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The 10 Best Cheap Gins

Budget-friendly gin that actually taste good

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/20/23
Three types of cheap gin on a green background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

While you want the best gin for your martinis, pricier brands don't always fit into the budget. That’s when you look to the bottom shelf at the liquor store for a bottle that bears a more reasonable price tag. It can be tricky to find a good-tasting gin that's also inexpensive because quite a few duds exist—but there are some gems out there, too. Keep these cheap gins in your well for mixed drinks and cocktails, including classics like the gimlet, gin and tonic, and Negroni.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Gordon’s London Dry Gin at Drizly $10
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Best Western-Style Gin:
New Amsterdam Gin at Amazon
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Best High-Proof:
Booth’s London Dry Gin at Drizly $9
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Best for a Gin and Tonic:
Burnett's London Dry Gin at Drizly $9
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Best for Martinis:
Pearl Gin at Drizly $9
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Best for Hendrick's Drinkers:
Hadley & Sons Gin at Drizly $12
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Best for Vodka Drinkers:
Dover Strait Dover Strait Gin at Totalwine.com
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Best Pink Gin:
Stockholms Bränneri Pink Gin at Drizly $32
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Best Flavored:
Seagram’s Peach Twisted Gin at Drizly $9
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Best for Fruity Cocktails:
Gilbey's London Dry Gin at Drizly $9
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Best Overall

Gordon’s London Dry Gin

gordons-london-dry-gin
PHOTO: Minibar
$10 at Drizly View on Garyswine.com View on Totalwine.com
What We Like

  • Available worldwide

  • Reliable and affordable

  • Signature bold juniper notes

What We Don't Like

  • A bit harsh for martinis

Gordon's is a go-to value gin. It's available in nearly every liquor store, and it makes an excellent mixed drink. You can also rely on Gordon’s if you travel the world. It’s so widely distributed that the gin is made in other countries outside of its current Scottish home distillery, including the U.S. and Canada. Also, in the U.K., the bottle is green while export bottles are clear. No matter how it’s packaged or sold, it’s always the same reliable gin.

The 80-proof spirit has a strong juniper base—the mark of a good London dry gin—and a selection of other botanicals that blend well with nearly any mixer. The average gin highballs, such as the gin sling and gin rickey, are excellent uses for this inexpensive gin. It can also hold its own in drinks with strong mixers and juices, like the paradise cocktail.

ABV: 40% | Region: UK, Canada, US | Tasting Notes: Bold juniper, citrus, coriander

Best Western-Style Gin

New Amsterdam Gin

new-amsterdam-gin
PHOTO: Minibar
View on Amazon $9 at Drizly $7 at Minibar Delivery
What We Like

  • Soft juniper notes

  • Citrus-forward gin

  • Mixes well with fruits

What We Don't Like

  • Too soft for some gin drinkers

For years, the inexpensive gin scene was dominated by London dry gins. Following larger market trends, more Western-style gins are available in this price range, and New Amsterdam Stratusphere is among the best. So as not to confuse it with the brand’s London dry—which has an entirely different profile—look for the grey label marked “The Original.” Christopher Chamberlain, Manager of Spirits Academy, is a fan of this gin as it actually "uses only high-quality ingredients, such as its phenomenal makeup of botanicals, and sits in a pocket most gins do not—lower proof with an explosion of citrus flavors."

Characterized by a softer juniper profile, it’s a fantastic representation of this modern style of gin. This 80-proof spirit has sweeter citrus and floral notes, so it appeals to drinkers who don’t necessarily enjoy the full-pine flavor of juniper berries. Distilled in California, it’s a good candidate for fruity mixed drinks, such as the salty dog. It's also pleasant in modern cocktails with unusual ingredients, like the lemongrass-infused Soho cocktail.

ABV: 40% | Region: US | Tasting Notes: Lime, orange, florals

Best High-Proof

Booth’s London Dry Gin

booths-london-dry-gin
PHOTO: Wine Chateau
$9 at Drizly View on Totalwine.com View on Mashandgrape.com
What We Like

  • Bold flavors

  • Large bottles are ultra-economical

  • Good in tall drinks

What We Don't Like

  • Not as delicate because higher proof

  • Not sold in smaller bottles

Booth's London Dry can be found in most markets and is a surprisingly nice gin. It has the characteristics often found in this price range: full juniper in the front followed by coriander, lemon peel, and other spices. It's bottled at 90-proof, which means those flavors are bigger and bolder, though not quite as brash as navy-strength gin.

