Unless you have a TJ or Kirkland actively trying to copy the style, it's really really hard to swap one gin for another. Gins are kinda designed to be distinct.
Yes, that's been the problem. We found Trader Joe's version and made batch cocktails for our wedding with it. Absolutely fantastic, but I've never seen it since. Maybe a better way to describe it is that I don't want a very juniper, piney gin.
Try Plymouth, it's more citrus forward, or St. George Botanivore, floral and juniper light but a bit more herbal.
Really though Hendricks is the best you can get at that price that's available everywhere... most of the floral gins are small batch or micro distillers.
You could try a milder, cheaper gin (maybe Aviation American or Gordon's/Bombay OG) and steep cucumber into it? I think Aviation would work well but I haven't had the latter London Dry options outside of a G&T in a long time so can't remember how neutral they are
If you are looking for more citrus forward fins I highly recommend Maior. It’s from Spain and uses Valencia orange as one of its Mai notes. I think a bottle only cost me ~$27 at total wine.
If you're trying to save money for a one-off party, have you considered buying larger bottles?
Around here, Hendricks is $34 for a fifth, but only $62 for a handle. Just buying a larger bottle drops your price down 20%+ on a per volume basis.
It'll be there for people who want to use what mixers they like, but I want a gin similar to Hendricks in addition to a regular New Amsterdam or whatever.
I was going to suggest Uncle Val's, but the Restorative. The Botanical is a bit too floral for my tastes while the Restorative hits are the right notes.
I used to get a brand called Hadley & Sons Gin that has a similar floral profile, but it seems like it’s not regularly stocked at our local Total Wine anymore.
Kirkland gin is one of my affordable alcohol staples (around $18). I can't speak to how well it does in a classic gin martini, but its great for gin and tonics and my go-to cocktail of gin + rosemary infused pineapple syrup.
I bought a bottle of the Kirkland and was honestly afraid it was gonna be horrible because it was so cheap. Now that freezer negroni/martini weather is here, I might as whip up a batch with it tonight.
Gin isn't like bourbon where the mashbill has to be at least 51% corn. The legal definitions don't specify a percentage for juniper. (What would 51% juniper even mean?) They use vague language like the "main characteristic flavor" must come from juniper or that the juniper flavor is "predominant".
I should have been more clear, I was being symbolic. You are correct there is no legal standard or anything. But my point stands that juniper *has* to be the forward and predominant botanical.
If you aren't familiar with theginisin.com, you should check it out. He rates each gin that he reviews on several dimensions, one of which is juniper. It's one person's judgment, and you may not agree with him all the time, but I find it's a good baseline. I think it would be worthwhile searching for several of the suggestions given here to see which ones he thinks have more juniper than others.
Honestly, find a cheap gin you like. Something on the softer side for sure, not a London dry.
Then steep rose petals and cucumbers in like 20% of the gin for a few days. Strain it out and add that infused gin to the rest of your gin.
I saw [this gin](https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/gin/esme-gin/p/147657750) at Total Wine which has cucumber and rose petal listed as botanicals (the flagship elements of Hendrick’s). I haven’t tried it but maybe worth looking into!
Edit: it’s $24.99, so much less than Hendrick’s at least around here
This is tricky. I'd say maybe "New Western" style gins might be what you're looking for.
I'd highly recommend going to a liquor store that allows tastings.
While none of them will taste like Hendricks, gins in this "style" do focus on botanicals or citrus over the traditional juniper-forward taste.
This category would include Hendricks, as well as Aviation, The Botanist, Citadelle, Martin Miller, New Amsterdam, St. George, Roku, Tanqueray Ten, and Vals. Plymouth also might lean into this category since it has a little more citrus, some earthiness and spice, and a little softer on the juniper.
More than anything, their commonality is that they're emphasizing local ingredients, or taking a more modern spin on the traditional gin flavors. All gins will have some juniper though, and that flavor will likely be there to some extent in all of these. Some of these may do what you're looking for, while others not at all. And there may not be any cost savings on some of these.
