Not Gordon's, Not Hendrick's: This Underrated British Gin Belongs In Your Next Negroni

The Negroni, with only three ingredients, appears to be a simple cocktail. However, this Italian classic from the early 1900s, which Drinks International named the bestselling cocktail in the world in 2025, requires quality ingredients and a balanced ratio to work well. Besides Campari and a good sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica Formula, you need the right gin. For us, that's Boodles — not brands such as Gordon's or Hendrick's.

Don't get us wrong, we're fans of Gordon's and Hendrick's. The former is the bestselling gin in the world, and a prerequisite for making James Bond's Vesper martini. The later gin, with its floral notes, works brilliantly in cocktails, including a gin sour with honey or a gin spritz. However, when it comes to the Negroni, Boodles offers something the others don't.

Like Gordon's, Boodles is a London dry gin (Hendrick's isn't), the classic gin style for a Negroni. Unlike Gordon's, Boodles doesn't include any citrus among its botanicals, but remains juniper forward. Because the Negroni is typically garnished with either an orange peel or wedge, a citrusy gin isn't necessary, while juniper flavor is since it can stand up to Campari's bitter notes.

Boodles' U.S. version packs a bit more punch than Gordon's and Hendrick's with 45.2% alcohol by volume compared to 43% and 44%, respectively. A slightly higher-proof gin can help guarantee its flavors don't get lost in the mix since Campari can easily dominate the Negroni. On the other hand, a Navy strength gin, which is at least 57% ABV, can overwhelm things.

Boodles dates back to 1845. It doesn't include citrus because, according to the brand's website, it was "a practical decision made by original distillers who expected a brilliant drink to include a slice of lemon or lime." The spirit is made from British wheat with a Carter Head copper still, an older style of still that uses steam to slowly, gently infuse the botanicals into the spirit. Traditional stills extract the oils by steeping the botanicals in the neutral spirit.

If you're looking for a classic Negroni, give Boodles a shot, and be sure to watch our video on how to properly make a Negroni. This simple, yet complex, bitter, yet sweet, cocktail may be Italian, but it truly shines thanks to Boodles London dry gin.