10 best citrus gins taste tested - lemon, orange, grapefruit and more
Ever tried pink grapefruit gin? Or gin flavoured with orange? Citrus flavours work perfectly with this botanical spirit. Read our review of the top 10 citrus gins to find your next favourite bottle.
The humble gin & tonic has become something of an adventure in experimentation. It's not just about botanicals and London Dry any more – there are a whole world of flavoured gins to choose from. Here, we've focused on finding the best citrus gins, covering lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange gin blends. Citrus gin was actually far more popular centuries ago, but it’s made our way back on to supermarket shelves in the past decade, with no two tasting the same. The majority of the citrus gins that we tried were lemon or orange, but pink grapefruit was also popular. Some brought in unusual botanicals, often local to the distiller. We found less common citrus fruits as well, including Japanese yuzu, and we learned a few things along the way – who knew the Rangpur lime from Bangladesh was actually an orange? Some went to town on sugar and took inspiration from cakes and nostalgic pick ‘n’ mix (lemon drizzle and lemon sherbet were among the varieties we tried). Others went for a sour and sharp tang. Some were so sweet they were almost a liqueur, while others had just a hint of citrus and remained heavy on the juniper. Each gin we tried had a story behind it, an inspiration that had created something unusual. Some of the flavours that made the list were created sustainably from grain to bottle. All are unique and innovative, plus the range itself was incredibly varied. We tested almost 30 citrus gins to decide which were the best for your money, ranging from £20-£45 for a bottle. Discover our top picks below. Once you've selected a bottle, check out our best gin cocktails recipe collection with over 60 recipes to experiment with. For more, visit our reviews section to find over 400 practical buyer's guides including taste tests of gin, vodka, rum, brandy, plus round-ups of the best rhubarb gins and pink gins to keep exploring the world of gin. Best citrus gin at a glance 2025 Best overall orange gin: Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, £26.95 Best yuzu gin: Etsu Double Yuzu Gin, £49.02 Best for chocolate lovers: Sipsmith Orange & Cacao gin, £26.50 Best premium orange gin: Brockmans Orange Kiss, £31 Best unusual citrus gin: Tanqueray Rangpur, £26.95 Best Australian citrus gin: Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus gin, £43.53 Best lemon gin: Bombay Citron pressè gin, £25.70 Best aromatic pink grapefruit gin: Chase pink grapefruit & pomelo gin, £31 Best overall pink grapefruit gin: Malfy Rosa pink grapefruit gin, £32 Best orange gin for beginners: City of London Distillery Murcian Orange Gin, £24.99 Best citrus gin to buy 2025 Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Latest Prices Best overall orange gin ABV: 41.3% Rating: 5/5 Flor de Sevilla, Tanqueray’s Spanish-inspired gin, was a resounding winner in our tasting session. The orange gin was awarded near-perfect scores across the board in every single category. While some gin brands go in for the ‘more is more ethos’, Tanqueray isn’t one of them. There are just four botanicals in this one. That means all the good stuff – the vibrant orange aroma, the intense citrus flavour, the strong piney juniper – have got room to shine. Read our full review of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Latest Prices Etsu Double Yuzu Gin Available from Master of Malt (£49.02), Whisky World (£39.90) Best yuzu gin ABV: 43% Rating: 5/5 Following the global success of Japanese whisky, Japanese gin is experience somewhat of a renaissance at the moment, typically combining traditional techniques with local ingredients to create gin that’s distinctive from popular British and European styles. Distilled at the Akita Distillery in the Akita prefecture of Japan, on the Honshu Island, Etsu Double Yuzu gin is a benchmark example of Japanese gin, crafted using botanicals such as juniper, liquorice root, angelica, coriander and matcha alongside yuzu, which are macerated for seven days then distilled and finally brought down to strength using fresh mountain spring water. Prominent zippy yuzu notes are present on both the nose and the palate, plus further citrus notes of lemon and powerful coriander savours on the finish. It’s great on its own, but also really comes to life with a high-quality tonic water made with oranges, garnished with a stick of rosemary. Available from: Master of Malt (£49.02) Whisky World (£39.90) Sipsmith Orange & Cacao Gin Available from Waitrose Cellar (£26.50), Master of Malt (£30.80) Best for chocolate lovers ABV: 40% Rating: 4/5 Most of the citrus gins you try will have you