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The iconic martini has stood the test of time for a few reasons. For one, it’s instantly recognizable—everyone knows the V-shaped glass. It’s also unmistakably bracing, crisp and versatile, a pristine canvas to customize with varying amounts of vermouth (dry, wet, 50/50?), garnishes (olive, twist, onion?) and flavorings from olive brine to dashes of liqueurs. With an always-expanding constellation of martini variations, no wonder it’s one of the most popular drinks around the world.
But while some reach for a vodka bottle when mixing a martini (no judgment), gin is the drink’s classic foundational spirit. And for these, the type of gin one chooses greatly impacts the resulting drink’s flavor profile.
How does one go about choosing the right one? Here’s everything you need to know—from gin basics to bottle picks.
What Is Gin?
Gin is a distillate flavored with botanicals, notably pine-like juniper berries. The botanicals are usually the most distinctive part of the gin. In addition to juniper (which can be nuanced or pronounced, but is required to be part of the mix), common gin flavorings include spices (coriander, cardamom, anise), flowers (rose, lavender) and citrus peel (lemon, grapefruit). Some distillers select botanicals with specific concepts in mind, such as forest-like, tropical or ocean-inspired flavors.
While juniper-forward London Dry gin is the best-known type of gin, gin can be made anywhere (not just London), with a wide range of raw materials in the base distillate (grain, grapes, whey, etc.), and is made in a wide range of styles.
What Type of Gin Is Best for a Classic Martini?
For a classic martini—meaning gin and dry vermouth, plus garnish—the pros recommend a juniper-forward, London Dry-style gin.
“Juniper has to be the first thing you taste, otherwise for me, it’s not a gin martini,” says Adam Montgomerie, bar manager of
For a classic martini—meaning gin and dry vermouth, plus garnish—the pros recommend a juniper-forward, London Dry-style gin.
“Juniper has to be the first thing you taste, otherwise for me, it’s not a gin martini,” says Adam Montgomerie, bar manager of New York City’s Hawksmoor. But that juniper has to balance with the other botanicals, he adds: “I’m a big fan of citrus-forward bottles that complement the juniper notes and sing in a martini.”
He also recommends looking for a slightly higher-proof gin, meaning higher than the standard 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). “Anything 90 to 100-proof is pretty spot on,” Montgomerie says. “You want something with a little more alcohol that stands up in the drink and doesn’t get overshadowed by the vermouth, especially if you like to drink them on the wetter side.”
He also recommends looking for a slightly higher-proof gin, meaning higher than the standard 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). “Anything 90 to 100 proof is pretty spot on,” Montgomerie says. “You want something with a little more alcohol that stands up in the drink and doesn’t get overshadowed by the vermouth—especially if you like to drink them on the wetter side.”
What Type of Gin Is Best for a Dirty Martini?
A dirty martini is characterized by its use of olive brine, which lends drinks a distinctly savory quality. For a head start on these cocktails, many bartenders look to gins with a hint of salinity.
Stephanie Castaneda, director of beverage for STK Steakhouse in Denver, says she seeks out a gin with “a more savory profile rather than a floral one, to ensure it balances the brininess of the olive juice or other saltier martini additions,” like blue cheese-stuffed olives or caviar.
What’s the Best Non-Alcoholic Gin for a Martini?
While Wine Enthusiast doesn’t review non-alcoholic spirits, we still enjoy mixing them into drinks, including the occasional zero-proof martini— arguably, one of the hardest drinks to get right in NA format.
We’ve enjoyed Damrak 0.0, Monday and Ritual Gin Alternative. (But if we’re being perfectly honest, try a Phony Negroni instead, it’s easier to make than an alcohol-free martini.)
What About a Gibson or a Vesper?
While the martini has myriad variations, the Gibson (noted for its cocktail onion garnish) and the Vesper (which includes both vodka and gin, plus a splash of Lillet) are among the best known.
