Bartenders, put down your citrus peels and pick up your pencils; we're going to list the best gin brands. Watch out — these drinks are so juniper-forward that there's no turning back.

Whether you prefer fruity or floral notes, the best gin's flavor profile invites the whole garden to the party. We have many classic London dry-style gins and some with citrusy secrets. We even have tequila, but that's on another list.

If you're after the first thing you need in a classic gin and tonic (the gin), read on for our list of the best gin to buy. 

1. Bombay Sapphire Gin 750ml (94 Proof)

You know it from the blue bottle and clear pour. Infused with ten exotic botanicals, Bombay has a clean, bright flavor with a vibrant, peppery finish. Please enjoy it with lime.

$29.95

2. Tanqueray Gin 1.75L (94.6 Proof)

For a Tanqueray and juice, you need two ounces of Tanqueray London Gin and two-thirds of an ounce of juice of choice (orange, grapefruit, you get the idea). Fill a shaker with ice, and add all ingredients. Shake for 10-12 seconds, then strain into a glass filled with ice, and serve. Don't forget to keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind.

$51.99

3. Kavlana Gin 1.75L (80 Proof)

Sip on this winner of the gold medal at LA's 2018 international spirits competition. A crisp, dry gin with hints of juniper and citrus. Perfect for a martini, gin and tonic, or your favorite cocktail.

$15.99

4. New Amsterdam Straight Gin 750ml (80 Proof)

With flavors of vanilla, lime, orange, and juniper, New Amsterdam Gin is a unique gin you need on your bar cart. Try shaking (or stirring) up a classic martini, mixing a gin and tonic, or trying your hand at a trendy craft cocktail with this 40% ABV gin.

$16.99

5. Seagram's Gin 750ml (80 Proof)

This is Canadian Gin. It tastes pine-forward, followed by candied orange. You know it's been smooth and mellow since 1939. 

$20.99

6. Hendrick's Gin 750ml (88 Proof)

Hendrick's is an unusual gin created from 11 fine botanicals. The curious yet marvelous infusions of rose and cucumber imbue our spirit with its uniquely balanced flavor resulting in an unimpeachably smooth and distinct gin. Escape the conventional, and embrace the delectable. Please enjoy the unusual responsibility.

$36.99

7. Beefeater Gin 750ml (94 Proof)

Beefeater London Dry has a remarkably clean flavor, with a bold juniper character balanced with strong citrus notes, making it the perfect gin to enjoy with the tonic of your choice.

$25.19

8. Aviation American Gin 750ml (84 Proof)

Like the world's finest gins, Aviation distills using a proprietary maceration recipe that produces a pure medley of botanical flavor.

$28.99

9. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin 750ml (92 proof)

The Botanist from Scotland is a gin of layered complexity. Twenty-two hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation. This unique Islay dry gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of our remote Scottish island.

$39.99

10. St George Botanivore Gin 750ml (90 Proof)

The "botanical eater" earned its name because it has loads of botanical ingredients. Distilled with 19 different botanicals for a beautifully balanced and vibrant gin. Bright and versatile flavors are great for mixing.

$29.99

11. Gray Whale Gin 750ml

Every year, the California Gray Whale makes a 12,000-mile migration from the warm lagoons of the Baja Peninsula to the cool waters of the Arctic. Our small batch gin is a celebration of this incredible journey.

$44.99

12. Burnett's Gin 1.75L

Burnetts takes their time. Their gin is quadrupled distilled and triple charcoal-filtered for superior smoothness. They've been at it for over two centuries, so it must be worth it.

$18.99

13. Plymouth Navy Strength Gin 750ml

Made on England's Southwest Coast since 1793, Plymouth distills their gin using a blend of seven botanicals, including Juniper Berry and Citrus Peel. 

$41.99

FAQ

What is gin made from?

If you took a field trip to a distillery, you'd find a number of herbs, berries, roots, and other botanicals in the pot that produces gin through the distilling process: orris root, coriander, licorice, angelica root, juniper berries, cardamom, and the list goes on. These ingredients steep in the mixture after the first distillation, so their flavors can diffuse throughout the gathering spirit. Even the metal used in the distillation process plays a part, as copper pots can suck up unwanted tastes and aromas.

Although England would surely claim their gin as the only legitimate profile, great gins express and celebrate any place's terroir. For instance, Roku includes Japanese sansho peppers and yuzu peel. Bols Genever Gin from Holland uses oak barrels to age its Dutch spirits for an almost whiskey-like flavor.

What can I mix high-quality gin with?

Though people will complain about whether there's too much vermouth in their old-school dry martini, no gin lover will argue with you if you want to add some tonic water with a lemon peel garnish. 

The best-tasting gin is also nice with just ice so that the juniper notes can sing solo.

How can I make a gin cocktail?

Gin's great on its own, but it's terrific when combined with different flavors and mouthfeels. If you've got a stocked bar full of varying gin mixers, you might as well use them. Here are two cocktails you can try right away:

• Gimlet: Combine two ounces of gin with three-quarters of an ounce of lime juice and simple syrup, each in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice. Agitate until the shaker's nice and frosty, then strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with lime.

• Negroni: Combine equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari into an ice-filled cocktail glass and stir until cold. Strain into a very chilly tumbler. Garnish with orange peel (twist to express the oils).