From Japan to Australia (and everywhere in between), gin is having a moment. Made from a blend of botanicals, gin is best used as a mixer in cocktails. In fact, more classic cocktails are made with gin than with any other spirit. The list of famous cocktails includes: Negroni, Ramos Gin Fizz, Martinez, Gin Rickey, Red Snapper, Tom Collins, White Lady, Hanky Panky, Clover Club, Alexander, French 75, and Gimlet, and vesper to name a few! Here are four of CSL’s favourite gins from around the globe to try in your next drink of choice:
Roku gin | Suntory
This gin is a triumph, featuring six Japanese ingredients: sakura flower, sakura leaf, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, sansho pepper, and yuzu peel. Citrus is at the fore interlaced with delicate floral notes and a crisp finish. Delightful in a gin and tonic.
No. 3 London dry gin
Distilled in the Netherlands features pronounced juniper with lovely notes of orange peel, grapefruit, cardamom, and coriander. The spice gives it oomph in the glass. Makes a great gin and tonic.
Hayman’s 1850 Reserve Gin
An English oak aged gin made from a classic recipe
Where It’s From
Inspired by the spirit of the grand London Gin Palace of the 1850s.
What It’s Made With
Distilled following a recipe from 1850, the gin is rested for three to four weeks in Scotch Whisky barrels. Hayman’s uses a blend of 10 botanicals including angelica root, orris root and nutmeg.
Taste
Smooth and well balanced with delicate pepper and spice with hints of oak.
How to Make a Hayman’s Negroni
Serves 1
Glass: Tumbler or Rocks
METHOD
Combine 25ml Hayman’s 1850 Reserve Gin, 25ml Campari, 25ml Rosso Vermouth in a tumbler glass over ice. Garnish with a curl of orange peel or slice
Ungava Canadian Premium Gin
A true Canadian gin
Where It’s From
Made in Quebec by Domaine Pinnacle, Ungava is the first authentic all-Canadian gin. The name is taken from Ungava Bay in northern Quebec.
What It’s Made With
A blend of herbs and arctic plants including Nordic Juniper, Wild Rose Hips, and Labrador Tea. The ingredients are harvested during the summer months by hand and this blend results in a bright orangey yellow colour.
Taste
Clean and herbaceous.
How to Make Ungava’s Extra Dry Martini
Serves 1
Glass: Martini
METHOD
Add 90ml Ungava gin and 3ml Dry Vermouth into a Boston shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon zest.
This original article ON ROKU AND NO. 3 GIN first appeared in the SPRING 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine
This original article on haymans and ungava first appeared in the SUMMER 2014 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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