Bombay Sapphire Gin

The Star of Bombay is a 182-carat Sri Lankan sapphire that’s easily worth over $100 million; luckily, the gin that shares its name should not cost you more than $40 or so per 750mL bottle (with some liquor stores listing lower). Bombay Sapphire gin is well-balanced and crafted using artisanal ingredients — while the exact recipe is a secret, you can probably identify a few common botanicals like bright juniper, tart citrus, sharp pepper, and sweet licorice. Considering its extensive ingredient list and expensive-looking bottle, Bombay Sapphire is actually a pretty affordable gin.

One word: tonic — Bombay Sapphire is THE gin to buy for those who love a classic gin and tonic. The delicate yet complex flavors pair well with simple, uncomplicated mixers. Bombay Sapphire is affordable enough that you won’t feel guilty using it in gin-based cocktails, but the spirit’s quality will elevate whatever mixed drink you choose to shake up. Some popular Bombay Sapphire pairings (besides the classic tonic and lime) include ginger ale, elderflower liqueur, lemonade, seltzer water, cold brew coffee, and cranberry juice (psst: you can find dozens of fun mixers and fruit juice on your Drizly app).

Both Bombay Original Dry Gin and Bombay Sapphire use the same gin botanicals (like juniper, lemon, and licorice) and distillation process (the latter employs a complicated steaming technique in lieu of simply steeping the ingredients). But, Bombay Sapphire is much more popular than the brand’s OG gin. There isn’t that much of a difference on paper — Bombay Sapphire sells in an appealing blue bottle and boasts just two extra botanical ingredients. Yet Bombay Original Dry Gin is often described as much harsher on the palette, whereas Bombay Sapphire is a better choice for gin martinis and upscale cocktails.

Gin, in general, is an acquired taste, so you’ll want to make sure that the recipient is a fan before selecting Bombay Sapphire as a gift. Bombay Sapphire is a well-crafted spirit to be sure, but the piney juniper and peppery notes create a bold flavor. That said, this attractive blue bottle is a staple in any home liquor cabinet, yet it’s affordable enough that you won’t wince when you give it away. For a cocktail party or notable celebration, you can feel confident bringing a bottle of Bombay Sapphire as a hostess gift.