Favorite Gins (And A Vodka)

Here are my all-time favorite gins (and a vodka) that go perfectly with a martini. You can find most of these at your local liquor store, or places like Total Wine.

Monkey 47 Gin

One of my favorite all time gins. Has prominent herbal notes, especially Juniper, the main spice used in gins. Recommend with a Lemon Twist.

Harder to find at most restaurants, but if you go to a cocktail forward place, they’ll probably have it.

Bombay Sapphire Gin

The gold standard. The one Eric chooses every time we’re out. It’s perfectly dry and goes with an olive (with or without bleu cheese) or a twist. He likes his with onions.

Most restaurants carry this, and you’ll have a perfectly suitable martini every time.

Boodles British Gin, London Dry

One that most people haven’t heard of, but it’s definitely deserving to be on this list. Another classic, London Dry option, but a bit spicier. Pair it with a twist.

St George’s Gin, Terroir

Gin made in Alameda, California (around where I am from). I love the herbal and floral notes that come out with each sip.

I love pairing this with a twist.

Castle & Key Roots of Ruin

Handmade in Kentucky, this gin really packs a punch. Very smooth and herbaceous.

Warning: This gin starts at 51% ABV (most gins are 40%), so please be careful. I would eat a heavy appetizer with this to minimize the strong effects. And maybe do a smaller martini.

Pair with either a bleu cheese olive or a twist.

Citadelle Gin

Made in France, this is probably the smoothest gin out of all of this list. It’s light, a little bit citrusy, and so drinkable. Reminds me of Summer.

I love pairing this with a twist.

Nautical Gin

Very hard to find! I discovered this in Florida and cannot find it since. I love the briny, salty flavor of this gin. Pair it with oysters, shrimp cocktail, or any seafood dish.

I would pair it with an olive to add to the saltiness.