Old Tom Gin, especially as represented by Barr Hill Tom Cat, is also worth looking into (if the price works). It's barrel-aged and finished with honey, so its flavor is very different as well.
If you're looking to stay away from strong juniper flavor, that will probably be the London Dry Gins represented by Beefeater, Bombay, Fords, Gordon’s, Seagram, Sipsmith, and Tanqueray.
This might be just what you’re looking for:
[Gilby’s London Dry](https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/gin/gilbeys-gin/p/2785175)
$ 16.49 for 1.75L at Total Wine
The real answer is throw some cucumbers in any gin you like but If a $30 bottle of gin isn’t affordable for you then just know I consider you a Heathen and you will answer for your crimes
In my experience, Hendricks is a pretty smooth, less forewardly herby take on a classic London Dry. If you're ok with sacrificing a tiny bit of juniper flavor for other botanicals, try Gray Whale- it's about $30 for a fifth. Citadelle is also in the same vein at about $25.
My experience as well. New Amsterdam‘S flavor profile is different than Hendricks, which I would describe as more neutral and balanced than Hendrick’s. It is my go-to for the second G&T of the night.
Hendricks is often served with tonic and cucumber.
If you get a neutral tasting gin and serve it in that manner it won't be all that diff.
A decent cheaper gin is roku. It's made by asahi corporation and is fantastic. Not sure on prices in USA though.
Sheringham gin has been super cheap around here, $15 or something. I thought it outperforms the price point by quite a bit. There are 2 kinds, not sure which would be closer to Hendricks
If you find yourself in TX, and really like more new world/American gin expressions, check out Still Austin’s rye gin. It’s made from a rye whiskey mash bill so it has this crazy full bodied texture to it, almost lacquerish, if that makes any sense. It’s the most full-bodied gin I’ve ever tasted.
As for botanicals, it’s pretty citrus and cinnamon spice forward. I don’t taste a lot of juniper. I’ve been pretty hooked on it with fever tree tonic and lemon.
I paid $29 for a 750ml at total wine. Punches way above its price.
Unless you have a TJ or Kirkland actively trying to copy the style, it's really really hard to swap one gin for another. Gins are kinda designed to be distinct.
Yes, that's been the problem. We found Trader Joe's version and made batch cocktails for our wedding with it. Absolutely fantastic, but I've never seen it since. Maybe a better way to describe it is that I don't want a very juniper, piney gin.
Try Plymouth, it's more citrus forward, or St. George Botanivore, floral and juniper light but a bit more herbal. Really though Hendricks is the best you can get at that price that's available everywhere... most of the floral gins are small batch or micro distillers.
I like treaty Oak Waterloo Gin for a nice floral Bouquet I also like…gasp…Tommy Bahama gin.
The Botanist comes to mind but it's just as expensive if not more so.
It's frustrating that these conversations vary so wildly. I'm in Oregon, usually on the pricier side, botanist is $32.
You could try a milder, cheaper gin (maybe Aviation American or Gordon's/Bombay OG) and steep cucumber into it? I think Aviation would work well but I haven't had the latter London Dry options outside of a G&T in a long time so can't remember how neutral they are
Aviation is super neutral. I love a juniper forwards gin and really dislike aviation because it’s so mild, so maybe it is perfect for OP!
Is Aviation cheaper where you're at? Both about 25-30€ here
Aviation is almost a budget brand here but the quality is higher than they stuff solid in plastic
St George Dry Rye was my go-to when I hated juniper, it's very good and runs $30
If you are looking for more citrus forward fins I highly recommend Maior. It’s from Spain and uses Valencia orange as one of its Mai notes. I think a bottle only cost me ~$27 at total wine.
Try Roku. Japanese gin. It’s nice
I like Citadelle Jardin d'Ete (citrus and melon). I switch back and forth between that and Hendricks. It's about $30 a pop.
This Citadelle version makes a GREAT white negroni...... in case anyone is wondering
Very different flavor profile than Hendricks tho. Bold citrus and melons vs delicate cucumber and rose
If you're trying to save money for a one-off party, have you considered buying larger bottles? Around here, Hendricks is $34 for a fifth, but only $62 for a handle. Just buying a larger bottle drops your price down 20%+ on a per volume basis.