Booth’s may not be the best-known brand, but it easily beats many of the other low-priced gins. It’s also almost exclusively available in 1.75-liter bottles. While that stretches your money even further, it also means that you have to commit rather than pick up a small amount to sample. Best in a tall, refreshing highball, give this one a try in any gin and soda drink. That punch of flavor also ensures it won’t get lost in a cocktail, even something with bold flavors, such as a Negroni or Last Word.

ABV: 45% | Region: UK | Tasting Notes: Bold juniper, coriander, lemon, dry finish

Best for a Gin and Tonic

Burnett's London Dry Gin

burnetts-london-dry-gin
PHOTO: Drizly
$9 at Drizly View on Totalwine.com
What We Like

  • Readily available

  • Lighter flavor

  • Perfect with tonic water

What We Don't Like

  • Semi-harsh alcohol burn

  • Bitter finish

Burnett's London Dry rivals Gordon’s in longevity, taste, and thriftiness. Classically styled, it originated in 18th-century London but is now owned by Heaven Hill Distillery and produced in Kentucky. A little lighter than most, it has a nice taste that balances out the pine and citrus flavors, and the florals are surprisingly pleasant. There is some distinct bitterness in the finish, but that’s not uncommon in this price range.

This 80-proof gin is carried by many liquor stores and is an excellent budget-friendly option for a gin and tonic. The crispness pairs nicely with any tonic water, so feel free to save a little money there, too. With that duo in stock, just pick up a few limes—because even budget-conscious drinkers know that fresh fruit is best—and you’ll be all set for a simple happy hour drink at home.

ABV: 40% | Region: US | Tasting Notes: Juniper, citrus, floral, bitter finish

Best for Martinis

Pearl Gin

pearl-gin
PHOTO: Drizly
$9 at Drizly
What We Like

  • Semi-sweet taste

  • Softer botanicals

  • Good in flavored martinis

What We Don't Like

  • Limited distribution

Generally, the “rule” is that budget gin should not be mixed into martinis and that’s good advice to follow. The classic gin martini is a very transparent cocktail that will not hide any of the spirit’s impurities. However, that’s just one cocktail recipe and there are many “martinis” that will work out just fine with a value find such as Pearl Gin.

This 88-proof Canadian gin is from the makers of Pearl Vodka. It’s distilled from winter wheat, which gives it a softer, sweeter base, and is blended with Rocky Mountain water. It’s crisp and clean, with a nice juniper profile backed by other botanicals. Try it in gin martinis with extra flavors, like pear vodka, fresh fruit, or even cucumber and wasabi. At this price, you can afford to experiment as much as you'd like.

ABV: 44% | Region: Canada | Tasting Notes: Juniper, white pepper, citrus

Best for Hendrick's Drinkers

Hadley & Sons Gin

Hadley & Sons Gin
PHOTO: Drizly
$12 at Drizly View on Totalwine.com
What We Like

  • Cost-effective alternative to Hendrick’s

  • Cucumber and floral notes

  • Not light enough to get lost in drinks

What We Don't Like

  • Limited distribution

  • Too soft for some tastes

When it was first released in 2001, Hendrick’s Gin turned the entire gin world upside down. Known as the “cucumber gin,” it also has rose notes that play wonderfully off the softer juniper and botanical blend and is exquisite in cocktails. Finding something similar for a fraction of the cost was impossible until Hadley & Sons Gin came around.

Produced by TerrePure Spirits in South Carolina, this gin is as close as you can get to Hendrick’s. It’s not as refined, but it does have nice cucumber and floral notes with a lovely citrus touch that plays very well off the lighter pine flavor. Bottled at 92-proof, it’s no weakling, and that extra alcohol does give it a nice flavor boost. Hadley & Sons is a good choice for a Tom Collins and similar tall drinks. Some fans even find it smooth enough to enjoy on the rocks dressed with a lemon twist.

ABV: 46% | Region: US | Tasting Notes: Cucumber, floral, soft juniper

Best for Vodka Drinkers

Dover Strait Dover Strait Gin

Dover Strait Gin
PHOTO: Drizly
View on Totalwine.com View on Instacart.com
What We Like

  • Very soft botanicals

  • Good with soda and citrus

  • Flavor doesn't overtake cocktails

What We Don't Like

  • Limited availability

  • Might be too vodka-like

Vodka drinkers tend to enjoy a clean, crisp spirit, and that can be challenging to find in gin. For a bottom-shelf option with subtle botanicals, Dover Strait Gin is a good choice. In fact, many experts find it so mild that they compare it to cheap neutral vodka.

