We Asked 3 Bartenders to Name the Best Gin—They All Picked the Same One

Key Takeaways

• If you can, taste gin on its own before buying so you can judge its aroma, texture, and finish without mixers getting in the way.

• A good gin should have clear juniper at its core, balanced botanicals that feel purposeful, and details like where it's made and its alcohol level can hint at how it will taste and mix.

• All three bartenders singled out No. 3 London Dry Gin as a standout because it is balanced, versatile, and strong enough to shine in drinks like martinis, Negronis, and gin and tonics.

No home bar is complete without gin. The grain spirit is flavored with juniper berries, and it's a key ingredient in martinis , Negronis , and of course, gin and tonics. But when you're faced with an entire wall of gin bottles, which one should you buy? It can be difficult to make a smart pick, especially if you're still learning about spirits.

That's where the experts come in. We asked three beverage directors—i.e., professionals who are deeply familiar with the world of bartending and spirits—for tips on finding a quality gin. Plus, they shared their top picks and ended up mentioning the same one; here's what they had to say.

Meet Our Expert

• Prrateek Chaudhary , beverage director at Pataaka, a modern Indian restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia

• Loiver Hernandez Crespo , beverage director at Rumba Cubana, a chain of authentic Cuban restaurants and bars

• Marshall V. Minaya , beverage director at Valerie, Madame George, and Lolita, a trio of restaurants in New York City

What to Look for When Buying Gin

Before purchasing gin, taste it neat, if possible, according to beverage director Loiver Hernandez Crespo. This way, you'll be able to understand its structure, aroma, texture, and finish.

But if you're unable to sample a gin (or if you're deciding which one to taste), here are some factors worth considering.

Botanicals

When beverage director Prrateek Chaudhary buys gin, the first thing he considers is the botanicals and how they come together. "Juniper should be there, but I want the gin to have its own personality," Chaudhary explains. Other botanicals may include citrus, floral notes, herbs , or spice, but Chaudhary clarifies that one ingredient shouldn't necessarily take over.

Similarly, Crespo mainly looks for balance. "I'm not necessarily impressed because a bottle contains fifteen or twenty botanicals. I'm more interested in how those botanicals work together," he says. He explains further: "Juniper should give the gin structure, while the other botanicals create layers around it. Citrus, roots, herbs, flowers, and spices can contribute a lot, but they should feel intentional rather than simply making the gin overly perfumed."

Origin and Production

Take a tip from Crespo and pay attention to the distillery, as well as what makes its gin different. "Origin becomes meaningful when the ingredients, production method, or philosophy actually represent that place," Crespo says. Likewise, Chaudhary checks where the gin was made. Since distilleries tend to use botanicals from their region, the location can offer context to the gin's flavor profile and best uses.

ABV

Check the ABV, too. For beverage director Marshall V. Minaya, this info helps him understand how he'll utilize the gin at home—i.e., whether it's best for a gin and tonic, martini, or another drink.

The Best Store-Bought Gin

When we asked the experts to share their favorite gin, No. 3 London Dry Ginwas consistently mentioned. As the name suggests, it's a London dry gin, a common type of gin. This variety is additive-free and undergoes a specific distillation process.

"No.3 is one of my favorites because it has a clean juniper backbone with enough citrus and spice to give it character without taking over the drink," Chaudhary says.

Crespo also calls No. 3 one of his favorites, particularly when he wants a London dry with structure. "It has a beautiful balance of juniper, citrus, and spice, and I particularly enjoy its fresh grapefruit notes. It's my preferred gin for a good Negroni since it has enough body and character to stand alongside Campari and vermouth without disappearing into the cocktail," Crespo explains.

Minaya appreciates the spirit as well. "No. 3 now carries an 'organic' label, which takes it a step above," Minaya says. And at 46 percent ABV, the bottle can be used for just about anything, from a gin and tonic to classic gin cocktails , Minaya points out.

How to Use Gin at Home

"To me, gin is special because it has enormous versatility. You can build an entire cocktail around whichever botanical characteristic you want to highlight," explains Crespo.

"One combination I love is gin, cucumber, basil, and lime. It's fresh and aromatic without needing to be overly sweet," Crespo adds. Meanwhile, Minaya loves to pour two ounces of ice cold No. 3 London Dry gin over a large ice cube, then add an ounce of blanc vermouth and two dashes of grapefruit bitters. Next, he'll stir the drink gently and express a twist of grapefruit over it. "An ice cold martini with blanc vermouth over ice is underrated, in my opinion, and No.3 is a great base to hold this cocktail down," Minaya explains.

Craving a drink with seasonal flair? Make our Gin-Cider Punch , Solstice Sprig Martini , or Gin and Ginger . You can also try a Grapefruit Gin Spritz for a sweet and fizzy cocktail.

Read the original article on Real Simple