longing for lazy summer evenings in a shady garden or dreaming of the Mediterranean, thanks to their Spanish and Italian influences, but Sipsmith’s Orange & Cacao is reminiscent of an entirely different sort of holiday. It makes us think of Christmas and smells very much like a chocolate orange – the most festive kind of chocolate there is. Read our full review of Sipsmith Orange & Cacao Gin Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£26.50) Master of Malt (£30.80) Brockmans Orange Kiss Gin Available from Tesco (£31) Best premium orange gin ABV: 40% Rating: 5/5 Orange Kiss comes from award-winning Brockmans Gin. It combines flavours of Brockmans own triple sec and Valencia orange with cassia bark, angelica root and almond oil, to achieve a warming and fresh citrus flavour with a smooth finish. It’s great with tonic but also works in cocktails – think a twist on a spritz, or combine with sparkling wine. Available from: Tesco (£31) Tanqueray Rangpur Available from The Whisky Exchange (£26.95), Waitrose Cellar (£28.50) Best unusual citrus gin ABV: 41.3% Rating: 5/5 Rangpur limes are, in fact, not limes at all. They’re a hybrid fruit, somewhere between a mandarin and a citron. The juice is very sour, but it smells very sweet. These dimensions are what makes this a really interesting drink. If you’re after a hit of orange flavour with lots of complexity, this is an excellent choice. Read our full review of Tanqueray Rangpur Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£26.95) Waitrose Cellar (£28.50) Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin Available from Master of Malt (£43.53), DrinkSupermarket (£38.69) Best Australian citrus gin ABV: 43% Rating: 5/5 When you buy a citrus gin, you probably don’t expect it to taste of the sea, but this gin certainly does. It’s a taste that’s not quite salty (that would be too obvious), more of a light mineral tang to the finish. It’s like no other gin we’ve tried before. A citrus gin that will make you think of breezy walks on the beach. Read our full review of Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin Available from: Master of Malt (£43.53) DrinkSupermarket (£38.69) Bombay Citron pressé Latest Prices For a less sweet citrus option than some we tried, Bombay's citron gin is a great option. It has no added sugar and uses hand-picked Mediterranean lemons for a fresh, zesty finish with just a subtle touch of sweetness. It makes a great introduction to flavoured gins as it isn't too radical. We also loved the packaging for gifting. Best lemon gin ABV: 37.5% Rating: 4/5 Latest Prices Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin Latest Prices Best aromatic pink grapefruit gin ABV: 40% Rating: 5/5 It’s odd to call a gin confident, but that’s exactly what Chase’s pink gin creation – Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo – is. Everything about it is sure of itself. It's bright, it's bold, it's pink. It's a really lively vibrant gin. There's something about pink grapefruit gins that carry an aroma like no other citrus spirit, and this has the headiest scent of the bunch. It introduces itself to you before you've even poured it into the glass. We are very, very pleased to make its acquaintance. Read our full review of Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin Latest Prices Malfy Rosa Pink Grapefruit Gin Latest Prices Best overall pink grapefruit gin ABV: 41% Rating: 5/5 Pink grapefruit is the focus here, but there’s a lot more going on in the background of this rosy-hued gin. It treads a very fine line between sharpness and lightness. The result? A wholly drinkable, refreshing gin that you’ll be reaching for throughout summer. Read our full review of Malfy Rosa Pink Grapefruit Gin Latest Prices City of London Distillery Murcian Orange Gin Available from Drink Supermarket (£24.99) Best orange gin for beginners ABV: 41% Rating: 4/5 The City of London Gin Distillery made quite a name for itself when it launched in 2012. Made with Italian oranges from Murcia, the aroma is lively, so it was a surprise to find that the flavour wasn’t overly strong. If you’re looking for an orange gin that will appeal to everyone, and that will look handsome on your drinks cabinet, this is it. Read our full review of City of London Distillery Murcian Orange Gin Available from: Drink Supermarket (£24.99) More gin reviews The best gin to give as a gift The best pink gin The best sloe gin The best flavoured gin Top 5 most unusual gins we've tried All our gin reviews in one place This review was last updated in April 2025. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly. Have you tried a citrus gin that you could recommend? Leave a comment below.
Test your general knowledge with our big Easter quiz. Kids will love answering our fun questions about history, food and Easter traditions.