Dover Strait is distilled in California from neutral grains. The taste has hints of lemon peel and whispers of juniper, so you’d think you’re drinking a botanically infused vodka, which is not a far stretch. Rather than drink it straight, top this 80-proof gin with tonic or seltzer and add a lemon or lime wedge to give it a tart boost. 

ABV: 40% | Region: US | Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, Subtle juniper

Best Pink Gin

Stockholms Bränneri Pink Gin

Stockholms Bränneri Pink Gin
PHOTO: The Whisky Exchange
$32 at Drizly View on Totalwine.com View on Caskcartel.com
What We Like

  • Mild

  • Balanced

  • Versatile in cocktails

What We Don't Like

  • Just over $30 price point

Pink gin is having its moment in the sun, though not all that’s rose-hued is created equal. Contrary to the many pink gins produced by larger brands—which often tend to be cloying and overly sweet on the palate—this unique, off-the-beaten-path expression from Sweden offers the perfect balance between red fruit flavors and juniper. Crafted in Sweden’s capital city, this floral-tinged expression offers flavors of rhubarb, lingonberries, and rose petals, rendering it perfect for solo sipping or mixing into a variety of cocktail creations. Fun fact: This beautifully colored gin gets its pale pink hue from macerating with locally-foraged lingonberries post distillation. 

ABV: 40% | Region: Sweden | Tasting Notes: Rhubarb, lingonberry, rose petals

Best Flavored

Seagram’s Peach Twisted Gin

seagrams-peach-twisted-gin
PHOTO: Drizly
$9 at Drizly View on Totalwine.com
What We Like

  • Peach schnapps meets gin

  • Rather easy to find

  • Flavors include lime and watermelon

What We Don't Like

  • Almost too sweet

Seagram's produces a good gin for the price. It doesn't have the full flavor of others, but it still contains a pleasant juniper profile. The company also bottles flavored gins; the lime is a favorite and watermelon is certainly quirky. However, Seagram’s Peach Twisted Gin steals the show.

Bottled at 70-proof, the original Seagram’s gin is blended with peach liqueur for a fun take on the botanical spirit. The liqueur also makes it sweeter, and almost like herbal peach schnapps, so you’ll want to take that into account when using it in recipes. This one does well with a little soda, iced tea, or an equally affordable dry sparkling wine. In mixed drinks, hold back on any sweeteners because the gin will take care of that on its own.

ABV: 35% | Region: Canada | Tasting Notes: Peach, honey, herbaceous

Best for Fruity Cocktails

Gilbey's London Dry Gin

gilbey's-london-dry-gin
PHOTO: Drizly
$9 at Drizly View on Totalwine.com $15 at Minibar Delivery
What We Like

  • Classic gin taste

  • Easy to find

  • Smoother than expected

What We Don't Like

  • Most often sold in liters

There are no frills about Gilbey’s. It’s most often found in plastic bottles with that red cap and simple label combination familiar among bottom-shelf spirits. That said, this reliable 80-proof London dry gin makes rather nice drinks and is available at a price that’s hard to beat.

Gilbey’s has a flavor comparable to any other gin, and many fans even say it outshines the high-priced bottles. Its juniper-forward blend of botanicals makes it an excellent choice with any mixer, though it’s particularly suited to fruity drinks. Pour it into citrus juice beverages, mix it with fresh berries, or enjoy it in a strawberry gin and tonic. It can even handle the likes of a French martini.

ABV: 40% | Region: US | Tasting Notes: Juniper, lemon zest, coriander

Final Verdict

For an inexpensive gin that shines in any adult beverage, we suggest Gordon's London Dry Gin. And, if you have a thirst for something stronger, get bold with 90-proof Booth's London Dry Gin.

What to Look for in a Cheap Gin

Flavor

This might seem obvious, but flavor is an important consideration; even a neutral spirit such as gin receives flavor because it's infused with botanicals. Consider, for example, whether you want a gin whose juniper flavor is predominant and dry, as in a classic London dry gin. Or perhaps you're looking for something a little lighter with some citrus elements—that's an Old Tom style, most notably used in the Tom Collins cocktail. And, of course, a more modern style pervades, too, one that, instead of emphasizing juniper, brings other flavors and botanicals into the mix.

