For Readers
2019 was another banner year for books about gin.
The most essential read for the gin lover is Robert Simonson’s ode to gin’s most famous cocktail— the Martini. The Martini Cocktail: A Meditation on the World’s Greatest Drink, with Recipes is beautifully done and is a renewed look at a drink that’s had a ton of press over the years.
An odd combination of half marketing gimmick and other half solid cocktail book, Sip: 100 Gin Cocktails with Just Three Ingredients— (put out by Sipsmith, makers of Sipsmith Gin) is sure to appeal to anyone who wants to make cocktails but doesn’t want to both with the laundry list of fussy syrups and arcane amaros that litter other cocktail books.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more warming for this upcoming winter, check out Aged Gin Cocktails: 25 Cocktails for Gin’s Newest Style. I wrote it, and I’m pretty proud of it as its the first cocktail book dedicated to aged gin. It’s a perfect stocking-stuffer. Even better if you gift a bottle of aged gin to go with it.
For the Sippers
In 2019, we reviewed a lot of really top-notch gins. If you’re looking to get the gin lover in your life something new and exciting, we recommend some of these outstanding new releases.
If you live in the United States: Tinkerman’s Citrus Supreme Gin, Black Button Distilling American Dry Gin, O.R.E. 118 Gin.
If you live in Australia: Never Never Distilling Co.’s Triple Juniper and Southern Strength Gin, Applewood Gin
If you live in the U.K.: Strawberry Balsamico Gin (from that Boutique-y Gin Company), Gin Eva.
If you live in Canada: KM 12 Gin
If you live in the Philippines: Crows Gin
If you live in South Africa: Mirari Celebration Gin
If you live in New Zealand: Sheep Milk & Honey Gin.
Under $20
Here’s a few ideas for when you get the random person you work with for the office Secret Santa, and all you know about her is that “she likes gin.”
Do it for the smells
If you have someone in your life who is a fan of the aroma of gin (and why wouldn’t you— the botanicals are an important part of perfumes as they are gin!), why not let them enjoy the aroma of gin even when they’re not having a sip.
Personally, I love a good soap or candle— but some of the gin inspired scents are quite outstanding.
When it just needs to say “gin.”
I’m not sure how I feel about a dog chew toy shaped like a Tanqueray bottle— but if it sparks joy— then embrace it.
I want to thank all of my readers for their support in 2019— there are affiliate links in this gift guide, and clicking through helps support and keep this site going.
I wish all of you and yours a happy holiday season 2019 and a very joyous 2020!