Gin has long been a firm favourite of sophisticated drink lovers since the 17th century. The best lemon gins add a welcome dose of refreshing citrus to your favourite gin. It’s easy to mix lemon gin into cocktails, making various zesty creations.
Interestingly, gin was initially used as a medicinal liquor; any excuse, I say. Fast forward to the modern age, and gin has continued to boom in popularity. Lemon gin is perfect for those who aren’t big fans of the standard juniper-led gin variety.
- What Is Lemon Gin?
- Best Lemon Gins
- 1. Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon Gin
- 2. Edinburgh Lemon and Jasmine Gin
- 3. Forged in Wakefield Sherbert Lemon Gin
- 4. Gordon's Sicilian Lemon Distilled Gin
- 5. Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin
- 6. Opihr Gin Arabian Edition Black Lemon
- 7. Old Curiosity Lemon Verbena Gin
- 8. LoneWolf Cloudy Lemon Gin
- 9. Malfy Gin Con Limone
- 10. Warner's Lemon Balm Gin
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- How Is Lemon Gin Made?
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
What Is Lemon Gin?
Lemon gin is a citrus-tasting gin ideal for spring and summertime. A lemon-flavoured gin usually uses a standard gin base with lemon botanicals added to achieve that zesty taste.
Best Lemon Gins
Rising in popularity, almost every brand has come up with its own lemon gin. I’ve selected the 10 best lemon gins you need to get your hands on.
1. Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Bombay Sapphire
- ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon Gin is a small-batch gin created by traditional methods. It combines high-quality botanicals with a vapour infusion process to obtain the most exceptional tasting lemon gin possible.
The life of this lemon gin begins with hand-carved Spanish citrus peel drying in the sun. Murcian lemons, mandarins and sweet Navel oranges bring this zesty gin to life.
Using a vapour infusion distillation process, the base spirit and botanicals create a marvellous clear lemon gin with 47% alcohol content. As a brand, Bombay Sapphire is an excellent gin for beginners.
On The Nose
Citrus notes of bright lemon and sweeter orange with hints of peppered spice.
On The Palate
A smooth opening of juniper, cracked black pepper, lemon and orange zesty citrus.
Summary
This well-balanced lemon gin allows the citrus flavours to shine but not overpower the juniper and black pepper. Try it in a Lemon Drop Martini.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Edinburgh Lemon and Jasmine Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Edinburgh Gin
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear
Review
Edinburgh Gin produces world-class gins that draw inspiration from the city’s history and contemporary creativity. They only use natural botanicals and push the boundaries for traditional gin.
Edinburgh Lemon and Jasmine Gin is created by infusing white jasmine flowers and dried lemon peels with Edinburgh Classic London Dry Gin. The result is an incredible lemon gin that won silver at the World Gin Awards in 2020.
On The Nose
Crisp juniper berries, lemon, floral notes, angelica
On The Palate
A delicious semi-sweet opening of lemon and juniper berries, a floral middle, then a long, citrus finish that is refreshing and not too harsh.
Summary
Edinburgh Lemon and Jasmine Gin will enhance any gin-based cocktail with a cheeky kick of bright, zesty lemon and fragrant white jasmine.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Forged in Wakefield Sherbert Lemon Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Forged in Wakefield
- ABV: 37.5% (75 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Forged Spirits aimed to create a gin that reminded drinkers of childhood memories of devouring sherbet lemon (Dibs Dab where I grew up). Their sherbet lemon gin flavour has a sweet and sour lemon kick that pairs well with tonic, ice and a slice.
The founders of Forged worked incredibly hard to open their distillery and create their coveted original gin, on which their Sherbet Lemon Gin is based. I must confess that I love their Art-Deco style bottle.
On The Nose
Candied lemon, crisp juniper, hints of cardamom
On The Palate
There is a sherbert-lemon blast from the start that dazzles and delights, hints of cardamom in the middle. A smooth lemony finish leaves you wanting more.
Summary
This sherbert lemon gin makes a unique addition to any gin collection to take your guests back to their childhood with its vibrant zesty-sherbert taste.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon Distilled Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Gordon’s
- ABV: 37.5% (75 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
This yellow gin is a clever twist on Gordon’s original recipe. Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon Distilled Gin has a zesty taste paired with Mediterranean citrus and undertones of fruity flavours.