View Riddle on the source website From chocolate and hot cross buns to egg rolling and the Easter bunny, our big Easter quiz has 20 multiple-choice questions spanning centuries of history and delicious food. Gather your family for a fun afternoon of egg-cellent quizzing. Print the quiz for Easter Sunday or play during a video call. See our Easter hub for recipes and more kids' activities. Now discover our best Easter egg hunt ideas. Spoiler alert! Scroll to the bottom of the page for the answers to the quiz in smallprint. 1. On average, how many Easter Eggs do children eat each year? a) 8 b) 12 c) 5 d) 1 2. Why are there 11 balls of marzipan on a traditional simnel cake? a) They represent a baker’s dozen b) They represent Jesus and the apostles (minus Judas) c) Good Friday originally fell on 11th March d) Easter lunches were originally for 10 people and the 11th slice is considered to be a holy offering 3. Which of these ingredients is not traditionally in hot cross buns? a) Ginger b) Saffron c) Coriander d) Nutmeg 4. The Easter bunny was originally depicted as a hare, but from which European country does he originate? a) Germany b) Denmark c) Italy d) Wales 5. What does the rabbit in Alice In Wonderland always carry with him? a) An Easter egg b) A pocket watch c) An umbrella d) A mobile phone 6. Who presents Junior Bake Off? a) Harry Hill b) David Walliams c) Ant and Dec d) Little Mix 7. How long does it take for an egg to fully form before it is laid? a) Three hours b) 12 hours c) 26 hours d) A week and a half 8. The world’s largest chocolate Easter egg was created by an Italian chocolatier. It was 10.39 metres tall. How much did it weigh? a) Around the weight of a giraffe b) Around the same weight as a car c) Around the weight of a large African elephant d) Around the weight of a double decker bus 9. Which Disney film does the rabbit Thumper appear in? a) Bambi b) Beauty and the Beast c) Dumbo d) Cinderella 10. Some countries have a different animal delivering eggs instead of the Easter bunny. What bird delivers eggs in Switzerland? a) Penguin b) Ostrich c) Cuckoo d) Puffin 11. England and Wales traditionally have a day off on Easter Monday. What do we call this? a) Happy Monday b) Bank Holiday c) Fun Day d) National Lie-in Day 12. What happens to the clocks in spring? a) They go forward b) They go back c) They all stop d) They’re all replaced with the sound of dogs barking 13. What part of the cocoa plant is chocolate made from? a) Beans b) Leaves c) Berries d) Flowers 14. Why do many Easter eggs have a crocodile or fish scale design on them? a) To represent the fish eaten on Good Friday b) To cover up any imperfections in the chocolate c) Just to look pretty d) The design is inspired by a valuable Fabergé egg 15. Eggs have been the symbol of life for centuries. The act of giving eggs as gifts dates back to which civilisation? a) Romans b) Egyptians c) Persians d) All of the above 16. Egg rolling – an Easter game of rolling decorated hard-boiled eggs down a hill – has been a tradition across Europe for centuries. It’s now an annual event at which famous landmark? a) The Leaning Tower of Pisa b) The Eiffel Tower c) The White House d) Buckingham Palace 17. What meat is traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday? a) Chicken b) Beef c) Pork d) Lamb 18. Who wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit? a) Beatrix Potter b) JK Rowling c) Jacqueline Wilson d) Roald Dahl 19. How many Creme Eggs do Cadbury make each day? a) 100,000 b) 500,000 c) 1 million d) 1.5 million 20. Darius, a Flemish Giant Rabbit who lives in the Midlands, is the world’s largest bunny rabbit. How big is he? a) 60 centimetres b) A little over 1 metre c) 5 metres d) 25 metres How did you score in our big food quiz of 2019? Leave a comment below... Answers: 1.a) 8 2.b) They represent Jesus and the apostles (minus Judas) 3. c) Coriander 4. a) Germany 5. b) A pocket watch 6. a) Harry Hill 7. c) 26 hours 8. c) Around the weight of a large African elephant 9. a) Bambi 10. c) Cuckoo 11. b) Bank Holiday 12. a) They go forward 13. a) Beans 14. b) To cover up any imperfections in the chocolate 15. d) All of the above 16. c) The White House 17. d) Lamb 18. a) Beatrix Potter 19. d) 1.5 million 20. b) A little over 1 metre
City of London Distillery Murcian Orange Gin review
