Genever substitutes
The closest substitute for Genever is Old Tom Gin, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Lighter and less malty. Gin also works.
What to use instead of Genever
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Old Tom GinWorks, tastes different Lighter and less malty. Same amount | Same amount | 40–47% ABV | About the same |
GinWorks, tastes different Brighter and less malty. Same amount | Same amount | 40–47.3% ABV | −1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Genever, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Improved Holland Gin Cocktail
60ml (2 oz) Genever → 60ml (2 oz) Old Tom Gin
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Genever | Old Tom Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 35–42% ABV | 40–47% ABV |
| Taste | Malty, Grain, Juniper, Rich, Smooth | Juniper, Slightly sweet, Botanicals, Smooth |
| Aroma | Malt, Juniper, Grain, Light spice | Juniper, Citrus, Slight sweetness, Botanical |
| Finish | Malty, Warming, Medium | Sweet, Juniper, Smooth |
| Property | Genever | Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 35–42% ABV | 40–47.3% ABV |
| Taste | Malty, Grain, Juniper, Rich, Smooth | Juniper forward, Citrus, Spice, Herbal complexity |
| Aroma | Malt, Juniper, Grain, Light spice | Juniper, Citrus, Pine, Floral notes, Herbal |
| Finish | Malty, Warming, Medium | Dry, Crisp, Lingering botanicals |
Already have one of these?
If you have Bols Genever, Old Duff Genever or Boomsma Oude Genever, you don't need a substitute: they are all Genever.
What is Genever?
Genever is the Dutch ancestor of gin, with rich, malty character from grain wine base. Essential for historical cocktails and Dutch-inspired drinks.
Got Genever? It also replaces
Questions about Genever substitutes
What is the best substitute for Genever?
Old Tom Gin is the closest substitute for Genever, though the drink will taste a little different. Lighter and less malty. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Genever in an Improved Holland Gin Cocktail?
Old Tom Gin: swap 60ml (2 oz) of Genever for 60ml (2 oz) of Old Tom Gin.
Which Genever brands can I use?
If you have Bols Genever, Old Duff Genever or Boomsma Oude Genever, you don't need a substitute: they are all Genever. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Old Tom Gin instead of Genever change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the drink on this page that use Genever, Old Tom Gin changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Genever?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.