Let's talk about gin... it's sophisticated, modern and one of the most fashionable drinks out there. If you're new to the gin scene, then worry not, we will keep you clued-up with our Ultimate Gin Lovers Gift Guide. Oh and a gift to yourself totally counts!
Parma Violet Gin
You only have to look on Facebook to see that Parma Violet Gin is super popular. The gentle floral flavours remind us of our childhood, and this purple coloured gin makes us all warm and fuzzy inside, and not just because of the alcohol content.
Aldi are the latest to release a parma violet gin, and there's will be the cheapest around, at just £10 a bottle! The Infusionist Small Batch Violet Shimmer Infused Gin Liqueur is due to appear in Aldi stores next month, from 26th April, so although it's too late to get one for Mother's Day you can try the new tipple in time for Easter.
Parma Violet Gins...
- The Infusionist Small Batch Violet Shimmer Infused Gin Liqueur*£10 at Aldi from 26th April 2019
- Boe Violet Liqueur Gin*£27.99 from Amazon
- Violetta Parma Violet Shimmering Gin* £23.99 from Amazon
- JJ Whitley Violet Gin* £13.99 from Amazon
- Zymurgorium Sweet Violet Gin* £19.95 from Amazon (Prime exclusive)
You can always make your own parma violet gin by adding Violet Syrup* to any gin.
Rhubarb Gin
Rhubarb Gin is one of the most popular flavours, and I think it's fair to thank Edinburgh Gin's Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur* for that. It's a supermarket top-seller and was one of the first on the scene.
Check out these other Rhubarb Gins...
- Arrowsmiths Ruby Rhubarb Gin* £41.82 from Amazon
- Aber Falls Rhubarb and Ginger Gin* £22.66 from Amazon
- Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin* £20 from Amazon
- Slingsby Rhubarb Flavoured Gin* £37.84 from Amazon
- Warner Edwards Distillery Victoria's Rhubarb Gin* £33.45 from Amazon
Pink Gin
A girls' night in favourite - pink gin flies off the shelves in the supermarkets. What flavour is it? That varies from brand to brand... some have a a delicate rose flavour, whilst others are more fruity in taste...
- Gordon's Premium Pink Distilled Gin 70Cl*£13 from Amazon
- Marks & Spencer Think Pink Gin* £15 from Marks and Spencer
- McQueen Colour Changing Gin* £19.99 from Aldi
- Greenalls Wild Berry Gin 70Cl* £14.50 from Tesco
- Pinkster Pink Gin Agreeably British 70cl* £35 from Waitrose
- Pink Unicorn Tears Raspberry Gin* £39.99 from Very
- Gin Bothy Raspberry Gin Liqueur* £26 from Gin Bothy
Gin Gift Sets
Gin Gift Sets* are a nice way to try different gins without committing to the full bottle. They are especially nice for Christmas time and birthdays...
- Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin & Bitters Sweet Symphony Gift Set* £74 from Master of Malt
- Fifty Pounds Gin Glass Gift Set* £39.28 from Master of Malt
- Gin Bothy Love Tasting Set* £26 from Gin Bothy
- Edinburgh Gin Liqueur Miniature Gift Set* £11.83 from Amazon
- MicroBarBox Gin and Tonic Gift Set* £35 from Amazon
- Craft Gin Selection Gift Set* £12 from Tesco
- Miniature Gin Gift Set 40ml (Pack of 8)*£29.95 from Amazon
- The Chocolate & Gin Gift Collection* £20 from Hotel Chocolat
Aldi Gin
When it comes to buying gin*, you'll struggle to find a better selection of 'smaller brands' at supermarket prices. They hold 'Gin Festivals' several times throughout the year, when you can pick up a delicious gin for less.
- Sorgin* was £24.99 now £19.99
- McQueen Sweet Citrus Gin*£19.99
- Beckett's London Dry Gin* £24.99
- Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin* £19.99 (online exclusive, not available in stores)
Tip - look out for Aldi's own version of those big brand favourites... especially that Hendricks one!
Sloe Gin
Sloe Gin* is a gin liqueur flavoured with sloe berries. The dark coloured drink is deep and rather plummy in taste, so is great for the Autumn and Winter months.
