What Is The Best Affordable Gin? Top 7 Bottles Most Recommended By Experts

Gin has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a wide range of brands now available on the market. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the best affordable gin that still delivers on taste and quality. Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or just starting to explore this versatile spirit, we’ve compiled a list of the best affordable gin brands that are sure to satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank. From classic London Dry gins to unique botanical blends, our list has something for every gin enthusiast. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the world of affordable gin.

Of course, imbibing in a gin martini or Tom Collins isn’t always the number one drink on some consumers’ minds. A new survey shows that one in five drinkers now prefer a mixed cocktail to beer or wine! Whether it’s a margarita, mai tai, or simply an old-fashioned, more drinkers opt for something sweet over something hoppy. These mixed drink lovers call themselves self-proclaimed “cocktail aficionados,” with one in four respondents citing mixing cocktails as a skill they would like to master themselves!

However, one should be careful when deciding on what mixer to put with their favorite spirit. A new study from the University of Victoria in Canada finds that people who mix alcoholic beverages with caffeinated energy drinks could be at a higher risk for injury. According to the study, the use of caffeinated alcoholic drinks is on the rise in North America — the mixture of Red Bull and vodka being a popular combination. A simple gin and tonic might be a better choice.

Ready to take your cocktail game to the next level without taking out a small loan on a bottle? As always, we researched across nine expert sources to bring you today’s ranking of the top seven best affordable gin brands on the market right now. Don’t agree with our ranking or feel we missed out on your favorite? No worries, we would love to hear from you in the comments down below. Now, onto the list. 

The List: Best Affordable Gin, According to Experts

 

1. Gordon’s Gin

With winter just around the corner, who else is shutting out the cold, and planning a cosy night in with a Gordon's this weekend? Best enjoyed with friends (and your sofa). #ShallWe? #WeekendVibes 😉🍸🍁❄️ pic.twitter.com/15nbDhX422

— Gordon's Gin (@GordonsGinUK) November 30, 2018

Gordon’s Gin, one of the most iconic and beloved gin brands in the world, has a rich and fascinating history. With its distinct flavor profile and timeless elegance, Gordon’s has become a staple in cocktail bars and households alike. My Bartender raves about the brand’s lengthy reputation as a quality affordable bottle, with over 200 years in the industry. Gordon’s has won many awards, including four Royal Warrants. Reviewers love the juniper flavor for gin and tonics. 

Which Gin taste testers were pleasantly reminded of Gordon’s during their research. They describe it as “lovely” and “uncomplicated,” making for the perfect gin and tonic. With the affordable price, you can’t go wrong. 

The brand was first launched in 1769 by Alexander Gordon and was a favorite among thirsty 19th century sailors in the Royal British Navy. By the 1960s, no one argued with its title as the best-selling gin in the world (The Daily Meal).

2. Bombay Sapphire Gin

Bombay Sapphire Gin is a renowned brand of gin that has gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and distinct flavor. Crafted with a blend of hand-selected botanicals, this gin offers a truly unique and refreshing taste experience. “Bombay Sapphire is an excellent starter gin. It has a mild taste with licorice and citrus notes, so it’s easy to drink and mixes well in cocktails,” notes Wide Open Country.

Which Gin appreciates the balanced blend of juniper, citrus, and a touch of pepper, calling it “superb value” and recommending it to first-time Bombay Sapphire tasters, even praising the iconic blue bottle!

According to Delicious Gin, Bombay has a status as a “staple,” appreciating its distinctively soft flavor infused with botanicals like almond, licorice, and lemon peel. They emphasize its reasonable price point, making it a good choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

3. Hadley & Sons Gin

With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, this family-owned business has been perfecting its gin recipe for generations. Using only the finest botanicals, Hadley & Sons Gin offers a truly exceptional and unique drinking experience. “Hadley & Sons Gin features notes of juniper but has its spin on gin with the addition of cucumber and citrus flavors. The result is a crisp, light, drinkable gin perfect for any gin-based cocktail, simple and complex. It also won a Silver Medal in the SF Spirits Competition,” raves My Bartender.

If you’re looking for an affordable botanical gin with a kick, Hadley & Sons might be your match. This American-made spirit packs a punch with its 46 percent ABV and emphasizes cucumber and citrus flavors alongside classic juniper. The Daily Meal describes it as “hot” and catering to those who enjoy a bolder spirit.

The Spruce Eats draws comparisons to Hendrick’s, praising its similar cucumber and floral notes with a citrusy twist, although acknowledging it’s “not as refined.” However, they appreciate the “nice flavor boost” from the higher alcohol content and recommend it for cocktails like Tom Collins or even neat with a lemon twist for those who find it smooth enough.

