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Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex produce some of the very best artisan gins made in the UK. Gin is made by distilling a neutral grain alcohol with juniper berries and infused with other botanicals. They will vary enormously depending on the fragrance of the ingredients, spices, fruits and other floral elements. 

As we celebrate this quintessentially British spirit on World Gin Day, we asked our staff their favourite way to enjoy this drink: 

“I like mine classically made, with Jarrold’s Gin, served in a bowl glass with plenty of crushed ice and elderflower tonic”, Becky.

Jarrold’s award winning London Dry Gin (made near Chichester) uses a premium distilled alcohol made from a British grain and add seven botanicals including juniper, persian limes, grains of paradise, coriander, angelica, cardamom & calamus. 

“I love Chilgrove Gin served with rosemary and lime in a large round glass filled with lots of ice and a dash of tonic”, Chelsea. 

Chilgrove Gin is handcrafted using traditional methods and distilled with natural mineral water filtered through the chalk South Downs which surround Chilgrove; this fine London Dry Gin marries the finest Sussex-grown botanicals together with a neutral spirit distilled from grapes.

“For me, nothing can beat Mermaid’s standard gin, served in a large glass with lots of ice and really cold indian or elderflower tonic water to ensure the ice doesn’t melt! No garnish needed!”,Tim. 

Mermaid Gin has been made on the Isle of Wight since 2014 using ten ethically sourced botanicals. Mermaid Gin delivers a smooth yet complex blend of fresh organic lemon zest and peppery grains of paradise, with a hint of sea air from wild-foraged, fragrant rock samphire. 

“I like my Brilliant Gin with either ginger ale or an elderflower tonic – on the rocks. Occasionally I might sprinkle over some frozen pomegranate … or perhaps a few fresh basil leaves. It must be served in a round bowl glass!”, Sally. 

Brilliant Gin is a complex yet clean gin, softly infused with a hint of spice and a note of citrus. You can expect to find delightful bursts of juniper, sage, coriander, angelica, savoury, lemon peel, bitter orange, grains of paradise, cloves and cinnamon.

“I like Haslemere Gin kept simple – with loads of ice, a slice of orange, and nicely chilled tonic”, Scott.

Haslemere Gin is a classic juniper and coriander enhanced with zesty lemon, fragrant elderflower and a subtle hint of warming ginger, cubeb pepper, liquorice and cassia.

What is your favourite way to enjoy gin?