Collection: Gin in the UK

The British Royal Navy played a decisive role in the global spread and popularisation of gin. In the 18th and 19th centuries, gin was part of the ship’s rations on many British vessels – often mixed with lime juice to prevent scurvy. This combination blended medicinal benefits with pleasure and made gin an integral part of British naval culture. Sailors and colonial rulers carried a taste for British gin far beyond the borders of Europe. A milestone was the introduction of tonic water containing quinine as a malaria preventative – particularly in tropical colonies.

English gin has its roots in the 17th century, when genever arrived in England from the Netherlands. In the 18th century, tax incentives led to the infamous ‘Gin Craze’: gin became a cheap mass-produced drink associated with social problems. It was only with the Gin Acts that quality controls were introduced and a shift in the public perception of gin took place.

In the 19th century, London Dry Gin developed into a high-quality, clearly structured spirit with growing social acceptance. English gin became a symbol of British culture of enjoyment and still stands today for quality, craftsmanship and a variety of flavours – from classically dry to modern interpretations.

British gin is characterised by its clean, aromatic profile, traditionally dominated by juniper berries. London Dry Gin, in particular, is known for its dry, straightforward style, featuring fresh citrus notes, spicy coriander and earthy hints of angelica root. The precise selection and balance of botanicals – including cinnamon, pepper and lavender – determine each gin’s unique flavour profile. Many British gins emphasise a balanced interplay of freshness, spice and a subtle hint of bitterness.

English gin is produced using traditional methods and high quality standards. It is based on a neutral grain spirit, which is refined through maceration and re-distillation with the botanicals. Particularly gentle methods such as steam infusion ensure precise aromas.

Gin has long since established itself as a popular base for stylish aperitifs – particularly in summer, it impresses with its freshness and versatility. Classics such as Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, a gin-based herbal liqueur, are traditionally served with lemonade, fresh fruit and mint, and are considered the epitome of the British summer aperitif. Light gin cocktails with tonic, soda or vermouth also highlight the aromatic diversity of British gin and stimulate the appetite in an elegant way.

With its characteristic citrus and herbal notes, gin is the perfect start to a light meal or a relaxed evening. Whether served neat, with a splash of water or mixed with bitter ingredients – gin aperitifs combine freshness, spice and balance.

British gin is extremely versatile and forms the basis for many classic cocktails. Here are some of the most popular cocktails that can be made with British gin:

• Gin and tonic: A refreshing classic, served with gin and tonic water and a slice of lime or lemon.
• Martini: An elegant cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth, often garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.
• Negroni: A robust cocktail combining equal parts gin, red vermouth and Campari.
• Tom Collins: A zesty cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water.

During Prohibition in the USA (1920–1933), gin went through a paradoxical phase: despite the ban on alcohol, demand rose – mainly due to illegally produced ‘Bathtub Gin’, which was often of poor quality and harmful to health. The result: gin’s image suffered considerably, and its former popularity declined. At the same time, bootlegging flourished, and gin remained a favourite drink on the black market due to its simple production process.

After the end of Prohibition, gin increasingly lost market share. Vodka became increasingly popular as a more neutral-tasting alternative, and new cocktail creations shaped the drinking habits of a new generation.

In our online shop, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of British gins from renowned producers. Our selection offers something to suit every taste and budget, ranging from classic to modern interpretations.

British gin offers an unrivalled taste experience thanks to its clean, dry profile and the variety of botanicals used. This spirit is ideal for creative cocktails or enjoying neat, adding a special touch to your moments of indulgence. Its long tradition and strict quality standards make British gin an excellent choice for any gin lover.

British gin is one of the best-known and most popular spirits in the world. It is characterised by its high quality and strict adherence to traditional production methods. In recent decades, British gin has undergone an impressive renaissance. What was once regarded as a classic spirit has evolved into a multifaceted, trendy drink. Alongside the time-honoured London Dry Gin – known for its dry clarity and juniper-dominated flavour – varieties such as Plymouth Gin, with its softer, earthy profile, or the slightly sweetened, historic Old Tom Gin are once again in the spotlight. These classics reflect gin’s deep roots in British drinking culture.

At the same time, innovative distilleries are driving diversity forward: modern New Western Gins focus on floral, fruity or spicy botanicals and deliberately push juniper into the background. The result is a new world of flavours that delights both gin connoisseurs and newcomers alike.