Beefeater is a brand of London dry gin that is made in London, England. It is known for its bold, juniper-forward flavor and is made with a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, coriander, and citrus peel.
Many gin drinkers enjoy the strong, juniper-forward flavour of Beefeater and find it to be a good choice for classic cocktails like the Martini and Gin and Tonic. It is also a popular choice for use in gin-based cocktails like the Negroni and Tom Collins. Some reviewers have described the flavour as crisp, clean, and well-balanced, with a spicy finish. Overall, Beefeater is a well-respected brand and is a good choice for those who prefer a traditional, juniper-forward gin.
Beefeater Gin History
Beefeater is a brand of London dry gin that was founded in 1820 by James Burrough. Burrough started his career as a pharmacist and began distilling his own line of medicinal tonics and liqueurs. In the late 1800s, he decided to focus on gin and created Beefeater gin using a recipe that included nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, coriander, and citrus peel.
The brand took its name from the beefeaters, the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London, as a nod to the history and tradition of the city. Beefeater gin quickly gained popularity and is now one of the most well-known and respected gin brands in the world. It is made in a distillery in Kennington, London, and is known for its bold, juniper-forward flavour. Beefeater is a key player in the London dry gin category and is enjoyed by gin lovers around the world.
Beefeater Gin Cocktails
Beefeater gin is a popular choice for cocktails and is known for its bold, juniper-forward flavor. Here are some classic cocktails that feature Beefeater gin:
- Martini – Beefeater gin, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist or olive
- Gin and Tonic – Beefeater gin and tonic water served over ice and garnished with a lime wedge
- Negroni – Beefeater gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, served over ice and garnished with an orange peel
- Tom Collins – Beefeater gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served over ice and garnished with a cherry and lemon wedge
- Gin Fizz – Beefeater gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served in a highball glass and garnished with a lemon wedge
You can also use Beefeater gin as the base for other creative cocktails, such as a Gin Martini with Cucumber, a Grapefruit Gin Fizz, or a Strawberry Gin Smash.
Gins Similar to Beefeater Gin
If you enjoy the bold, juniper-forward flavor of Beefeater gin, you may also like these gins:
- Bombay Sapphire – a London dry gin with a smooth, juniper-forward flavor and a floral finish
- Tanqueray – a London dry gin with a strong, juniper-forward flavor and a crisp finish
- The Botanist – a Scottish gin with a strong, juniper-forward flavor and a complex finish, made with a blend of 22 botanicals
- Plymouth – a English gin with a balanced, juniper-forward flavor and a slightly sweet finish
- Broker’s – a English gin with a bold, juniper-forward flavor and a slightly spicy finish
These gins are similar to Beefeater in that they are all London dry gins with a strong, juniper-forward flavour, and they would be good choices for those who enjoy Beefeater.
