Paying homage to all things juniper-based, World Gin Day (8th June 2024) is a global celebration, celebrating one of my favourite spirits, the beloved gin. Known by many names, including the Ladies Delight, the Dutch Courage; the Mother’s Ruin, today is a day to celebrate the original classics as well as dipping our toe into the diverse world of unusual flavours and unique flavour pairings. Gin is known for being a versatile and complex spirit that's perfect for mixing or sipping alone and is loved across the world by bar tenders, mixologists and general gin enthusiasts. This is partly due to the nature of the spirit and the distilling process - no two gins are exactly alike - with each production widely varying from one brand to the next creating the unique flavour profiles that we know and love, as well as the ones that shock and surprise us, but ultimately, it all boils down to (normally in a copper-still pot) creating a gin for everyone. Some have some spicy adventurous notes, others more fruity, or sweet, clean and refreshing - so whatever your preference, let the celebrations be-gin.

D1 London Dry Gin

This award-winning gin by D1 London Gin (£32.49, D1 London Spirits) includes a triple-distilled grain spirit that is combined with quintessential British flavours including orange, fruit tea and blackcurrant as well as nettles to create an extraordinary gin that has a super smooth finish. The main botanical note is a rich juniper which creates the backbone of the spirit and is finished with almond and liquorice, before being bottled in a unique glass-stained bottle created by artist Jacky Tsai.

Gin Mare

This luxe gin by Gin Mare (£39, Waitrose) is like summer in a bottle. Taking direct inspiration from the Mediterranean Sea, Gin Mare’s botanicals capture Mediterranean living in a bottle. Leaning more towards the savoury side of gin, you can expect to notice their hero ingredients: rosemary, basil and thyme on the palate and nose as well as their use of local Arbequina olives making it a great base in cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and pairing perfectly with a range of tapas style dishes.

Blackeye Gin

This chic gin, created by rugby legends Mike Tindal and James Haskell alongside television presenter Alex Payne - Blackeye Gin (£35.95, Master of Malt) encompasses botanicals from each of the rugby nations. You can expect ripe orange on the palate followed by candied lemon and fennel. A smooth, soft finish and is best enjoyed with a wheel of orange. What makes Blackeye Gin so delicious… a secret ingredient that is claimed to not be included in any other product in the world by the makers.

Tea Edition Gin

If you love a cuppa but also love a tipple, then this beautifully brewed gin from Masons of Yorkshire (£33, Waitrose) is for you. Masons Tea Edition combines Yorkshire Tea with its smooth juniper flavours to create a perfectly balanced gin that has sharp citrus and warming spice notes throughout. Expect coriander, lemon, black tea and cardamom on the palate with a long, dry finish and best served in a dry martini or in a simple G&T with fresh mint or a twist of lemon zest.

Pink Grapefruit Old Tom

Using hand-peeled grapefruits this delicate gin by Rock Rose Gin (£33.87, Amazon) is the perfect gin for the summer. It’s a lighter gin than the more traditional; one that boasts both a wonderful citrus flavour profile with a beautiful sweetness created with muscovado sugar that pairs perfectly with Rock Rose Gin’s traditional botanicals and the peel of organic pink grapefruits. Classically sweet with a zesty finish.

Wonky Raspberry Gin

This beautiful Wonky Raspberry Gin (£32, Sainsburys) has a whole heap of awards including the 2023 Gin Guide’s Product of the Year. Created by family-run artisan gin and spirits brand, Penrhos Spirits, this small-batch gin utilises the wonky fruit that supermarkets turn down to create their versatile Raspberry Gin which has a fruity kick of raspberry that works best when paired with an Aromatic Tonic and garnished with fresh raspberries and mint.

Jaffa Cake Gin

We tried this Jaffa Cake Gin (£29.95, Master of Malt) a few years ago; has been on our mind since. Not only does it hit all of the flavours it promises, but it also makes for a delicious long drink with a splash of lemonade or soda, or even better… in a Negroni. The reason this one packs a punch is that they use real Jaffa Cakes to distil their spirit - so you get both the orange and the cocoa alongside beautiful botanicals. A real timeless treat, best served with a Jaffa or two on the side.

Edinburgh Gin Cannonball

Using double the amount of juniper than any other brand this delightfully botanical heavy gin from Edinburgh Gin (£37.80, Edinburgh Gin) is the perfect choice for gin enthusiasts. Not only does it boost a smooth mouthfeel but its punchy flavour profile of crisp yuzu peel and warming Szechuan pepper gives you a distinctive and herbaceous feel, with spice on the nose, a kick of juniper and pepper on the tongue and a fresh citrus finish that creates the perfect balance for a martini or delicious on its own with a twist of lemon and your favourite tonic.

Wild Strawberry and Hibiscus Gin

This Wild Strawberry and Hibiscus Gin (£30, Hensol Castle Distillery) is made in the only craft distillery in the UK in the cellars of a Grade-I listed Castle making it a truly unique spirit. Its pink hue is as stunning as it tastes, with wild strawberries bursting on the palate mixed with the floral notes of the hibiscus flower and Hensol Castel Disillery’s beautiful botanicals creating a delightful gin perfect for long summer nights.

Miso Cardamom

Looking for something a litte different, well look no further. This Miso Cardamom Gin (£34.95, Masters of Malt) is created by leading distiller, Bathtub Gin who are known for their unique, experimental and damn0right-delicious flavoured spirits; this Miso Cardamom Gin is the perfect savoury offering for gin-lovers who love something a little different. You can expect smoky black cardamom and pine with the salty, tangy and smooth flavours of miso giving you a cracking gin that is a must-try.

Canaïma Gin

Hailing from the Amazon rainforest, Canaïma Gin (£33.99, The Bottle Club) this fruity gin uses 10 local botanicals including acai berries, copuaza, merey fruit and uve de palma to create a sharp medley of fruit flavours on the palate and nose, with floral notes and earthy undertones. Best served with something that has a little bite or bitterness such as Grapefruit soda.

American Mustard Gin

This incredible American Mustard Gin (£36.95, James Gin), one of James May, former Top Gear presenters’ range of gins is one of the more unique ones on our list. It may sound a little scary but this award-winning gin has a beautiful savoury flavour profile that is filled with warm notes and should be on your to-try list this year. Mustard seeds are used to provide warmth with a counterbalance of brine from gherkins to create a surprisingly light gin that works perfectly in a Bloody Mary or Blood May, as James calls it.

Solaro Capri Gin

On the higher end of the scale, this dry but refreshing Solaro Capri Gin (£120, Boutique Brands) is a true collector’s item. Each ceramic bottle that houses the zingy gin is handcrafted by a family of local artisans, takes about a week to make, and is lovingly decorated paying homage to Capri’s culture and honour. You can expect local botanicals inside such as Zagara (Lemon Blossom) from Mote Solaro, sun-soaked red Juniper from Cilento and Amalfi lemon peel and leaf giving it that citrus burst that oozes Italian sunshine with every sip.

Ukiyo Bossom Japanese Gin

Taking inspiration from the mountains and coastline in Kagoshima, where it is produced and distilled from the traditional Japanese shōchū spirit, Ukiyo Blossom Gin (£38.49, The Bottle Club) boasts a beautiful blossom aroma that's perfectly balanced with juniper, spice, mandarin and the delicate sakura flower creating a fragrant but citrus-forward gin that tastes as beautiful as the bottle looks.

Looking for some more gin-spiration? Check out our top picks from our 2023 Gin Day Round-Up.

The Best Gins For World Gin Day 2024