Gordon’s has a long history. Alexander Gordon established Gordon’s in Fife, Scotland, back in 1769. Only the highest quality and freshest ingredients are used to make Gordon’s Gin.
This lemon-flavoured gin sees lemon peel and Mediterranean fruits added to Gordon’s London Dry Din for a lemon-tasting gin that’s not too overwhelming.
On The Nose
Sicilian lemons, juniper, orange peel and a touch of liquorice.
On The Palate
Zesty Sicilian lemons make themselves known from the first sip, juniper and a touch of liquorice mid-palate. The finish is clean, lemony and delicate.
Summary
This simple but effective lemon gin won gold in the Gin Masters flavour awards in 2020 and is bound to take your summer cocktails to the next level of zest.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Sipsmith
- ABV: 40.4% (80.8 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin is a robust tasting lemon gin with undertones of juniper berries, liquorice, and a floral aroma that balances the power dynamics nicely.
The lemon botanical used to create this gin are hand-peeled and then sundried to seal in the flavours. Sipsmith’s classic gin base is infused with the peel and lemon verbena, vapour-infused, for an unforgettable taste.
I must say that Sipsmith is one of my favourite gin brands; they hardly put a foot wrong. Their Lemon Drizzle Gin is no exception, and I am on my second bottle.
On The Nose
Crisp lemon, juniper, liquorice and vanilla
On The Palate
A well-balanced lemon note on the opening is zesty yet not too sweet. Lots of juniper mid-palate and a smooth finish of vanilla and hints of liquorice.
Summary
Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin provides a natural lemon kick that is not too sweet or sharp. I find it pairs well with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, ice, and a slice of lemon peel.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Opihr Gin Arabian Edition Black Lemon
Overview
- Distiller: Opihr Gin
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Opihr Gin Arabian Edition Black Lemon is a traditional-style gin inspired by the ancient spice trade routes. This beauty incorporates Persian black lemon and Timut pepper, which meets the tongue with undertones of paprika, juniper berries, and coriander.
Opihr Gin is produced in the oldest distillery in England. It creates this gin using the same methods as their classic London Dry Gin. They’ve infused black lemon (a type of sweet sun-dried lime) and Timut pepper botanicals to create this unique flavour.
On The Nose
Lemon zest, crisp juniper, black pepper
On The Palate
The open is bursting with the freshness of juniper, sweet lemon mid-palate and nicely spiced finish of pepper and woody notes.
Summary
Opihr Gin Arabian Edition Black Lemon is a well-balanced blend of juniper, sweet lemon, spice and a touch of camphor. It draws inspiration from the wealth and riches King Solomon received from Opihr, very fancy!
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Old Curiosity Lemon Verbena Gin
Overview
- Distiller: The Secret Garden Distillery
- ABV: 39% (78 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear
Review
Old Curiosity’s founders created a whimsical organic garden whereby they obtain the botanicals for their gin production. Just like a fairy-tale, albeit with gin that’s distilled and hand-bottled on the site of their Secret Garden.
Old Curiosity Lemon Verbena Gin blends fragrant lemon peel with undertones of pepper, juniper berries, and ‘winter savory’ (an evergreen herb). The result is the perfect summertime gin for a G&T.
On The Nose
Fresh lemons, lemon sherbert, angelica
On The Palate
A clean opening of crisp juniper berries and sweet lemon is vibrant and fresh. The slight bitterness of angelica mid-palate. The finish is smooth with cheeky touches of lemon sherbert.
Summary
If you want a straight-up lemon gin, then look no further. Old Curiosity Lemon Verbena Gin provides a nice lemony kick to your G&T that’s not too sharp and a moreish lemon sherbert twang on the finish.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. LoneWolf Cloudy Lemon Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Brewdog Distilling
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Clear
Review
LoneWolf Cloudy Lemon Gin is unique. The distillers, Brewdog, have gone out of their way to source the most vibrant and sharpest lemons possible for this tounge-tastic gin.