“Plymouth Gin is recommended for a Gibson, as it has a more citrus-forward taste than London Dry and fewer juniper-forward notes,” explains Chris Miller, director of food and beverage at The Knickerbocker in NYC. In other words, the relatively neutral profile of Plymouth lets the Gibson’s distinctive onion note take center stage.
Meanwhile, Miller suggests a classic London Dry for a Vesper, “as there is little to no sweet taste to balance out the Lillet,” a French aperitif wine.
While most pros lean toward London Dry as the go-to for most martini styles, “it mostly comes down to personal taste,” Miller assures.
Best Overall: Boatyard Double Gin
Sweet gale – a shrub also known as bog myrtle – supplies this gin’s earthy, woodsy warmth. Lemon peel and grapefruit pith lead into dusty spices, cedar shavings and coriander, finishing dry and bracing. 91 points. Best Buy. — Kara Newman
$33.78 The Whisky ExchangeBest for a Classic Martini: Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Inside the recognizable green bottle, look for bold juniper plus notes of anise, lemon peel, and a faint white-floral touch, laced with black pepper heat. Overall, a clean, classic profile that’s just the ticket for gin & tonics. 93 points. Best Buy. — K.N.
$21.99 Total WineBest for a Gibson: Plymouth Gin
A soft, classic gin, ideal for Negronis and a wide range of other drinks. Overall, the flavor is neutral, but it has a touch of sweetness and complex underpinnings of pine, citrus and black pepper. Because it’s so versatile, this workhorse is recommended for anyone starting to build a bar. 92 points. — K.N.
$39.99 Astor WinesBest for a Martini with a Twist: Uncle Val’s Zested Gin
Warm star anise, cinnamon bark and a teasing whiff of cocoa nibs perfumes this gin. The palate opens with a sweet, tingly mintiness that lifts off the palate, winding into a citrusy finish laced with lime peel astringency. — K.N.
$32.99 Love ScotchBest for a Martini with Olives: Guilder’s Canton Dry Gin
Guilder’s Canton Dry Gin
Overall, this is an enticing, lightly savory gin that seems right for dirty and non-dirty martinis alike. An initial whiff of raspberry gives way to mouthwatering salinity, hinting at olive brine and mushroom, and finishing lightly with a curl of citrus peel. 95 Points — K.N.
$40 Wine-searcherBest Craft Gin for a Martini: Wonderbird Spirits No. 61 Gin
Made with a base of Mississippi Delta rice, this gin offers a bold licorice twang on nose and palate. The finish is subtly sweet, with star anise warmed by black pepper and clove heat. 90 points. — K.N.
$48.99 Wonderbird SpiritsBest for Dirty Gin Martinis: Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin
A cool, lightly mentholated whiff leads into a savory palate featuring rosemary, fleeting green olive, a hint of saline and a zippy juniper finish. Made as an antidote to citrusy gins, the producer says, this gin is made in the Yarra Valley from Australian olive leaf and olive oil. Producer recommends for Gibsons. 92 Points. — K.N.
$38.99 Wine.comBest for 50-50 Martinis: Procera Gin
Distilled in Kenya and made from fresh (not dried) juniper plus a dozen other botanicals from Africa, this gin has a delicate floral aroma and clean, brisk palate. Mild coriander, lavender and lemon peel make an ideal backdrop for Martinis and more. 95 points. — K.N.
$84.99 Astor WinesBest for Vespers: Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength Gin
Crisp and classic, this gin is ideal for martinis. A light cucumber aroma leads the nose, opening up with more cucumber and juniper on the palate, finishing smooth and brisk on nutmeg and coriander accents. 94 points. — K.N.
$39.96 Astor WinesBest Affordable Gin for a Martini: Constant Reader Gin
Sweet and savory spices frame this versatile London Dry Style. Look for coriander on nose and palate, mingled with cardamom and cubeb pepper piquancy. 93 Points. Best Buy — K.N.
$18 Wine-searcher
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Published: July 10, 2024
