Nothing says World Gin Day than the best gin and the best tonic water to match. So it’s no surprise that supermarket chain Lidl has launched the second year of its craft gin festival to coincide with that magical time when everyone is both keen to soak up the sun and eager not think about their inbox until Tuesday.
There are ten craft gins selected from distilleries across England, Wales and Scotland, starting from £17.99. That number for the, uh, ‘price-sensitive buyer’ is the Brecon Botanicals Gin – a 43% spirit from Wales, that is apparently best served with “Mediterranean tonic, ice and a wedge of lime”.
The priciest gins in the list are still pretty affordable at £24.99 a bottle. They’re the 47.1% Lakes Explorer Edition Gin and Shetland’s 40% Reel Filska Gin. Both are apparently best served with “premium tonic water, ice and a slice of pink grapefruit”
But the most interesting is the Harborough’s Lavender & Rose Gin, not because of its flavour (lavender and rose is an acquired taste, after all) but because of its party trick: it changes colour when you add tonic water, going from blue to pink. That’s thanks to the PH-reactive butterfly pea flower in it, apparently.
Elsewhere, you’ll find gins with a fruity kick, including the Aber Falls Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, the Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin and Tyke’s Strawberry Gin.
Though if you fancy something a little less sweet, then the Peaky Blinder Spiced Dry Gin is probably just the ticket.
- Need a tonic water to go with your new gin? Here our the best tonic waters ranked by you