They macerate fresh Sicilian lemon peels, so it infuses into their original gin recipe for seven days. This extended infusion ensures that each bottle of lemon gin has a zesty, citrus taste with a spicy persona at its core.
It is a cloudy, yellow colour and pairs well with tonics. In addition to lemon peel, LoneWolf uses Scot pine, grapefruit, and lavender ingredients to enhance their gin.
On The Nose
Sharp lemon, crisp juniper, cardamom, grapefruit peel
On The Palate
Begins with a punch of ultra-crisp juniper berries and sharp lemon that soon reveals cardamom and pink peppercorns. The finish is an explosive, zesty slap in the face; wow!
Summary
LoneWolf Cloudy Lemon Gin is not for the faint-hearted. This is a lemon gin with the dial cranked up to 11. Sip neat over ice or enjoy as a feisty G&T.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Malfy Gin Con Limone
Overview
- Distiller: Malfy Gin
- ABV: 41% (82 Proof)
- Country: Italy
- Colour: Clear
Review
Italian gin maker Malfy has created Gin Con Limone, a crisp and crystal clear lemon gin packed with sun-ripened Italian lemons and Amalfi lemon peel.
Distilled at Torino Distillati in Moncalieri, Italy, their goal was to embody the Amalfi lifestyle of sun-soaked days along the Italian coastline, and they succeeded.
Malfy Gin Con Limone not only packs a lemon punch; undertones of juniper and wood ensure it’s perfect for adding to cocktails and pairs with tonics too.
On The Nose
Fresh lemon, juniper, hints of pine
On The Palate
Straight to business with the zing of lemons, juniper mid-palate, and a long, zesty finish tined with the slight aftertaste of pine from the juniper.
Summary
Malfy Gin Con Limone will whisk you off to the Italian coast on a hot summer’s day. A well-blended gin mixed with sun-ripened Italian lemons and Amalfi lemon peel.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
10. Warner’s Lemon Balm Gin
Overview
- Distiller: Warner’s
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Clear
Review
Warner’s Lemon Balm Gin is so fresh its ingredients are distilled within an hour of being harvested from Falls Farms. This vibrant gin incorporates lemon balm, lemon verbena, and lemon thyme. A unique element, bee pollen, is added to enhance the taste.
The sweet, zesty taste is balanced with a peppery touch. It is a clear gin made from all-natural ingredients sourced from the Warner family’s farm. Warner aims to bring people together over their gin, not a bad reason to meet up!
On The Nose
Fragrant lemon balm and crisp juniper
On The Palate
Zingy sherbet lemon on the open with a touch of lemon balm. Lemon thyme and honey mid-palate. A smooth citrus finish dusted with black pepper and lavender.
Summary
Warner’s Lemon Balm Gin is a quirky blend of lemon peel, herbaceous lemon balm and bee pollen that is fragrant and delicious. Plus, it won gold at The Spirits Business Awards 2021.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin
My top pick is Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin. The well-balanced mix of crisp juniper and zesty lemon is soothed by moreish vanilla and hints of liquorice. Makes a refreshingly tangy summer G&T.
How Is Lemon Gin Made?
There are 3 main methods to make lemon gin.
- The most popular method used by gin distillers is to infuse lemon peel (and sometimes lemon verbena leaf) into their existing plain gin. They then run the resulting lemon-flavoured gin through a second distillation process.
- Another method is for the lemon to be added to the base gin spirit at the start of the gin-making process along with other botanicals (including juniper berries), then distilling the mixture just once.
- A cloudy lemon gin can be made by macerating lemon peel (and sometimes lemon verbena leaf) into an existing plain gin without re-distilling. This is often called bathtub gin.
Conclusion
Lemon gin is trendy for a reason; it pairs well with tonics for an extra refreshing G&T. It also pimps up your summer cocktails with a welcome blast of citrus.
It’s the perfect way to dazzle your guests or simply enjoy a refreshing afternoon tipple in the sun. Both myself and Ingrid highly recommend giving any of the best lemon gins we have curated a try and see for yourself why they are so popular.
Looking for a gin with a difference? Check out my review of the 10 best Japanese Gins on the market. Your taste buds will thank you.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