Diana Novak, National Director-Craft Spirits Education at Palm Bay International, shares that the key trait she looks for in budget-friendly gin is a smooth texture with a “round botanical blend that can be used in a versatile way.” Michael Beck, Beverage Director of Union Square Cafe, reveals that he tends to reach for London Dry gin, as he finds this style to be the most versatile. “Whether you are making a batch of negronis or collins, a bottle can be used in a lot of different ways,” he explains.

Use

How do you use gin at your home bar? If you like gin and tonic, or you're a gin highball drinker, you may have preferences and want the flavor of the gin—whether it's heavy on the juniper or presents citrus notes, too—to be pronounced enough to come through. Gins that are flavored are sweeter and can be used in creative ways that will differentiate them from, say, a standard London dry gin. 

Finally, if you're primarily a vodka drinker and are coming to gin for the first time, selecting a brand that's less forthcoming with its pine flavor may help ease your transition into gin-based cocktails. For drink construction Novak suggests reaching for a gin that presents a flavor profile that will appeal to the “traditional” gin drinkers (juniper heavy), but with a softer bouquet, which will render it versatile in working with a wide array of cocktail creations and unique modifiers. 

FAQs

What makes gin expensive?

The cost of gin can become expensive due to a few factors. First, if the ingredients used in the distillation process are unusual or imported, that can drive up the price. Also, makers of inexpensive gins tend to blend the ingredients and botanicals—it's much less labor-intensive—whereas premium gin distillers will often distill things multiple times and, in some cases, every time a new ingredient is added. This added labor has a cost.

What are the best ways to use budget-friendly gin?

Novak reveals that she loves to create accessible and comfortable flavor combinations in cocktail form with budget-friendly gin. Additionally, Novak notes that the wide range of high-quality tonics now available on the market also offers a plethora of ways to create unexpected G&T riffs, including using unexpected garnishes. In terms of additional budget-friendly gin uses, Beck shares that he loves to make batched negronis and store them in the fridge for easy pouring. “If having friends over for brunch, [I recommend using] it in a Corpse Reviver #2—one of my favorite afternoon cocktails,” he says, which features gin, Lillet blanc, orange liqueur and lemon juice .

What soft drinks go with gin?

Several beverages will pair well with gin. These include soda water, cranberry juice, ginger beer, lemon-lime soda, tomato juice, and cola. You can even seek out a fizzy elderflower or other floral or herbal-based sparkling water geared toward cocktail mixers.

What are some easy cocktails to make with budget-friendly gin?

Beck states that the gin & tonic is the absolute classic gin-based cocktail, though he also likes to use it in Negronis and 50/50 martinis. “Gin can be so versatile, and depending on the situation, can work in so many ways,” he affirms. Novak echoes this, stating that the traditional G&T, as well as the negroni are solid go-to options, though gin the immense flexibility found in gin render it ideal for experimenting with a variety of cocktail styles, from sours to tikis and beyond. “I have a few cocktails that pair the gin with coconut milk, green tea, and flavors like mango and sumo citrus,” she reveals.

How can you make gin taste better?

If gin is a new spirit for you, and you're used to a more neutral spirit, such as vodka, you might not be sure what to pair with it. Beck reveals that utilizing botanicals that are already a part of the spirit’s flavor profile can be an easy way to up one’s gin game. “Make an Old Maid with cucumber, mint and lime for a refreshing treat,” he suggests. Though simple lime juice, lemon juice, or orange juice—indeed any citrus juice—will instantly perk up your gin.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Colleen Graham is a food and beverage writer with over a decade of experience writing about cocktails, beer, and wine. She is the author of two books and has toured many distilleries to get a firsthand look behind the scenes and talk to the experts who craft distilled spirits.

Vicki Denig is a wine, spirits, and travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her writing regularly appears in major industry publications, including Liquor.com, WineSearcher, Decanter, and beyond. Vicki also works with a prestigious Rolodex of monthly clients, including Paris Wine Company, Becky Wasserman & Co, Corkbuzz, Provignage, and beyond. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine. When not writing, Vicki enjoys indoor cycling classes and scoping out dogs to pet in her local parks.

Additional reporting by Vicki Denig
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