You Can’t Stock a Bar Without London Dry Gin

The modern world of gin can take you from the sunny coasts of California to verdant South African shrublands and beyond. But one of the most enduringly influential styles of the spirit emerged more than 200 years ago in England, amid what contemporary pundits might call a public health crisis. Centuries later, London dry gin is a staple of back bars and cocktail programs worldwide. 

What Is London Dry Gin?

London dry is characterized by crisp, juniper-forward botanical flavors, with notes of tart citrus, spruce, and coriander. It contains no sweeteners and has a notably dry finish. 

“Compared to Old Tom gin, it’s drier and less sweet,” says Tantai Khantachavana, head bartender at BKK New York. “Compared to New Western or contemporary gins, it’s more restrained and classic, with juniper as the clear star.”

For London dry gin, makers distill a neutral base spirit to at least 96% ABV, adding all herbs and botanicals during distillation. (While some gins are flavored or sweetened after they’re distilled, water is the only ingredient that can be added to London dry gin after distillation.) Then, the spirit is diluted to 37.5% ABV in the E.U., or circa 47% ABV in the U.S., before bottling. 

The results are bright and bone-dry. Cody Pruitt, owner of Libertine and Chateau Royale in New York City, considers London dry “the sharply tailored Savile Row suit of the gin world: structured, aromatic, and consistently juniper forward.” Its flavors are “a bit piney, but not like drinking a Christmas tree,” he says, “with bright citrus notes and a dry, bracing finish.”

As writer and historian David T. Smith notes in the September/October 2025 issue of Imbibe, gin is inextricably linked to English culture. “In the U.K., we have tea and we have gin,” he says. However, not all London dry gins are made in London. While the name denotes geographic specificity, they can be made anywhere in the world. “It’s a style, not a location,” Pruitt says.

The History of London Dry Gin

The London dry style grew out of what’s referred to as “the gin craze” in England in the late 1600s and 1700s. As English trade and industrial laws shifted, and locals developed tastes for spirits distilled from grain, a flurry of cheaply made liquors flooded the market. Competition surged, and entrepreneurs sold low-grade booze made out of everything from corn to leftover beer lees. These spirits were sometimes flavored to mask their taste, occasionally with such unsavory elements as turpentine or quicklime.

London dry was an antidote to this proliferation of sub-par spirits. “It was a response to the poor quality, heavily sweetened gins that were made in unlicensed distilleries—or even homes—during this time,” says Chris Moore, head bartender at Crane Club in New York City. Simply put, the crisp, unadorned flavor profile that remains a hallmark of the style started out as a way to differentiate London dry gins from inexpensively made alternatives. 

Mixing Cocktails With London Dry Gin

London dry is preferred in classic cocktails by many bartenders. Its crisp character and sturdy backbone make it beautifully suited to all sorts of Martinis, whether they’re wet or dry, and served with twists, olives, bitters, and more. 

Using the gin in a Gimlet brings out its citrus notes to “tart and electric” effect, Pruitt says. As does mixing it into the White Lady, one of Moore’s preferred applications. It also complements the fresh lemon juice in a Tom Collins or French 75.

“A Gin & Tonic is hands-down my favorite and the first way I would try a new London dry gin,” says Anna Rafalski, the beverage director of Granor Farm in Three Oaks, Michigan. She also uses London dry gin to make Negronis, noting that “the strong flavor of Campari demands a gin that can stand up to it.” 

Similarly, Rafalski finds that London dry works well in tropical cocktails like the Saturn. “Many people don’t think of gin for tiki cocktails. But London dry gins are terrific with Velvet Falernum, orgeat, and lime or lemon,” she says. “It’s a great pairing with pineapple, too.”

7 to Try

Beefeater London Dry Gin

This 1820 distiller has prominent juniper flavors offset by bright citrus juice and zest. Based on brand founder James Burrough’s 19th-century recipe, its botanicals are steeped for 24 hours before distillation. 1000ml/$40.99, curiada.com

Fords Gin

A collaboration between bar veteran Simon Ford and 11th-generation distiller Charles Maxwell, Fords Gin is a nine-botanical blend built for cocktails. A relative newcomer, the label launched out of London’s Thames Distillery in 2012. $32.99, curiada.com 

Hayman’s London Dry Gin

A family-owned operation since 1863, Hayman’s was among the earliest pioneers of the London dry style. Expect bright juniper flavors plus coriander and tart citrus on the finish. $32.79, craftcity.com

Malfy Gin Originale

Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this London dry-style gin has fennel, citrus, juniper, and coriander notes. It’s what James Ruggiero, beverage director of Legami in Charleston, South Carolina, keeps on his home bar. “Their gin has been a staple at our restaurant for many of our signature cocktails,” too, he says. $32.99, reservebar.com

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

With its floral nose, soft texture, and citrusy finish, Sipsmith has a distinctive character. The label launched in 2009. According to company lore, it was the first copper pot distillery to debut in London in nearly 200 years. $39.96, astorwines.com

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Distilled since 1830, Tanqueray’s signature spirit is understated and crisp, with juniper, coriander, and licorice root notes followed by a slightly floral finish. Los Angeles bar veteran David Kupchinsky calls it “the gold standard” of the London dry style. $21.99, totalwine.com

Whitney Neill Gin

Softer than many London dry gins, this craft spirit has floral and coriander flavors alongside lemon peel and juniper berry notes. It’s distilled at City of London Distillery, an urban operation that opened in 2012. Smith considers it among the better tasting rooms for gin pilgrims to visit in the city. $29.99, kegnbottle.com