4. Beefeater London Dry Gin

For those that ARE doing Dry Ginuary, here's a cocktail on us
👉 https://t.co/sDMw8Cu8Rt pic.twitter.com/kU3GBgOSlV

— beefeaterlondon (@BeefeaterLondon) January 18, 2023

Beefeater London Dry Gin is a renowned spirit that has stood the test of time. With a rich history, it has become a staple in the world of gin. Liquor appreciates its “high quality for value pricing” and decades-long reputation as a reliable “juniper-forward gin staple.”

While acknowledging the recent ABV drop to 44 percent, Vine Pair still highlights its “iconic London Dry” status with a “juniper-charged” profile. They praise its balanced citrus, spice, and juniper notes, finishing with a peppery kick.

The Daily Meal crowns it the “world’s most awarded gin,” made using the traditional London Dry method with strong juniper and citrus notes. They emphasize the use of the original recipe with nine botanicals, even hand-weighed for each batch, highlighting its commitment to tradition and quality.

5. Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin

Who needs pumpkin spice when you can have The Classic Seagram’s cocktail (pumpkin optional). Mix your own: https://t.co/5P6pF0sOYZ pic.twitter.com/5iCEUdVWzQ

— Seagram's Gin (@SeagramsGinUSA) November 18, 2022

Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin is a classic and timeless spirit that has been enjoyed by gin enthusiasts for decades. Crafted with utmost care and precision, this gin offers a refreshing taste that is unparalleled. Wide Open Country praises its “bar standard” status, emphasizing its easy availability, affordability, and suitability for various gin-based drinks.

According to Delicious Gin, Seagram’s has a “smooth, mellow flavor” achieved through double distillation and a subtle sweetness from the botanical blend, making it perfect for mixing in cocktails.

Going beyond the gin’s affordability, My Bartender acknowledges the brand’s heritage since 1939 and even mentions award wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for two consecutive years. They also detail its flavor profile, including juniper, coriander, orange peels, and angelica root.

6. New Amsterdam Stratusphere London Dry Gin

Our bottle may look a little different, but inside is the same crisp, clean and exceptionally smooth gin that earned a score of 95 points from The Tasting Panel. pic.twitter.com/JWrQFfciN3

— Stratusphere Gin by New Amsterdam (@StratusphereGin) February 28, 2019

New Amsterdam Stratusphere London Dry Gin is a unique and captivating spirit that brings a modern twist to the classic London Dry style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Stratusphere is affordable, with a drier profile compared to sweeter gins making it a great entry point for curious newcomers, according to Wide Open Country.

The Daily Meal classifies it as a “western-style gin” with less juniper emphasis than classic London Dry styles, but still packs a punch with botanical flavors.

Appreciating its price-to-quality ratio, Delicious Gin describes this New Amsterdam bottle as “straightforward” and “clean” with a subtle citrus touch, making it suitable for both gin novices and budget-conscious drinkers.

7. Plymouth Gin

@foodandwine Cheers 🍸& Thanks for the mention in “12 Essential Gins Everyone Should Have in the Liquor Cabinet” https://t.co/mQC8kElUwNhttps://t.co/vZJHDd68vF#OldWiseGin #MakeBetterDrinks #PlymouthGin
Enjoy Responsibly. 21 years of age and over. https://t.co/S7yot4YSzy pic.twitter.com/ObvqUHB2tD

— Plymouth Gin (@PlymouthGinUS) January 18, 2020

Plymouth Gin, a beloved spirit with a rich history, has been captivating the palates of gin enthusiasts for centuries. Produced in the coastal city of Plymouth, England, it’s “one of the few gins in Europe that used to have a Protected Geographical Indication. It no longer needs its geographical protection and has been one of the best gins for centuries. A great, punchy juniper-y gin of high quality,” describes Which Gin.

Plymouth Gin seems to be a secret weapon for converting gin skeptics! Liquor praises it as a favorite for “sneaking” into cocktails for those who claim to dislike gin. They appreciate its versatility and balanced profile, making it suitable for any classic gin cocktail.

Recipe Marker emphasizes its “balanced and seamless” flavor, acknowledging the juniper presence but highlighting the softening influence of angelica and orris root botanicals. They describe a “creamy sweetness” with hints of vanilla and citrus, creating a more approachable gin experience.

Sources:

• Which Gin
• The Daily Meal
• My Bartender
• Delicious Gin
• Wide Open Country
• The Spruce Eats
• Liquor
• Vine Pair
• Recipe Marker

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.