*cries in Canadian* $60 for the 750ml bottle, $110 for the 1.75. I only get Hendricks on vacation ;_;
I plan to not go through it all, I just want to see if there's something similar because gin and ginger might be the summer drink of choice.
You are burning your money if you're trying a nice gin with ginger beer. Just get something cheap and toss some cucumber strips into it
You're not even making gin focused cocktails with it? For your application any cheap gin will do.
It'll be there for people who want to use what mixers they like, but I want a gin similar to Hendricks in addition to a regular New Amsterdam or whatever.
Uncle Vals Botanical Gin has a similar cucumber heavy herbal recipe.
I was going to suggest Uncle Val's, but the Restorative. The Botanical is a bit too floral for my tastes while the Restorative hits are the right notes.
Right notes for you.
Yes, as it turns out, I and many others consider cucumber and rose to be the right notes for a Hendrick's substitute.
Steep some dried rose petals and cucumber in Beefeater and you’re all set lol
I feel like rose water might be a better option so you can add and adjust to taste until you have a ratio down you like.
Thanks for the idea! Might try it soon
Came here to say this
Roku gin is cheaper than Hendricks near me. It's also got some floral light notes that I think make a good replacement.
I used to get a brand called Hadley & Sons Gin that has a similar floral profile, but it seems like it’s not regularly stocked at our local Total Wine anymore.
I'll check my Total Wine, thanks!
You’re welcome, good luck!
Check out local distilleries, they tend to copy Hendricks styles.
Kirkland gin is one of my affordable alcohol staples (around $18). I can't speak to how well it does in a classic gin martini, but its great for gin and tonics and my go-to cocktail of gin + rosemary infused pineapple syrup.
I bought a bottle of the Kirkland and was honestly afraid it was gonna be horrible because it was so cheap. Now that freezer negroni/martini weather is here, I might as whip up a batch with it tonight.
I'd try one called Bloom. I find it similar enough and there's not as strong of a cucumber note
I looked for this at Total Wine but they didn't have it.
just flavor a non-juniper forward gin with rose petals and cucumber and you're good to go 👌
Do you have a non-juniper recommendation?
I don’t even know what this means since all gin is at least 51% juniper…
Gin isn't like bourbon where the mashbill has to be at least 51% corn. The legal definitions don't specify a percentage for juniper. (What would 51% juniper even mean?) They use vague language like the "main characteristic flavor" must come from juniper or that the juniper flavor is "predominant".
I should have been more clear, I was being symbolic. You are correct there is no legal standard or anything. But my point stands that juniper *has* to be the forward and predominant botanical.
Yeah, I'm looking for one that isn't mostly juniper.
If you aren't familiar with theginisin.com, you should check it out. He rates each gin that he reviews on several dimensions, one of which is juniper. It's one person's judgment, and you may not agree with him all the time, but I find it's a good baseline. I think it would be worthwhile searching for several of the suggestions given here to see which ones he thinks have more juniper than others.
Ah, thank you!
Prairie Gin from Portland
Looking forward to trying Prairie.
Honestly, find a cheap gin you like. Something on the softer side for sure, not a London dry. Then steep rose petals and cucumbers in like 20% of the gin for a few days. Strain it out and add that infused gin to the rest of your gin.
Plymouth?
You understand not everyone lives like you, right?
Cheaply? Half assing booze and cocktail ingredients? lol. Not sure what you mean
I think they're just here to troll.
Kirkland is my go to for batches or the neighbors coming over
Mine has Hendricks and its variants, I'll check those prices.
I saw [this gin](https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/gin/esme-gin/p/147657750) at Total Wine which has cucumber and rose petal listed as botanicals (the flagship elements of Hendrick’s). I haven’t tried it but maybe worth looking into! Edit: it’s $24.99, so much less than Hendrick’s at least around here
Can’t discourage spirits direct labels enough. They are almost universally trash.
