London Gin: London Dry vs Contemporary Gin Style Guide

What makes a gin a gin?

Gin is a spirit flavoured primarily with juniper berries. Beyond juniper, distillers choose a blend of botanicals such as coriander seed, angelica root, orris, citrus peel, cassia and liquorice. The botanicals are infused or re-distilled in a neutral spirit, and the result is bottled at 37.5 per cent ABV or higher in most markets.

Because there is no requirement for ageing, gin is a creative spirit. A distiller’s choice of botanicals defines its style, which is why gins taste so different even when they share a category name.

What does London dry mean?

London dry gin is not about location. It describes a method: all flavour must come from natural botanicals during distillation, no artificial flavours or colours can be added afterward, and sweetening is restricted to a tiny amount. That gives a clean, dry, juniper-forward style.

Classic London dry names include Gordon’s, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire. You can see them in our gin collection, including Gordon’s Gin 1L and Bombay Sapphire.

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What is contemporary or “New Western” gin?

Contemporary gin still contains juniper, but it deliberately turns down the volume to let other botanicals lead. You might find cucumber and rose in Hendrick’s, or native botanicals such as lemon myrtle and Tasmanian pepperberry in Australian gins like Four Pillars. Some are distilled gins with flavours added after distillation, so they cannot be labelled London dry.

This freedom has produced an explosion of styles. Try Hendrick’s Amazonia to see how far gin can move from the classic recipe.

Where does pink gin fit in?

Pink gin is a gin flavoured with red fruit such as strawberry, raspberry or rhubarb, often with added sugar. It tends to be sweeter and lower in ABV, and is generally served over ice or with lemonade or tonic.

It is a popular and fun style, but it is not a London dry. If you are buying for a classic martini or a dry G&T, choose a juniper-led gin instead.

Which gin is best for a martini or a G&T?

For a martini, a classic London dry such as Tanqueray or Gordon’s gives structure and bite. For a G&T, either style works: London dry gives a crisp, piney drink, while a contemporary gin gives a more aromatic one.

Use plenty of ice, a good tonic and a garnish that matches the gin. A ratio of one part gin to two or three parts tonic is a good starting point. Premade options such as 24 Ice Gin & Tonic are convenient when you do not want to mix.

What tonic should you use?

Tonic is half your drink, so choose a good one. Indian tonic water is the standard, and lighter, less sweet tonics let delicate gins show. Avoid flat or sugary tonic, and always use a fresh bottle or can.

For more on getting the mixer right, see our guide to the best mixers for a home bar.

What should you look for when buying gin in Australia?

Check the style on the label (London dry, distilled gin, flavoured gin), the ABV and the botanicals. Australian craft gins often highlight native ingredients and can be excellent value in smaller bottles. Gin also makes an easy gift, especially with a premium tonic and a glass.

Buyers must be 18 or over. Explore the full range in our gin collection.

What botanicals are used in gin?

Juniper is essential. Coriander seed adds citrus and spice, angelica root adds earthy depth and helps fix aromas, and orris root adds a floral, powdery note. Citrus peel (lemon, orange, grapefruit), cassia or cinnamon, cardamom, liquorice and grains of paradise are also common.

Contemporary gins add cucumber, rose, lavender, tea, seaweed and native Australian botanicals such as lemon myrtle and pepperberry. The best way to discover a favourite is to taste the gin neat first, then in a G&T.

What are the best gin cocktails?

The Dry Martini: 60 mL gin and 10 mL dry vermouth, stirred with ice and served with a lemon twist or olive. The Negroni: equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. The Tom Collins: gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda. The Gimlet: gin and lime cordial or fresh lime and sugar.

Use a London dry for martinis and Negronis, and a contemporary gin for a Gin and Tonic that highlights unusual botanicals.

What is the difference between distilled gin and compound gin?

Distilled gin is made by redistilling a neutral spirit with botanicals. London dry is a type of distilled gin. Compound gin is made by simply mixing flavouring into neutral alcohol without redistilling, and it is usually cheaper and less refined.

Gin liqueur and flavoured gin, such as pink gin, may have added sugar and lower ABV. Check the label for style and ABV. Browse our gin collection for classic and modern styles.

What are the most common gin mistakes?

The biggest is warm tonic and too little ice, which waters down the drink and kills the fizz. Using a flat or cheap tonic is the second. Third, over-garnishing: a slice of citrus or a sprig of herb is enough, and the garnish should echo the gin’s botanicals.

Another is storing gin in direct sunlight, which can dull its aromas. Pour from a bottle kept in a cool cupboard. Finally, do not assume all gin is the same: taste a few styles and learn which botanicals you prefer.

If you want a ready-made option while you explore, a canned gin and tonic such as 24 Ice Gin & Tonic is a convenient way to try the style.