12 best new gins to try this summer

Eight Lands Organic Speyside gin

The new Speyside gin from Eight Lands Organic is a super-fresh tipple for summer. Launched in September 2019 in the Speyside region of Scotland, famous for its production of whisky, this is a sprightly, citrusy stand-out gin. Eight Lands’ spirits are made using botanicals that have been grown naturally on their estate, as well as Scottish spring water. The organic ingredients include locally-foraged wood sorrel and cowberries, which compliment the juniper and citrus base. We loved it in a simple gin and tonic, but it’s so refreshing that it can also be enjoyed neatly on ice. Available from Eight Lands (£39 for 700ml).

Brockman’s Orange Kiss gin

If you’re looking for a gin that isn’t a sugar overload, but still offers something different, this from Brockman’s is a great choice. The Valencian oranges, coriander and almond oil bring a refreshing, summery flavour, and the classic juniper note holds everything together. We enjoyed it simply paired with light tonic and a slice of peach or orange, but it’s also lovely paired with tequila and lime for a boozy margarita (careful!). Available from Master of Malt (£33.95 for 700ml).

Hayman’s peach and rose cup gin

This London-based distiller, known for its signature London Dry, is a fifth generation family-owned business offering exceptionally smooth spirits. Their latest peach and rose cup batch combines classic London Dry Gin with notes of fresh peaches, sweet fragrant rose and juicy orchard fruit. The team at Hayman’s recommend serving with lemonade and fresh fruit to garnish but, we also loved this one simply with tonic water and a slice of fresh peach too. Available from Hayman’s Gin (£24 for 700ml).

M&S blackberry & elderflower gin

Enjoy the taste of summer with the new range of fruity gin liqueurs from M&S, inspired by the best of British summertime ingredients. Once the sun pops out, it’s the perfect time to try their blackberry and elderflower gin alongside a handful of ice, a splash of lemonade or tonic and a garnish of fresh blackberries for a sweet take on the Bramble cocktail. Available from Marks & Spencer (£12 for 700ml).

Sipsmith strawberry smash gin

It doesn’t get more iconically British than sipping on a gin and tonic whilst watching Wimbledon. Modern gin brand Sipsmith (officially sponsoring Wimbledon this year) have distilled their London dry gin with the 2020 harvest of strawberries from the exclusive grower of strawberries for Wimbledon Tennis Championships. And with a touch of English mint too, this is a truly British tipple for summer. Best served with tonic water, fresh mint and a slice of strawberry to drink, or mix a shot of this spirit into chantilly cream and serve with strawberries and meringue for a decadent dessert. Available from Sipsmith (£29 for 700ml).

Mirabeau rose dry gin

Maison Mirabeau, most famously recognised for their delectably pale rosé wine, have released their first rosé gin. Similarly pale pink in colour, this gin is a 100% grape-based neutral spirit enhanced with notes of lemon, coriander, orris and angelica roots, rose petals, lavender, jasmine, bay, thyme and rosemary. Each ingredient is subtle, yet present, giving this an elegantly earthy flavour. Try serving with your favourite tonic water and a sprig of rosemary to bring out the herby aromas or mix with a dry vermouth for the perfect martini. Available from Waitrose (£35 for 700ml).

Bluecoat American gin

The Bluecoat American dry gin is slightly smoother than a classic London dry gin but comes with a blast of sherbet lemon and orange blossom flavours, meaning it’s likely to appeal to those with a sweeter tooth. It’s distilled in copper, in Philadelphia and comes in a beautiful bright cobalt blue bottle. Available from Master of Malt (£31.95 for 700ml).

 

FEW American Gin

Whiskey or gin? No need to choose, as this gin has a base spirit of white whiskey, or in other words, unaged bourbon. Distilled in Evanston, United States, FEW American gin comes from a city that suffered Prohibition for over a hundred years. The whiskey, vanilla-ish flavour becomes more distinctive the more you drink. We think this gin is guaranteed to divide opinions if you have gin purists in the house… Available from Master of Malt (£44.95 for 700ml).

FOK HING GIN

Named after a street in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay,  you can enjoy this gin’s name for its similarity to a familiar Western profanity. The botanicals are shipped to a UK distillery from Hong Kong. A new premium craft gin, it offers a far more subtle, classic and fairly floral flavour than you might expect from its name. Available from Fok Hing Gin (£38 for 700ml).

Gin d’Azur gin

Gin d’Azur’s smooth gin is made with botanicals from Provence in the south of France. Think lavender, lemon and woody herbs harvested locally and then distilled separately in copper stills. A hint of Camargue salt is used in distilling making this gin especially well-suited to a martini, though we loved it in a negroni too. Distilled and bottled in Cognac in France, the flavour is refreshing and light, making it the perfect bottle for summer. Available from Gin D’Azur (£34.95 for 700ml).

Bombay Sapphire Sunset Edition

Inspired by the golden orange glow of a setting sunset, this exclusive Sunset Edition of much-loved Bombay Sapphire gin is infused with flavours of Indian white cardamom, bittersweet sun-dried Mandarin peel and spiced with turmeric. Perfect for pairing with your favourite tonic water and garnishing with orange peel for a refreshing, summer spritz at sunset. Available from Asda (£22 for 700ml).

Malfy Gin con Limone

This Malfy Con Limone gin is crammed with zesty flavour from Italian lemons and Amalfi lemon peel. Finish with a slice of lemon or curl of lemon zest to get the fullest of citrus hits. MALFY also offer rose, orange and classic gins. Available from Amazon (£25 for 700ml).