Orange gin is an on-trend flavour. Read our review of this zesty spirit from City of London Distillery, plus find ideas for how to serve a citrus gin.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. City of London Distillery Murcian Orange Gin – 41% ABV Rating: 4/5 In a nutshell: This product from City of London Gin Distillery is made with Italian oranges from Murcia. The aroma is lively, so it’s a surprise to find that the flavour isn’t overly strong. If you’re looking for an orange gin that will appeal to everyone and look good in your drinks cabinet, this is it. Full City of London Distillery Murcian Orange Gin review When the City of London Gin Distillery launched in 2012, there hadn’t been a gin distillery in London for over 200 years, so if you’re looking for the start of the small-batch gin revolution, you might well look here. The distillery is hidden away on a side street near London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral (and you can clearly see the landmark inspiration in their bottle design). It’s all the more fitting that London Dry Gin is where the company began its story, and it’s the traditional London gin that’s used as a base for its new Murcian orange option. City of London Distillery has released two citrus-flavoured gins: orange and lemon. The orange flavour, made with Italian oranges from Murcia, fared much better in our taste test than the lemon (although we were disappointed to find that it’s the bottle that’s coloured rather than the gin itself). The aroma is lively, so it was a surprise to find that the flavour wasn’t overly strong. It’s a premium-priced gin, so if you’re a citrus fanatic, you might be a little disappointed. We like that City of London Distillery brought back part of London’s heritage with an excellent gin offering. Although it’s not the most orange-y gin we tried, their brand is something rather special. The perfect pour This is a gin that really tastes better with tonic – when it’s neat, it’s got a slight burn on the finish, but with an ABV over 40% that’s really to be expected. Topped up with tonic and ice, it becomes a much more refreshing drink. It might not be citrussy enough for some, so we’d recommend mixing this with a Mediterranean tonic, which will really bring the flavours to life. Alternatively, you could add a splash to this zesty gin ‘n’ tonic cake and really give it a citrus kick. There are a lot of citrus gins on our list that you can drink simply with ice, but this is one that you could use to give a twist to your cocktails without losing the classic juniper and summery citrus flavours. Try a new take on a classic Tom Collins, or amp up the orange flavour in a marmalade martini. Read our full review of citrus gins This review was last updated in June 2019. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
Citrus-flavoured gin is becoming more popular than ever. How does this supermarket lemon gin stand up in our taste test? Read the results of our review of Asda's Verano lemon-flavoured gin.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Verano Lemon gin – 40% ABV – no longer available Rating: 5/5 In a nutshell: This lemon gin, exclusively available at Asda, has definite Spanish influences. In fact, 'verano' literally means 'summer' in Spanish. Extract of lemon peel is added for extra aroma and flavour, and the sweetness is reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. If you like limoncello, this will be the citrus gin for you. This product is no longer available to buy online. Find more like this in our citrus gin review. Full Verano lemon-flavoured gin review You may have been told not to judge a book by its cover, but packaging counts for something. Of the many citrus gins we tested, Asda's <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100262634-15730022?sid=bbcgoodfood-305961&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroceries.asda.com%2Fproduct%2Fgin%2Fverano-lemon-flavoured-premium-gin%2F1000132866142%3Fsource%3D2834%26promotype%3DSub%2BNetworks%26cmpid%3Dafc-_-ghs-_-awin-_-78888-_%2520-generic%26cm_mmc%3Dghs-aff-_-awin-_-Skimlinks-_-78888%26awin_aff%3D78888_Skimlinks_Skimlinks_Sub%2BNetworks%26cwc%3Dafc%26cwd%3Dghs%26cwf%3Dpm%26dclid%3DCNXjgtWv-OICFRZIGwod8vcO9g" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">Verano lemon-flavoured gin was definitely a contender for prettiest bottle and most appealing packaging. And, in case you were wondering about Asda’s gin-making credentials, Verano is produced by distiller William Grant & Sons, which also makes Hendrick's. For some, this gin, infused with real Spanish lemons, might be a little cloying. The lemon flavour comes through, but it's a very sweet gin, and would be best sipped neat over ice. If you prefer a more sour, sharper citrus gin, this one won’t be for you. There is also a gentle juniper undertone, but sweet lemons are very much the dominant flavour here, and there may not be enough in the way of herby botanicals or savoury notes for gin purists. But, at just £20 a bottle, it's worth trying if you're a fan of sweeter gins or limoncello. The perfect pour Choose to play down the sweetness in a classic gin & tonic, or dial it up in a gin fizz. Lemon juice will give it a sour note, while the fizz of soda water fizz will act like sherbert. This product is no longer available to buy online. Find more like this in our citrus gin review. This review was last updated in March 2020. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
Malfy Gin Rosa Pink Grapefruit Gin review
