Gin substitutes

The closest substitute for Gin is Old Tom Gin, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Sweeter and rounder, so cut the syrup a little. Genever also works. In a pinch, use Vodka or Earl Grey Tea-Infused Gin.

Swap it in 77 drinks Low and zero proof Questions

What to use instead of Gin

Substitute	How much	Strength	Typical drink
Old Tom GinWorks, tastes different Sweeter and rounder, so cut the syrup a little. Same amount	Same amount	40–47% ABV	About the same
GeneverWorks, tastes different Maltier and rounder. Same amount	Same amount	35–42% ABV	+1 point
VodkaLast resort Loses all the botanicals. Same amount	Same amount	37.5–50% ABV	About the same
Earl Grey Tea-Infused GinLast resort Adds bergamot and tea tannins; best in citrus-based gin drinks. Same amount	Same amount	40–47.3%, depending on the base gin ABV	About the same

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 Gin, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.

How they compare

Gin vs Old Tom Gin
Property	Gin	Old Tom Gin
Strength	40–47.3% ABV	40–47% ABV
Taste	Juniper forward, Citrus, Spice, Herbal complexity	Juniper, Slightly sweet, Botanicals, Smooth
Aroma	Juniper, Citrus, Pine, Floral notes, Herbal	Juniper, Citrus, Slight sweetness, Botanical
Finish	Dry, Crisp, Lingering botanicals	Sweet, Juniper, Smooth

Gin vs Genever
Property	Gin	Genever
Strength	40–47.3% ABV	35–42% ABV
Taste	Juniper forward, Citrus, Spice, Herbal complexity	Malty, Grain, Juniper, Rich, Smooth
Aroma	Juniper, Citrus, Pine, Floral notes, Herbal	Malt, Juniper, Grain, Light spice
Finish	Dry, Crisp, Lingering botanicals	Malty, Warming, Medium

Low and zero proof

An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Gin: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.

Already have one of these?

If you have Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's or New Amsterdam, you don't need a substitute: they are all Gin. How they differ

What is Gin?

Gin is a juniper-flavored spirit, with botanicals providing its distinctive aromatic character. London Dry is the most common style, but contemporary gins vary widely in flavor profiles.

All 77 drinks with Gin

Got Gin? It also replaces

Questions about Gin substitutes

What is the best substitute for Gin?

Old Tom Gin is the closest substitute for Gin, though the drink will taste a little different. Sweeter and rounder, so cut the syrup a little. Use the same amount.

What can I use instead of Gin in an Angel Face?

Old Tom Gin: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Gin for 30ml (1 oz) of Old Tom Gin.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Gin?

Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the Bee's Knees, French 75, Gimlet, Gin and Tonic, Negroni and Southside made with non-alcoholic bottles.

Which Gin brands can I use?

If you have Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's or New Amsterdam, you don't need a substitute: they are all Gin. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.

Does Old Tom Gin instead of Gin change how strong the drink is?

It can. The biggest change is in the Alaska, which goes from about 32% to about 33% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.

Out of Gin?

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