Whipping up a round of martinis, gimlets or negronis for the gang? Don’t be caught short with only a bottle of Gordon’s to hand. Elevate your house-party cocktails with spirits crafted by these gorgeous gin brands in the South West
Black Lime Single Origin English Gin, Witchmark Distillery, Wiltshire
46% | £43 | 70cl
This bold spirit bursts with exotic spices and citrus complexity. A rich base of juniper and coriander is boosted by the dark, smoky tang of black lime and the heat of Szechuan pepper. Clove and orris root add warmth and depth, while elderberry and yuzu provide a fruity and zesty finish. This is a great choice for those who have an adventurous spirit.
Food Lifestyle serve: Negroni
Port Barrel Gin, Conker Spirit, Dorset
43% | £50 | 70cl
For something a little different, and a lot special, nab a bottle of this Dorset Dry Gin.
Just 500 bottles have been made, using two unique Ruby Port barrels procured from a prestigious Port House in Porto, Portugal. Over eight weeks, Conker’s Dorset Dry Gin draws out the five-year-old port from the oak cask, becoming infused with its aged flavour and turning the spirit ruby-pink.
The result is a gin of herbaceous brightness balanced with woody spice and vanilla sweetness.
Food Lifestyle serve: Gin Old Fashioned
Elder Bay Blush Gin, Thunderflower Distillery, Devon
42% | £39 | 70cl
This uniquely fragrant gin is imbued with hedgerow flavours that celebrate the Devon terroir. It marries two gin techniques: first, a London Dry is distilled using vapour infusion that combines piney juniper with flavours of elderflower, bay leaf and more. Rowan berries, hawthorn and rosehip are then infused, adding tart jamminess.
Food Lifestyle serve: a refreshing and sparkling Gin Fizz
Exposure, Still Life Gin, Somerset
42% | £44 | 70cl
This unique, vibrant and fresh find from Frome balances zesty lime and a refreshing peppery burst of cubeb with the delicate sweetness of passionfruit and hibiscus. The science-driven team craft bespoke spirits where botanicals are distilled separately, allowing the distillation process to be optimised for the specific characteristics of each ingredient.
This is great for those seeking a zippy number that’ll give zest to a gathering.
Food Lifestyle serve: up the zing factor with a lemon-spiked French 75
Christmas Reserve Gin, Trevethan Distillery, Cornwall
40% | £38.50 | 70cl
This classic London Dry Gin is shot through with the sensory pleasures of Christmas. Piney notes of juniper are elevated with the addition of Norwegian Spruce. Spiced citrus is made bolder with extra helpings of cinnamon, vanilla and sweet orange. These are balanced with the sweet-tart characteristics of lime and raspberries.
This is a perfect gin for festive gatherings to give guests a feeling of warm nostalgia.
Food Lifestyle serve: classic G&T with dried orange, a sprig of rosemary and a couple of sliced cranberries
Enjoyed reading about the best gins for house-party cocktails? Check out our round-up of the best South West stouts.
We choose the companies included in our features based on editorial integrity. Occasionally, some inclusions will be handpicked from clients with whom we have a commercial relationship.
