What is the difference between gin and gin liqueur?
The major difference between gin liqueurs and gin is that gin liqueurs have more sugar and a lower alcohol content than proper gin.
While gin must have a minimum 37.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), gin liqueurs are usually closer to 20%.
Gin liqueurs tend to be cheaper than full-strength gin (because there is less alcohol duty for the maker to pay).
As with full-strength gin, there is a huge range of flavours - lots of fruit flavours and even ‘Unicorn Tears’!
There is a debate about whether some of these drinks should be allowed to use the word ‘gin’ - when that description implies a predominant flavour of juniper.
In fact, some drinks that describe themselves as 'gin' don't have any discernible juniper. There's quite a lot of controversy about this!
Many traditional gin makers have moved into this area - including Edinburgh Gin, Warner’s and famously the M&S Christmas Snow Globe gin liqueur.
If you love gin, you should have a look at our range of six gins. Many people are amazed when they taste our Roman Fruit - it's a deep red colour but still an unsweetened dry gin.