How to store and serve London Dry gin?
Store London dry gin upright in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed; as a high-strength spirit it keeps well. Serve it chilled or over ice in a gin and tonic or martini. London dry means the gin is unsweetened and has no added flavor after distillation, not that it was made in London.
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How should you store London dry gin?
- Keep the bottle upright with the cap on tight.
- Choose a cool, dark spot away from heat and direct sunlight.
- An opened bottle can stay in the cupboard or freezer if you like it very cold.
This is general guidance for high-strength spirits. Over many months, open bottles can lose some aroma, so finish them within a reasonable time if you notice the flavor fading.
How should you serve London dry gin?
- Gin and tonic: plenty of ice, gin, tonic, and a citrus slice or juniper-friendly garnish.
- Martini: stirred with ice, strained into a chilled glass.
- Negroni, gimlet, Tom Collins: classic cocktails where a dry gin gives a crisp base.
Chill the glass first and use plenty of good ice; small, wet ice melts quickly and waters the drink.
What does London dry mean?
It is a process designation, not a place. The gin starts from a base spirit of agricultural origin and is redistilled with juniper and other botanicals. All the botanical flavor must come from distillation. Flavorings added afterward disqualify it. It cannot be colored, and it must be dry, with no more than 0.1 grams of sweetening products per liter. The taste must be predominantly juniper. It does not have to be made in London.
Why choose it?
London dry is crisp, juniper-forward and works in most gin cocktails. If you prefer a softer or sweeter result, other styles such as Old Tom exist.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the bottle in a sunny window.
- Serving over a few small ice cubes.
- Assuming a pink or colored gin is London dry.
Drink responsibly and only if you are of legal age.
People also ask
Does London dry gin have to be made in London?
No. London dry is a process designation, not a place.
Should gin be kept in the fridge or freezer?
It is optional. Gin is stored fine in a cool cupboard; the freezer is a serving preference for very cold martinis.
Can London dry gin be colored or sweetened?
No. It cannot be colored and may contain no more than 0.1 grams of sweetening per liter.
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