Pink grapefruit gin is zesty and refreshing – but what did we think of Malfy's offering? Read our review of this Italian spirit, plus how to serve this grapefruit-flavoured gin.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Malfy Rosa Pink Grapefruit Gin – 41% ABV Rating: 5/5 In a nutshell: Pink grapefruit might be the focus in Malfy Gin Rosa, but there’s a lot more going on in their pink gin. It treads a fine line between sharpness and lightness, and the result is a drinkable gin that you'll be reaching for throughout summer. Full Malfy Gin Rosa pink grapefruit gin review Malfy hails from northern Italy, where its distillery dates back to the early 1900s. But the brand itself is fairly young, and only launched in the UK in 2017. And that Italian influence is clear in the chic, fun packaging – Rosa is Malfy's fourth gin variation, and their logo has been given a soft pink makeover to match the spirit. As you'd expect, the ingredients are sourced from the Mediterranean, with Sicilian pink grapefruit and Italian rhubarb infusing the gin for a full 36 hours, giving it its beautiful pink colour. The choice of grapefruit is key – the Sicilian variety is prized for its deep pink flesh, which is ripened at low temperatures during colder weather. The hue and flavour of the pink grapefruit may well be front and centre, but it's not an overpowering taste. Thanks to the rhubarb, the gin is delicate enough to drink neat – the sour pink grapefruit is balanced by the sweetness of the rhubarb, and there's even a hint of rose, though this isn't included in the list of botanicals. We worried the aromatics would get lost, but notes of juniper, coriander and angelica are enhanced when the gin is stirred with tonic. Malfy's depth of flavour, bold design, and quality ingredients add up to a premium gin, but this is just £25 a bottle – one of the most reasonably priced on the market. If you’re keen to try a citrus gin but not after anything super sharp or expensive, this is the one for you. Want to try more pink gins? Here are recommendations for the best pink gins. The perfect pour Drink with a strong tonic to let the aromatics shine. Read our full review of citrus gins This review was last updated in June 2019. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
Heritage gin brand Tanqueray offers flavoured versions of its classic London Dry. Read our review of Rangpur, their orange-flavoured gin with a twist.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Tanqueray Rangpur distilled gin – 41.3% ABV Rating: 5/5 In a nutshell: This gin, flavoured with Rangpur limes, has a refreshing citrus taste. This is because the limes aren't actually limes at all – they're a hybrid cross between the mandarin orange and citron. It makes for a more complex gin; if you're a fan of surprises, this is a drink you'll love to sip. Full Tanqueray Rangpur distilled gin review Tanqueray's Rangpur distilled gin was a firm favourite in our citrus gin taste test. We loved the fresh flavour, which combines Rangpur limes (a small orange variety) and lime zest. The juice of these hybrid 'limes' is very sour, but smells sweet, making it a fascinating flavour to use at the heart of a citrus gin. Although we're now seeing an abundance of citrus gins hit the shelves, Rangpur isn't a new innovation for Tanqueray. The gin has been on the market since 2006, and has won its fair share of awards for its interesting flavour profile. The overwhelming taste of Rangpur distilled gin is orange, but the top notes are that of fresh lime. We do worry that the name and green label may be a little misleading for customers expecting a more lime-flavoured tipple, but this gin doesn't disappoint. Outside of the orange and lime flavours, you'll also notice notes of liquorice, ginger and even bay leaves. The sour notes of the fruit juice combined with the botanicals make this a punchy gin that doesn't lose itself in tonic. And despite being over 40% ABV, the finish is pleasantly warming, rather than harsh. This would be an ideal gin to complement charred meats at a summer barbecue, but would be just as refreshing in winter or cooler weather. The perfect pour All this gin needs is a twist of lime. But if you're after a cocktail, play up the spice notes with an orange and cardamom martini. Read our full review of citrus gins This review was last updated in June 2019. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Orange & Blossom Gin review
