I tested supermarket own brand gins – winner was a fantastic bargain that tastes just like big name brand

A REFRESHING gin and tonic is definitely one of Britain’s best-loved tipples.

But the cost of the juniper-based spirit has rocketed five per cent in 12 months.

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The hike is down to duty rising and increased overheads for producers.

And thanks to “gin-flation”, the average price of a bottle is now £17.

But there are plenty of supermarkets’ own versions to try for a bargain.

Drinks expert Helena Nicklin gives her verdict and marks out of five.

Aldi, Greysons London Dry £11.99 (70cl), 37.5%

★★★★☆

IF you squint, you can pretend this is much more expensive rival Gordon’s.

What Aldi’s better value option doesn’t quite deliver in balance and mouthfeel, it makes up for in price.

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And it is perky and punchy enough to feel like you’ve got a decent drink in your hand.

Team it with a splash of Indian tonic for a classic G&T.

Lidl, Hortus Artisan London Dry £15.49 (50cl), 40%

★★★☆☆

THIS classy looking bottle has a higher ABV, which also means higher price.

But it’s still far cheaper than the majority of big-name gins, with a well-textured, fuller mouthfeel.

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Very citrusy and fresh with notes of green herbs and lots of juniper.

Just a slight alcohol burn that some tonic will temper.

Perfect for a punchy G&T.

Aldi, Haysmith’s London Dry £15.49 (70cl), 40%

★★★★☆

WITH its sophisticated packaging and higher ABV, you can taste this is Aldi’s premium London Dry.

Really well balanced with a strong juniper flavour, it doesn’t need much to let it shine.

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Great with mixers or in cocktails, it’s a bit dearer than the store’s other option, but still better value than big-name brands.

Worth the extra money.

Sainsbury’s London Dry £11.99 (70cl), 37.5%

★★☆☆☆

A CHEAP and cheerful, lighter gin that is not so heavy on the botanicals and a bit rough round the edges.

Comes in a no-frills bottle, but if it’s only the contents you care about, then for the price you can’t argue.

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Great for heavier cocktails such as a Negroni, where it’s mixed.

The accompanying vermouth and Campari will counter the heaviness.

Tesco London Dry £13 (70cl), 37.5%

★★★★★

FANS of popular but pricey Gordon’s gin will be impressed with this supermarket version as it comes pretty close in terms of flavour profile.

With its slightly lighter ABV and impressive smoothness, plus a blend of citrus, juniper and a sniff of coriander seed, this is a fantastic spirit at a super price.

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Makes a mean Martini with a twist.

Asda London Dry £13 (70cl), 37.5%

★★★★☆

GIN lovers will find this a solid buy and a real pound-saving, crisp contender that does well on taste and offers decent value for money.

There is lots of botanical flavour in this spirit and, although it’s a bit more subtle than others, it still slips down very easily with ice and a slice.

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Round it off with Indian or flavoured tonic.

M&S London Dry £14 (70cl), 37.5%

★★☆☆☆

DO you prefer a less juniper-heavy taste to your gin?

If so, you will probably like this budget bottle from M&S.

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Light in mouthfeel and flavour, it’s a very zesty and lemony spirit.

Good price, but would definitely be better mixed with a fruity flavoured tonic such as rhubarb or elderflower, rather than sipped with straight Indian water.

Morrisons London Dry £13 (70cl), 37.5%

★☆☆☆☆

THE label may say London Dry, but this supermarket-own spirit sadly just isn’t a classic.

With a harsh alcohol burn, there is a distinctly chemically lemon note that stops it being a delicious drink.

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A real pity as it’s a good price.

Stick to mixing it in sweet cocktails.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk