What is London dry gin?
London dry gin is a style of gin with a strong juniper flavor and no added sugar or artificial flavorings after distillation. Despite its name, it does not have to be made in London.
Gin became popular in England in the 1700s, after it was introduced from the Netherlands. A period known as the gin craze followed, when cheap gin caused widespread drunkenness in London.
The invention of the column still in the 1800s allowed distillers to make purer spirits, leading to the drier style that became known as London dry.
What makes it London dry
To be called London dry gin, the spirit must be flavored only with natural botanicals during distillation. Only water and a small amount of sugar may be added afterward.
Juniper is the main flavor, with other botanicals such as coriander, citrus peel, angelica and orris root.
Famous London dry gins include Beefeater, Tanqueray and Gordon's. Gin and tonic is the classic way to drink it.
Britain has seen a gin boom since the 2010s, with hundreds of new craft distilleries opening around the country.