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10 Recommended Gins for Restaurants & Bars

The key to a standout gin list is variety and purpose. You want gins that mix brilliantly, complement your menu, and capture attention, both on the back bar and in the glass.

Here are ten highly recommended gins for your venue, starting with our own handcrafted range from The Henley Distillery, followed by standout choices from across the UK and beyond.

1. Henley Classic Dry Gin

Style: London Dry | ABV: 45%
Profile: Bold juniper, bright citrus, warming spice

Our signature spirit and multi-award-winning bestseller, Henley Classic Dry Gin, is distilled using traditional copper alembic stills for an authentic, timeless profile. Juniper takes centre stage, complemented by zesty citrus and layers of warming spice from botanicals such as cubeb and cassia.

Why it’s ideal for venues: This is your cornerstone gin—reliable, versatile, and elevated. It works beautifully in cocktails, long serves, and martinis alike.

Signature Cocktail: The Henley Dry Martini

  • 50ml Henley Classic Dry Gin
  • 10ml Dry Vermouth
  • Stirred over ice and served with a twist of orange peel or an olive

Also try: Gin Basil Smash, Negroni, or French 75

2. Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin 

Style: Dry Gin | ABV: 47%
Profile: Forest fruits, citrus, spice, complex botanicals

A cult favourite from Germany’s Black Forest, Monkey 47 boasts a whopping 47 botanicals and exceptional complexity.

Why it’s ideal for venues: A conversation starter and a connoisseur’s choice. Perfect for premium cocktails or neat sipping.

Cocktail Suggestion: Monkey Negroni – layered with vermouth and Campari.

3. Isle of Harris Gin 

Style: Scottish Dry | ABV: 45%
Profile: Sugar kelp, citrus, maritime freshness

Infused with sustainably harvested sugar kelp from the Outer Hebrides, Isle of Harris Gin brings a clean, coastal freshness.

Why it’s ideal for venues: Striking bottle design and a unique flavour perfect for seafood pairings or elegant serves.

Cocktail Suggestion: Seaside Martini – with dry vermouth and lemon zest.

4. Tanqueray No. TEN 

Style: London Dry | ABV: 47.3%
Profile: Fresh citrus, floral chamomile, juniper backbone

Small-batch distilled using whole citrus fruits and chamomile flowers, No. TEN  is ultra-premium and crafted for martinis.

Why it’s ideal for venues: A bartender’s favourite with exceptional balance—great for refined classics.

Cocktail Suggestion: Tanqueray No. TEN Martini – with a grapefruit twist.

5. Plymouth Gin 

Style: Plymouth Gin | ABV: 41.2%
Profile: Earthy, soft spice, smooth texture

Produced in one of England’s oldest distilleries, the Plymouth Gin is rounder and softer than a typical London Dry, with earthy notes and gentle spice. 

Why it’s ideal for venues: A staple for cocktail menus, especially for Gimlets and Martinis.

Cocktail Suggestion: Plymouth Gimlet – shaken with lime cordial, served cold.

6. Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin 

Style: Contemporary Dry | ABV: 42%
Profile: Citrus, floral lavender, Cornish herbs

A modern gin with a handcrafted feel, Tarquin’s Cornish Dry is distilled in small batches on the coast of Cornwall.

Why it’s ideal for venues: Light, fresh and aromatic—ideal for summer drinks lists and coastal themes.

Cocktail Suggestion: Cornish G&T – elderflower tonic and grapefruit slice.

7. Roku Gin 

Style: Japanese Craft Gin | ABV: 43%
Profile: Yuzu, cherry blossom, green tea, pepper

Crafted by Suntory using six traditional Japanese botanicals, this gin delivers harmony and subtle complexity.

Why it’s ideal for venues: Offers something culturally distinct with premium presentation.

Cocktail Suggestion: Roku Tonic – garnished with ginger or yuzu peel.

8. Hendrick’s Gin 

Style: Distilled Gin | ABV: 41.4%
Profile: Cucumber, rose, soft juniper

An iconic brand known for its infusion of rose and cucumber, Hendrick’s offers a light, aromatic profile.

Why it’s ideal for venues: Instantly recognisable and loved for its refreshing G&T serve.

Cocktail Suggestion: Hendrick’s Cucumber G&T – with tonic and cucumber ribbons.

9. Silent Pool Gin 

Style: London Dry | ABV: 43%
Profile: Honey, lavender, citrus, spice

Crafted near the legendary Silent Pool in Surrey, Silent Pool gin features 24 botanicals and a distinctive bottle design.

Why it’s ideal for venues: Aesthetic appeal and bold flavour make it perfect for display and premium serves.

Cocktail Suggestion: Silent Pool Spritz – with elderflower tonic and mint.

10. Sipsmith London Dry Gin 

Style: London Dry | ABV: 41.6%
Profile: Juniper, citrus, classic dry finish

A pioneer of the British craft gin movement, Sipsmith offers a classic profile with small-batch credibility.

Why it’s ideal for venues: Great all-rounder. Versatile, familiar, and easy to upsell.

Cocktail Suggestion: Classic Sipsmith G&T – with Indian tonic and lime wheel.

Final Thoughts

From bold, juniper-forward staples to elegant coastal expressions, floral craft blends, and international standouts, these ten gins offer something exceptional for every palate and setting.

At The Henley Distillery, we take pride in our handcrafted, small-batch approach. Whether you’re refreshing your drinks list or building a new one from scratch, our award-winning gins offer your guests premium flavour with a story they’ll remember.