A Classic Revisited: Why I’m Loving Tanqueray Gin This Summer

There’s something about the arrival of proper summer weather, the lighter evenings, the warmth in the air, and that unmistakable smell of freshly cut grass that makes me reach for a good bottle of gin. And this week, I did just that. But instead of hunting down the latest craft release or some obscure botanical blend, I went back to a true classic: Tanqueray London Dry Gin.

Now I know what you might be thinking, Tanqueray? That old staple? But let me tell you something: there’s a reason this gin has remained a firm favourite on shelves and back bars around the world for nearly two centuries. I poured myself a G&T yesterday afternoon, sat back in the garden with a handful of olives and some sun on my face, and remembered exactly why Tanqueray still deserves its place in every gin lover’s cabinet.

You can find it here if you fancy rediscovering it too:
Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Simplicity Done Well

Tanqueray doesn’t mess about with twenty plus botanicals or fancy infusions. Its brilliance lies in its simplicity. Four core botanicals, juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice are distilled to perfection. That’s it. But it’s the balance of those ingredients that sets Tanqueray apart from the crowd.

The juniper leads, as it should in a proper London Dry, but it’s not aggressive. It’s crisp, piney, and perfectly complemented by a citrusy freshness and a slightly earthy undertone from the angelica. The coriander gives it that bright, slightly peppery finish, and the liquorice lends a smooth, dry sweetness. The result? A gin that’s clean, classic, and incredibly versatile.

It’s the kind of gin that tastes exactly how you want gin to taste, no surprises, just reliable excellence. I think there’s something to be said for that. In a world obsessed with novelty, there’s a real comfort in returning to something tried and true.

The G&T Test

I made mine the traditional way, plenty of ice, a good glug of Tanqueray, topped with a crisp Indian tonic and garnished with a wedge of lime. Honestly? Perfection. The juniper cuts through beautifully, but it doesn’t overpower. It’s refreshing, dry, and endlessly sippable. The kind of G&T that reminds you why you fell in love with gin in the first place.

It also works a treat with grapefruit or even orange if you’re in the mood for something different. That’s the beauty of Tanqueray, its clean profile makes it adaptable to a variety of garnishes and tonics without losing its own character.

Cocktails Worth Repeating

Beyond the G&T, Tanqueray holds its own in all the classics. A crisp, dry martini? Absolutely. A gin fizz? Spot on. Negroni? One of the best. Because it’s so well-balanced, it doesn’t get lost in the mix, and it never dominates either. It plays its role perfectly.

I even made a simple gin sour the other evening Tanqueray, lemon juice, a dash of sugar syrup, shaken with ice and it was delicious. Zesty, sharp and cooling – the ideal pre-dinner drink.

A Drink With a Bit of History

There’s also something nice about drinking a gin with a bit of heritage. Tanqueray was originally distilled in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray, a man who clearly knew what he was doing. The recipe has barely changed since. That kind of legacy doesn’t just happen, it’s earned. And sipping on it, you can taste the confidence of a recipe that has stood the test of time.

An Everyday Luxury

At around £20–£25 a bottle, Tanqueray is an affordable indulgence. It feels like a luxury, but one you can justify keeping stocked at home all year round. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a quiet evening in, or looking for something impressive but unpretentious to bring to a dinner party, it ticks all the boxes.

It’s also a brilliant Father’s Day gift for any dad who appreciates a classic tipple, especially if you pair it with a smart bottle of tonic and some quality glassware. Simple, thoughtful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So here’s to the classics. The ones that never let you down. If you haven’t had a Tanqueray G&T in a while, consider this your gentle nudge. Pour yourself a glass, take it outside, and toast to the sunshine, the simplicity of great ingredients, and the timelessness of a properly made gin.