Is supermarket gin worth buying? Find out whether this citrus-flavoured version from Sainsbury's stood up against traditional gin brands. Read the results of our taste test.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Orange & Blossom Gin – 37.5% ABV Rating: 4/5 In a nutshell: This is a very good citrus gin when you take into account that a bottle only costs £16. The scent is light and summery, the orange blossom is the perfect note and works well to brighten the scent. We weren’t expecting the scent of juicy Italian oranges, instead we were hoping for a light and floral scent, perhaps a little bit of countryside or leafy gardens on holidays. It really delivered. Buy from Sainsbury's (£16) Full Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Orange & Blossom gin review On opening this reasonably-priced supermarket gin, the citrus aroma is quick to present itself which is a good sign. Some of the other orange gins we tried had a rather medicinal smell, and this one sidesteps that nicely. The gin uses eight botanicals, and has orange blossom and thyme notes throughout. The blossom really is noticeable, and although it knocks the citrus notes down a touch, this is what makes the gin more appealing and very drinkable. It’s perhaps a little more sedate than some other citrus gins (in flavour and ABV), but it really is a strong all-rounder and we can see people grabbing a bottle of this to take along to a BBQ with their packs of sausages and burgers. When you've reached the point in the summer when you fancy a change from rosé wine, we think this is a good bet for a gathering in the sunshine that won’t see you out of pocket. There are a few elements that take it down a notch – the orange bottle is actually a little off putting as the colour is bit like a bottle you’d find in a medicine cabinet. The promise of an orange bottle but pouring a clear gin is a little disappointing. We tasted all the citrus gins in our review with nothing but tonic, but Sainsbury's suggest that you go all out on the garnish, recommending that you use pink peppercorns, a wedge of blood orange and a sprig of thyme and mint. Yes, all of them. While there's no doubt that these would all add something to the overall experience of the drink, we'd argue that if you have to give your glass this many bells and whistles, it's because the flavour is lacking. And to be honest, it is a little, but for a £16 bottle of gin, it's very hard to quibble. For its faults, it's still a really solid crowd-pleaser. The perfect pour You can be rather liberal with this gin as it's so affordable and we suggest you get creative with this. Our recommendation? Rather than whacking in a bunch of extras, make things easy on yourself and use it to top up a jug of Pimms for an extra kick. Buy from Sainsbury's (£16) Read our full review of citrus gins This review was last updated in June 2019. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin review
Have you tried pink grapefruit gin? This version from Chase is packed with flavour. Read the results of our taste test to discover more, including tips on how to serve this vibrant flavoured spirit.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin – 40% ABV Rating: 5/5 In a nutshell: It might sound odd to call a gin confident, but that’s exactly what Chase's pink gin creation is. Everything about it is sure of itself. It's bright, it's bold, it's pink. It's a really lively vibrant gin. There's something about pink grapefruit gins that carry an aroma like no other citrus spirit, and this has the headiest scent of the bunch. Full Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo gin review Everything about Chase Distillery's gin is assured: the weight to the bottle, the elegant label that doesn't need to shout too loudly, the instant hit of the aroma and charming blush pink colour. This gin isn't messing around – it's truly vibrant. It's also distilled from field to bottle, using potatoes grown at the Chase estate in Herefordshire to distil into their vodka, which is either bottled and sold as it is, or used to create gin. The next steps are crucial in getting the gin just right. Juniper and botanicals are added and steeped into the base spirit in a copper pot, where they're distilled again. The botanicals in this case are a mix of eight that includes nutmeg, almond, coriander and lemon, then an abundance of pink grapefruit and pomelo peels finish off the flavour. There's love and care in Chase gins and they really let their spirit flavours speak volumes. We loved the pink grapefruit and pomelo, which manages to tread the fine line between sweet and sharp very well. We’d also happily recommend the Chase citrus Seville marmalade gin (and if we're straying away from gin for a second, the rhubarb vodka is a real treat, too). The only thing that lets it down is the slightly harsh finish, but it certainly wouldn't put you off buying it again. The perfect pour If you really want to go all out with the grapefruit flavours, add another thick wedge to your glass but for something a little bit different, this is where a sprinkling of peppercorns really comes into its own. Pink peppercorns may look pretty (and we're playing with pink gin after all), but you'll get the best flavour from black ones. They'll contrast with the sharp citrus perfectly. Read our full review of citrus gins This review was last updated in June 2019. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
Adnams Orange & Sea Buckthorn Gin review
