Whether you're a gin enthusiast or looking to try something new, this is the ultimate guide to the nation's favourite botanical spirit!
It's World Gin Day on Saturday, 13th June 2026, and we've put together a guide for the perfect glassware to enjoy your gin and tonic, as well as our favourite gin cocktail recipes and gin distilleries to visit in the UK! According to Kantar (a data insight company), gin is now the UK's favourite spirit! Over a quarter of the nation's population has purchased a bottle of gin in the last 12 months, and it has now surpassed whisky in popularity. Additionally, there has been a rise in younger consumers (18-24 years old) choosing gin over beer, favouring to drink less but better. With fewer people now drinking at the pub and opting to enjoy drinks at home instead, we're looking to use specific glassware to enhance the drinking experience. Therefore, we've listed some of the best glasses specifically designed for you to enjoy your favourite gin a little more!
Best Glasses for Gin and Tonic
Gin glasses are expertly designed to strengthen the fresh and crisp flavour of gin. The modern copa gin glasses are shaped with a large and wide bowl to heighten aroma and enhance flavour, making for a perfect gin and tonic. Additionally, these wide-bowl gin glasses allow plenty of garnishes and ice to be added to the mix, making the gin more lively. Whether you're adding a slice of cucumber or some zesty orange or lime into the mix, these glasses are perfect for the gin enthusiast who enjoys garnishes and lots of cool ice. Alternatively, a traditional highball-style gin glass serves as a versatile all-rounder for tall gin drinks, making it a practical and adaptable choice of glassware for a wide range of gin cocktails.
See our collection of Gin and Tonic Glassware >
Best Recipes for a Gin Cocktail
We've shared three of our favourite Gin Cocktail recipes that we're sure you'll enjoy, so why not give them a try on World Whisky Day!
Gin Fizz
Ingredients: 50ml gin - 25ml lemon juice - 2 tsp sugar syrup - ice - sparkling water - a slice of lemon How to make a Gin Fizz:
- Pour the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shake, then fill it up with ice cubes.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, then strain into a traditional long drink glass.
- If necessary, add more ice and top up with sparkling water. Optional: Garnish with a lemon slice.
Tom Collins
Ingredients: 50ml gin - 25ml lemon juice - 25ml sugar syrup - 125ml chilled soda water - ice How to make a Tom Collins:
- Add all the ingredients into a tall, traditional long drink glass, gently stir and garnish with sliced lemon.
Gimlet cocktail
Ingredients: 50ml gin - 50ml lime syrup or lime cordial - ice - slice of lime (optional) How to make a Gimlet cocktail:
- Place a Copa-style gin glass in the fridge to chill.
- Pour 50ml of the lime syrup or lime cordial into a tall glass, then add the gin and ice cubes.
- Stir until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled Copa glass and garnish with a slice of lime.
Best Gin Distillery Tours in the UK
The popularity of gin in the UK is at an all-time high, with different varieties and new brands entering the market. As a result, more distilleries have opened across the country, with some inviting the public to tour their facilities. Participating in a gin distillery tour is an excellent way to learn about the process of making your favourite botanical spirit, including the ingredients that give it that distinctive aroma and how the overall process works.
We have listed some of the Best Gin Distillery Tours available in the UK, from Plymouth in Devon to St Andrews in Scotland!
See our list of some of the Best Gin Distillery Tours in the UK >
Best Gifts for a Gin Enthusiast
We've got a great selection of Gifts for Gin Lovers; perfect for your favourite gin drinker. From the modern Copa gin glasses to the traditional, slimline tumbler, and educational Gin nosing kits!
See our selection of the Best Gifts for a Gin Enthusiast >
Get involved on World Gin Day and share your favourite bottles of gin, your fantastic gin cocktail recipes and don't forget to use the hashtag #WorldGinDay!
