London Dry Gin

The canonical juniper-forward style of gin — dry, crisp, and botanically assertive.

Spirits England (style) 40% ABV
Flavor profile: herbalboozycitrus

London Dry is a legally defined style, not a place of production: the botanicals must be added during distillation (not after), no sweeteners may be introduced post-distillation, and the final spirit must be at least 37.5% ABV. It is the style most bartenders mean when they say 'gin' without qualification — juniper and coriander forward, with citrus peel and a bone-dry finish. Beefeater, Tanqueray, Sipsmith, Fords, and Bombay are workhorses. The dryness is why a London Dry Martini works so well: the gin supplies the backbone and the vermouth plays a whispered second voice.

Common uses

Martini, Negroni, Tom Collins, French 75.

Cocktails that use London Dry Gin

  • Dry Martini — The king of cocktails — gin and dry vermouth, stirred cold and served clean
  • Tom Collins — Gin, lemon, sugar, and soda — the original long, refreshing cocktail
  • Gimlet — Gin and fresh lime juice with simple syrup — clean and bracingly tart
  • French 75 — Gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne — named after a WWI field artillery gun

Substitutes

  • Gin — Any good dry gin works in most classic recipes.