Probably Dorothy Parker’s best link to gin is her widely misattributed quote “‘I like to have a Martini, two at the very most; three, I’m under the table, four I’m under my host!'”
Attributable quips aside, she was a renowned screenwriter, poet and critic. Her wit was described as “caustic,” and cost her a job with Vanity Fair in 1920 when higher-ups grew tired of her bold criticisms. She was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a 1920’s association of influential New York City writers. She was a social activist, whose left-wing activities actually got her on the Hollywood Blacklist despite two academy award nominations for her work.
Dorothy Parker Gin has been on the market since the early ’10s and stands out as an early example of boldly contemporary American gins— Elderberry and Hibiscus highlight the botanical bill that is bold, floral and still very contemporary today,
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bold rose leaps forward from the glass— fruity and hibiscus forward. Honeyed hints of jasmine and lavender hover on the edges. The aroma is bold with a strong fruity/floral aroma.
Flavor: Hints of black pepper and juniper but Dorothy Parker Gin rapidly builds with a jammy mid-palate. Cinnamon, black pepper, blackberry jam and rose hips. Then dried citrus, especially dried tangerine with an herbaceous, dark note of juniper. The late palate ends with a melange of red fruit, reminiscent of fruit punch— grape, cherry and berry.
Finish: Dry with an impression of sweetness created by the berry flavors— moderately warm with little astringency.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Fans of contemporary style gins, will find Dorothy Parker Gin an easy mixer— it’s good in a gin and tonic, especially with Indian Tonics. I think something like an Elderflower Tonic might be a bit too much in one note (floral). Instead among tonics, pair it with something citrus-y for more balance.
Cocktail wise, bartenders and home mixers should treat Dorothy Parker like a specialty gin that brings fruity and floral notes. This is a gin that I think mixes best to amplify supporting ingredients— it makes for a bright super fruit-forward Aviation or can amplify that subtle floral note to make an impressively perfumed Arsenic and Old Lace.
I find that Dorothy Parker’s floral/fruit notes to be a bit discordant in drinks like the Last Word.
As a Martini gin, it can work, as long as you’re a fan of something that is deeply and boldly floral.
Overall, Dorothy Parker Gin
Dorothy Parker Gin is bold and contemporary— some will likely prefer a bit more juniper. Personally, I think a touch more balance could serve it well. Since I first tasted it in the early ’10s, the Dorothy Parker Gin I tasted today seems a bit more boldly fruit-forward.
Perhaps its time, or my changing palate.
In 2025, I think Dorothy Parker is still an excellent floral/fruit forward contemporary gin. But I’m craving a bit more balance— and a touch more juniper.