If you love flavoured gin, a citrus version is worth trying. This orange gin from Suffolk brewery and distillery Adnams is flavoured with sea buckthorn giving it unique notes. Read the results of our taste test.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Adnams Orange & Sea Buckthorn Gin – 40% ABV – discontinued Rating: 5/5 In a nutshell: With citrus gins popping up everywhere, it's really quite a feat to create something that is truly different. So we were especially impressed with Adnams for the originality of their Orange & Sea Buckthorn gin – it really stands out from the crowd. It’s an orange gin, but there’s a lot more going on besides thanks to the sea buckthorn that grows along the coast of Norfolk. The berries are bright orange and when they're crushed, they release a surprising tropical aroma. This product was a seasonal special and is no longer available. Find more like this in our citrus gin review. Full Adnams Orange & Sea Buckthorn gin review The real talking point of this gin is the sea buckthorn. It’s not an ingredient that you'll come across particularly often. Sea buckthorn are hardy salt-tolerant plants, and its actually their berries that are used in the gin-making process. Adnams use this tropical note as a supporting act in the gin. Adnams says that this gin has ‘fresh orange juice, pineapple, peaches and tropical fruit flavours’, but in our tasting session, not all of these notes came through. The overwhelming taste was actually more of a sweet blackcurrant – the flavour is English coast rather than tropical – but it does mean that it stands out from the Mediterranean-inspired alternatives in our citrus gin review. This is a grain-to-glass gin (using ingredients sourced from a single area of land), but there’s an interesting stage before the vodka – used to create the gin – is made. Adnams go back to their beer brewing roots first, and they actually distil their unhopped beer to make their East Coast vodka. This makes up the base spirit of the gin and then the juniper and other botanicals are added. Orange and sea buckthorn take top billing, and coriander, orris root and cardamom complete the cast list. It’s an impressive ensemble, one that keeps you guessing with each sip. The perfect pour This gin is eminently drinkable but it's got a lot of complex and interesting flavours going on. You would be in danger of losing them in an elaborate cocktail which means that it's the ideal spirit for a classic gin ‘n’ tonic. This is one that you'll want to keep sipping – the flavours get more interesting the more you drink – so pour it long. We'd be tempted to turn it into a gin ‘n’ tonic sorbet and serve it after dinner. This product was a seasonal special and is no longer available. Find more like this in our citrus gin review. This review was last updated in March 2020. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.
If you're looking for a bottle of gin with a difference, you may be intrigued by the sweet and savoury notes of this one. Find out more in our review of Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more and read about how we write BBC Good Food reviews. Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin – 43% ABV Rating: 5/5 In a nutshell: When you buy a citrus gin, you probably don’t expect it to taste of the sea, but Manly Coastal certainly does. Not quite salty – that would be too obvious – it has a light mineral tang on the finish. Its unique character brings to mind breezy walks along the beach. Latest Deals Full review of Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin Hailing all the way from Australia, Manly Spirits launched their Coastal Citrus Gin in 2017 and it is indeed citrussy, but gently so thanks to botanicals including lemon aspen and lemon myrtle (both native to Queensland). Sea parsley brings another dimension and the addition of coriander lends the gin a fresh note that works brilliantly against the lemon. However, the real work here is done by the earthy and almost savoury quality of the herbs. They keep it grounded so it’s not overly fruity. It’s a complex marrying of flavours balanced incredibly well, making it stand out among many other citrus gins on the market. With every sip you’ll notice something else tinkling in the background. Despite the complexity and the ABV, it’s surprisingly easy drinking and definitely a conversation starter. It’s rough and rugged with a minerality that evokes breezy walks along the beach, in a refreshing sort of way. Thanks to these earthy notes, this would be good to drink at any time of year. As a bonus, the bottle looks good on the shelf, but Manly Spirits Coastal is the most expensive in our review of citrus gins. At around £39, you’ll want to sip it slowly to fully appreciate its complexity. The perfect pour Don’t mess around with this gin too much. Ice and a slice (lemon or orange, your choice) mixed with a decent tonic is all you need. Latest Deals Read our full review of citrus gins This review was last updated in June 2019. For information on alcohol guidelines, read our guide to drinking responsibly.