In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 best gins for a classic Martini. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global gin market, the ongoing gin-naissance, the rise of sustainable gin, and the recent acquisition in the gin industry, head to 23 Best Gins for a Classic Martini.
10. Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Distilled in a 13th century chapel in an ancient fishing village, Gin Mare is Spain’s ultimate premium gin offering, packed with beautiful Mediterranean flavors and evocative of holiday walks through olive groves.
Made with a unique blend of botanicals, Gin Mare is a solid mixing gin, working well in classic martinis and in gin and tonics.
9. Sipsmith London Dry Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 11
Sipsmith is another modern creation that’s been around for only 14 years. Sipsmith was the first gin brand to open a new distillery in London since 1820, and has since then turned its attention to the U.S. market and invested in bringing education, engagement, and cocktail inspiration to its American consumers.
The brand experienced double-digit growth nationally in the U.S. and triple-digit growth in key cities like Miami and San Francisco. All this, despite significant supply chain constraints.
Sipsmith was named the highest rated gin of 2023 by Liquor.
8. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 12
One of the top gin brands in the world, The Botanist is the first and only Islay Dry Gin from Scotland. The versatile offering is crafted using a unique combination of 22 botanicals that are hand-forged locally and sustainably on the Scottish island of Islay.
The iconic gin is produced by the Bruichladdich Distillery, which was acquired by the French alcohol giant Remy Cointreau in 2012 for around $75 million.
7. Boodles London Dry Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 12
Boodles is the quintessential British gin made in the classic London Dry style and inspired by a recipe that dates back to 1845. It begins as a clean spirit distilled from British wheat. The liquid is then redistilled in a Carter Head copper still, which allows the botanicals to gradually infuse into the spirit, one that is suitable for any brilliant drinks – martinis, Boodles & tonics, bucks, or further mixology, for those so inclined.
Boodles is among the Top 10 Gins for a Martini.
6. Fords Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 12
This Kentucky-based brand is steeped with nine botanicals, including juniper, lemon and orange peel, jasmine, and orris root, before a five-hour distillation. Music fans can check out the brand’s recent collaboration with Handsome Boy Modeling School, called Music to Drinks Martinis to – a bundle that includes Martini recipes, an album, and a bottle of gin.
5. Hendrick’s Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 13
A seminal Scottish brand in a pool of new-school gins, Hendrick’s offers core expressions of rose and cucumber. The ‘most unusual gin’ is crafted in tiny 500 liter batches, giving the master distiller more control over their artistry. Hendrick’s boasted worldwide sales of 1.6 million 9-liter cases last year, an increase of 17.9% from 2021.
The brand’s parent company, William Grant & Sons, is known for its popular Scotch brands and boasts distilling and bottling operations in Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, India, the US, and Mexico, with a team of over 2,600 employees at 48 global locations.
4. Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 16
With 5.7 million case sales in 2022, Bombay Sapphire was the second-most popular gin in the world, and for good reason. The brand revolutionized the gin category in the 1980’s, thanks to its nifty vapor-infusion process and use of a staggering 10 botanicals, including juniper, citrus, coriander, and pepper.
3. Plymouth Original Strength Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 18
Distilled since 1793, Plymouth is heavier on the juniper and citrus side, but has an earthy quality on the front palate. Its flavor differs from the more common style of gin – the London Dry – because of a higher proportion of root ingredients and other botanicals in its recipe. Mellow and elegant, Plymouth makes one of the world’s great Dry Martinis, perhaps even the best.
In 2008, Plymouth Gin was sold to the spirits giant Pernod Ricard, which still has the brand under its umbrella to this day.
Plymouth is placed among the Best Martini Gins by New York Times.
2. Tanqueray Nº 10 Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 19
Named after the stills of its origin, the Tanqueray Nº 10 Gin is the first ever small batch gin crafted using fresh citrus fruits. With its unique, full-bodied character and citrus undertone, Tanqueray Nº Ten is the only gin that has been awarded a place in the Hall of Fame at the San Francisco Spirits Awards.
Known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, this gin is a popular choice for crafting high-quality Martinis of the most delicious taste.
1. Beefeater London Dry Gin
Insider Monkey Score: 20
When only a tried-and-true dry gin will do, turn to Beefeater London Dry Gin. Beloved by bartenders and cocktail lovers in over 50 countries, the gin’s recipe dates back to 1863 and has withstood the tests of time, becoming the most award-winning gin over the last decade. Owned by Pernod Ricard, Beefeater had 3.8 million 9-liter cases sold around the world last year.
Beefeater’s broad shoulders stand up in perfect harmony with dry vermouth, making it the Best Gin for a Martini.
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