice, and more, will change your viewpoint. It’s so complex, aromatic, and flavorful, that it might be your new go-to for Gin & Tonics, Gimlets, and Negronis. In a sea of London dry gin, Citadelle is a floral, spicy, juniper-driven breath of fresh air.
Brokers Gin
It might not have the name recognition of some of the popular London dry gins. But this award-winning derby-adorned gin is steeped for twenty-four hours with juniper berries, licorice, nutmeg, lemon peels, cinnamon, orange peel, coriander, orris root, and more herbs and botanicals. It’s well-known for its dry, pine-forward flavor profile that moves in citrus and other botanicals. It’s the kind of classic London dry gin you’ll want to always keep on your home bar.
Bluecoat American Dry Gin
If you love London dry gin but are interested in a bargain bottle from a US distillery, Bluecoat American Dry Gin is for you. Named for the “Bluecoat Militia” that fought in the American War of Independence, it gets its unique flavor from the use of organic juniper berries, citrus peels, coriander, and angelica root. The main spirit is distilled in Scotland on a Copper pot still. The result is an award-winning, memorable gin with notes of piney juniper, citrus peels, and herbs and botanicals. It’s dry, crisp, nuanced, and perfect for your favorite gin-based cocktails.
Picking the right gin for you
When we talk about budget bottles, we aren’t talking about bottom-shelf, dust-covered swill. There’s no bargain to be had with an $8 plastic handle of gin that tastes like it belongs in the motor of your lawnmower. There are well-made deals to be found in the $15-plus range. Try not to go past $30-40 unless you love the flavor and how the gin works in your favorite cocktails.
