A Guide to Flavoured Gin: Top Picks and Tasting Tips

The classic gin and tonic has seen a colourful transformation. The rise of high-quality flavoured gin has opened up a world of vibrant, accessible and refreshing drinks perfect for home entertaining. Whether you're planning a summer garden party or simply looking to add a modern twist to your evening cocktail, navigating the growing selection can be a challenge. This guide is designed to help you understand the key characteristics of a good fruity gin and introduce you to a few standout options available to buy flavoured gin online.

Choosing Your Ideal Flavoured Gin: A Quick Guide

With so many choices, from orange gin to pink gin, it helps to know what to look for. Here are a few practical points to consider before making a selection.

1. Check the Foundation

A quality flavoured gin always starts with a solid base. Many of the most balanced and enjoyable options use a classic London Dry Gin as their foundation. This means the characteristic notes of juniper, coriander and angelica root are still present, providing a complex backbone that prevents the fruit flavour from becoming overly sweet or one-dimensional. The fruit should complement the gin, not completely mask it.

2. Natural Flavours for an Authentic Taste

The source of the flavour makes a significant difference. Gins that use natural fruit essences, peels or infusions tend to offer a more authentic and nuanced taste profile. For example, a blood orange gin made with real fruit will deliver a zesty, slightly bittersweet character, whereas an artificially flavoured alternative might taste more like confectionery. Reading the product description can often provide clues about how the flavour is incorporated.

3. Consider the Drink You Want to Make

The type of gin for cocktails you plan to create should influence your choice. Zesty citrus gins, like those with Seville or blood orange, are exceptionally versatile. They are brilliant in a simple G&T but also work wonderfully in a spritz with prosecco and soda. Berry-forward gins, such as a classic strawberry gin, are a natural fit for mixing with lemonade or a premium elderflower tonic for a refreshing summer gin drink.

Top Flavoured Gin Recommendations

Here are a few recommendations that showcase the balance and vibrancy that a well-crafted flavoured gin can offer.

Beefeater London Blood Orange 70cl

Why It Stands Out This gin builds upon the iconic Beefeater London Dry recipe, a benchmark of quality distilled in the heart of London. The infusion of natural blood orange flavour creates a spirit that is both bold and refreshing. The initial taste is bright and zesty, with the juicy character of the orange coming through clearly. This is followed by the familiar herbal depth of juniper, resulting in a well-balanced gin with a lingering, tangy-sweet finish. Its vivid crimson hue also makes for a visually striking drink.

Pros

• Built on a classic London Dry Gin base for authentic gin character.
• Uses natural blood orange for a zesty and vibrant flavour profile.
• Highly versatile for G&Ts, spritzes and other citrus-forward cocktails.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a citrus-forward G&T with a distinct, bittersweet edge. It’s a crowd-pleaser for social gatherings and a reliable staple for any home bar.

Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Gin 41.3%vol 70cl

Why It Stands Out Inspired by a recipe from the 1860s, Tanqueray Sevilla gin is crafted with the essence of sun-ripened Seville oranges. It uses the four core botanicals of Tanqueray London Dry Gin as its foundation, ensuring a smooth and complex spirit. The flavour profile is a masterful balance of the bittersweet tang of Seville oranges and the piney notes of juniper. The addition of orange blossom provides a delicate floral aroma, creating a gin that evokes the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Pros

• Features the distinct bittersweet flavour of Seville oranges.
• Maintains the classic, juniper-forward character of Tanqueray.
• ABV of 41.3% provides a robust base that stands up well in cocktails.

Who is it for? Perfect for the gin enthusiast who appreciates a sophisticated, bittersweet citrus profile. It’s particularly well-suited for serving in a large Copa glass with premium tonic and a wedge of fresh orange to enhance its aromas.

Beefeater London Pink Strawberry 70cl

Why It Stands OutBeefeater Pink Gin offers a modern, fruity take on the brand's traditional London Dry Gin. By adding natural strawberry gin flavour to its classic nine-botanical recipe, it achieves a pleasant balance between gentle sweetness and the gin's inherent herbal complexity. The flavour is one of fresh, ripe strawberries without being overly sugary. Its soft pink colour and smooth character make it an approachable and easy-drinking option, ideal for creating simple yet delicious cocktails.

Pros

• Subtle and natural strawberry flavour that complements the gin base.
• Not excessively sweet, maintaining a refreshing balance.
• An excellent and versatile base for a Pink & Tonic or a fruity spritz.

Who is it for? An ideal choice for those new to flavoured gin or anyone looking for a light, berry-infused drink. It’s a go-to for casual get-togethers and creating visually appealing pink cocktails.

Looking for More Options?

While these citrus and berry gins are popular for good reason, the world of flavoured spirits is constantly expanding. If you're curious to see other styles or discover new flavour combinations, you can explore our full collection of London wine and spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mixer for flavoured gin?

A premium Indian tonic water is the classic choice as its clean, crisp profile allows the gin's flavour to shine. However, don't be afraid to experiment. Citrus gins pair beautifully with Mediterranean tonic or even prosecco in a spritz. Berry or pink gin works very well with lemonade, elderflower tonic or soda water for a lighter serve.

Is flavoured gin very sweet?

This varies by brand and type. Many modern distilled flavoured gins are not liqueurs; they are gins infused with flavour and contain little to no added sugar, offering a dry and balanced taste. Others, particularly those labelled "gin liqueur," will be sweeter. The options highlighted here are known for balancing their fruit notes with a traditional gin character.

How do you serve pink gin?

The most popular way to serve strawberry gin is as a Pink & Tonic. Fill a large glass with plenty of ice, add 50ml of the gin, and top with 150ml of premium tonic water or lemonade. Garnish with a few slices of fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint to enhance the aromas.