- Sipsmith Sloe Gin 50Cl* £24 from John Lewis & Partners
- Gordon's Sloe Gin 70cl* £18 from Amazon
- Warner Edwards Distillery Harrington Sloe Gin* £25.42 from Amazon
- 6 O'clock Sloe Gin* £18.99 from Amazon
- John Lewis & Partners Sloe Gin Gift Box* £50
Gingerbread Gin
If you fancy some festive flavoured tipple, then you may be lucky enough to snap up some gingerbread gin. It is seasonal, with both Aldi and Asda selling it during Christmas 2018.
Asda had the Gingerbread Gin Liqueur for £12 and Aldi were selling their version for just £9.99 a bottle.
New Gin
Gin is 'in', so there are new distilleries popping up all over the UK, all the time. The best way to discover new gins is to visit local farmer's markets, festivals and Amazon*.
- Sweet Little Bubble Gum Gin Liqueur* £22.99 from Ginspiration
- Redcastle Passion Fruit & Mango Gin Liqueur* £25.71 from Master of Malt
- Peaky Blinder Gin Gift Set with Peaky Blinder Glass* £34.99 from Amazon
Gin Glasses
What does one drink gin out of? Some people prefer a short whisky glass or a hi-ball, whilst the current fashion is to sip it from a balloon glass*. You can find gin glasses in high street stores like Matalan* or Debenhams*, as well as online.
- Gin & Tonic Glass*£2 from Matalan
- Set of 2 Metallic Rose Gold Effect Gin Glasses* £16 from Next
- Handmade 420ml Balloon Gin Glasses* £20.84 from Amazon
- Mikasa Cheers Etched Balloon Glasses - Set Of 4*£19.99 from Lakeland
Gin Cocktails
Prefer a cocktail? Gin makes a great base for many a cocktail. One of the most simple gin cocktails to make is a Tom Collins...
Ingredients
- 50ml gin
- 25ml lemon juice
- 25ml sugar syrup
- 125ml chilled soda water
Method
- Pour all ingredients into a hi-ball glass, over plenty of ice and stir gently.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Here are some gin cocktail sets that you can buy...
- The Book of Gin: A Cocktail Lover's Gift Set* £15.99 from Amazon
- Carmencita Ginfusion Botanical ‘Tea Bags’* £4.99 from Lakeland
- Edinburgh Gin Cocktail Set* now £27.95 delivered from Not On The High Street
Gin Baubles
Gin Baubles* are a Christmas tree addition that would certainly make things festive. Scottish Distiller, Pickering's were one of the first to launch them and for that we are truly thankful...
- Pickering's Hand-Picked Gin Baubles Gift Set - 6 x 5cl* £24.95 delivered from Amazon
- Boozy Baubles 6 Pack Of Gin Baubles* £10.95 delivered from Amazon
Q&A
What is gin made of?
Gin is made up of neutral grain alcohol and distilled botanicals such as juniper, cloves, angelica, liquorice and many more.
Is drinking gin good for you?
Well, obviously gin can be bad for health if drunk in large quantities due to the alcohol content. Having said that, there are many that would argue that as it is made from "superfood" juniper berries, the flavanoids can improve skin, hair and nails by heightening blood circulation and eliminating water retention.
What is a good gin to buy?
Some people are happy with a bottle of Gordon's* from Tesco, whereas other prefer a small batch gin like Gin Bothy*. It's all down to personal taste, but here are some of our recommendations...
- Hendricks* £23.95 from Amazon
- Zymurgorium Turkish Delight Gin Liqueur* £25 from John Lewis & Partners
- Eden Mill Love Gin Set*£40 from Eden Mill
What is the difference between vodka and gin?
The difference between vodka and gin is that vodka is made by the distillation of potatoes, rye or wheat. By volume, it's mostly water and ethanol.
Gin on the other hand is distilled with botanicals - mostly juniper berries - and malt or grain.
Flavour-wise both taste different, with gin often boasting a slightly floral taste, whilst vodka having a more sharp, clean flavour.
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