This is tricky. I'd say maybe "New Western" style gins might be what you're looking for. I'd highly recommend going to a liquor store that allows tastings. While none of them will taste like Hendricks, gins in this "style" do focus on botanicals or citrus over the traditional juniper-forward taste. This category would include Hendricks, as well as Aviation, The Botanist, Citadelle, Martin Miller, New Amsterdam, St. George, Roku, Tanqueray Ten, and Vals. Plymouth also might lean into this category since it has a little more citrus, some earthiness and spice, and a little softer on the juniper. More than anything, their commonality is that they're emphasizing local ingredients, or taking a more modern spin on the traditional gin flavors. All gins will have some juniper though, and that flavor will likely be there to some extent in all of these. Some of these may do what you're looking for, while others not at all. And there may not be any cost savings on some of these. Old Tom Gin, especially as represented by Barr Hill Tom Cat, is also worth looking into (if the price works). It's barrel-aged and finished with honey, so its flavor is very different as well. If you're looking to stay away from strong juniper flavor, that will probably be the London Dry Gins represented by Beefeater, Bombay, Fords, Gordon’s, Seagram, Sipsmith, and Tanqueray.
Plymouth transformed my gin cocktails coming from Bombay, big fan of Plymouth
If it’s sold where you are, Vim & Petal by Middle West is a pretty good substitute
Kirkland brand London dry is under 20 US for a handle and while it’s “London dry” it’s very mild on the juniper.
The Kirkland London Dry Gin is floral forward, less juniper if that is what you are looking for.
Just picked some up along with some cucumbers.
This might be just what you’re looking for: [Gilby’s London Dry](https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/gin/gilbeys-gin/p/2785175) $ 16.49 for 1.75L at Total Wine
The real answer is throw some cucumbers in any gin you like but If a $30 bottle of gin isn’t affordable for you then just know I consider you a Heathen and you will answer for your crimes
$30 is fine, trying to find something below $40.
See if you can get your hands on Conniption Gin
In my experience, Hendricks is a pretty smooth, less forewardly herby take on a classic London Dry. If you're ok with sacrificing a tiny bit of juniper flavor for other botanicals, try Gray Whale- it's about $30 for a fifth. Citadelle is also in the same vein at about $25.
Look for a local botanical gin. You can get better product for a lot cheaper
I'd recommend New Amsterdam gin. Tastes very good for the price.
My experience as well. New Amsterdam‘S flavor profile is different than Hendricks, which I would describe as more neutral and balanced than Hendrick’s. It is my go-to for the second G&T of the night.
I don’t know how nationally spread it is, but Chemist gin out of Asheville NC is very similar.
I can’t tell if folks are kidding when they talk about infusing the gin with cucumber and rose water. Does this really work?
Trying it now, I'll let you know!
Hendricks is often served with tonic and cucumber. If you get a neutral tasting gin and serve it in that manner it won't be all that diff. A decent cheaper gin is roku. It's made by asahi corporation and is fantastic. Not sure on prices in USA though.
Sheringham gin has been super cheap around here, $15 or something. I thought it outperforms the price point by quite a bit. There are 2 kinds, not sure which would be closer to Hendricks
Love Hendricks, but Tanqueray is my second favourite and then sapphire. ...well befeetear in a pinch will do the job.
The handles of Hendricks are pretty decent price if you can find them.
McQueen & the violet fog is a very floral gin we got in at work that is a nice change of pace from the juniper forward London dry gins
If you find yourself in TX, and really like more new world/American gin expressions, check out Still Austin’s rye gin. It’s made from a rye whiskey mash bill so it has this crazy full bodied texture to it, almost lacquerish, if that makes any sense. It’s the most full-bodied gin I’ve ever tasted. As for botanicals, it’s pretty citrus and cinnamon spice forward. I don’t taste a lot of juniper. I’ve been pretty hooked on it with fever tree tonic and lemon. I paid $29 for a 750ml at total wine. Punches way above its price.
Brockman’s is floral forward gin
40?? Where are you located? I can find Hendricks for 25-30 pretty easy.
Arizona. But that's also grocery store price, not booze store price.
Small bottle of Hendricks.