The gin lovers gift guide

1st Jan 2015 Drinks

If your loved one’s tipple of choice is a gin martini, or G&T we have the ultimate gin lovers gift guide for you from food writer Helen Best-Shaw

I think that the world can be divided into two categories: gin drinkers and vodka drinkers, and I have always been at the gin drinker’s side of the bar! I do love a well-chilled gin and premium tonic water, with ice and slices of both lemon and lime. Gin has come a long way since those age old days when it was declared ‘mother’s ruin’ and there is now a huge range of premium gins available, many small batches, but all exciting and very different in flavour.

If you know a gin lover, you might consider one of these...

Opihr

A spicy gin with an aroma of cumin and cardamom flavoured with black pepper and oriental spices. Serve as a classic G&T with a slice of orange. Perfect for a spice lover, armchair or real traveller. From Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, Booths and seven regional Harvey Nichols stores nationwide, £23 / 70c

Sipsmith VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof)

Big bold and packs a punch with extra juniper and is a massive 57.7%. For lovers of that classic gin taste who want more. From Lea & Sandeman, Selfridges, Whiskey Exchange, Fortnum's and other independents, around £39.95 / 70cl

The Lakes Gin

Distilled in the Lake District with heather, bilberry, hawthorn, meadowsweet and the native Cumbrian juniper, this gin is soft and gentle. Enjoy with a dash of water to loosen the flavours. Perfect for someone who likes a more softly flavoured gin. From The Lakes Distillery £29.95/70cl

Chilgrove Dry Gin

Distilled from grapes the botanicals in this gin taste very different from those in a grain based spirit. Flora and citrus flavour with a hint of pepper. Serve as a G&T with mint. Perfect for those who would like a different gin. From Master of Malt, The Whiskey Exchange and Thedrinkshop.com, £29- £36/ 70cl.

Langtons

Another Lake District gin which you can absolutely judge from the beautiful bottle! Made with local botanicals and filtered spring water this gin is beautifully smooth. The creators recommend it in a G&T made with Schweppes having tested all the tonics. From Virgin Wines, £39.99

Cotswold

Newly launched this gin contains Cotswold lavender, bay leaf, grapefruit, lime, black pepper and cardamom seed. Serve on the rocks or as a G&T. Perfect for a garden lover. Available from the Cotswold Distillery, Harvey Nichols and independents £34.95.

Whitley Neill

Made with African botanicals including cape gooseberry and super-fruit baobab this gin is soft and citrus and sweet. Perfect for those who dream of seeing elephants in the wild. From Sainsbury's and Selfridges, £24.00.

Bombay Sapphire Limited Edition Bottle

A classic gin distilled in its new home in Laverstoke Mill is made from 10 botanicals and is my choice of everyday gin. Make your Bombay Sapphire more special with this beautiful limited edition bottle that you keep and refill again and again, or make sloe gin in. Perfect for those who want to show off their gin. From the Distillery gin shop, £100.

Martin Miller’s

A classic, versatile and gentle gin made with pure Icelandic water with a wonderful balance of juniper and citrus. Serve in a variety of cocktails. Perfect for someone who likes to entertain. From Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Ocado.com £25.50-£26 / 70cl

Berkeley Square

From the oldest distillery in the country, this gin is made with botanicals including sage, lavender, kaffir lime leaves and basil. Best served as a classic martini with a kaffir lime leaf. Perfect for traditionalists. From Hedonism Wines and Waitrose stores, £30.50, as well as a gift pack from Harvey Nichols £55.

Hayman’s Sloe Gin

Christmas would not be Christmas without a bottle of sloe gin. Hayman’s is made by the great-grandchildren of the founder of Beefeater gin. This sloe gin is made to an old family recipe. Perfect for everyone at Christmas. From Waitrose £20.70