Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin 40% Vol. 0.7 L

Discover the refined botanical character of Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin 40% Vol. 0.7L, a premium English gin recognised worldwide for its distinctive blue bottle, bright citrus freshness and beautifully balanced flavour. Crafted with ten carefully selected botanicals from around the world, Bombay Sapphire combines fragrant juniper, zesty lemon peel, aromatic coriander, exotic spices and delicate floral notes in an elegant London Dry Gin.

Unlike many traditional gins, its botanicals are gently vapour-infused during distillation, allowing the aromatic qualities of each ingredient to develop without being boiled directly in the spirit. Produced at the historic Laverstoke Mill distillery in Hampshire, England, Bombay Sapphire combines time-honoured distilling techniques with a modern approach to botanical selection. Its smooth texture, refreshing citrus character and subtle spice make it particularly versatile for both classic and contemporary cocktails. For Drinkero, Bombay Sapphire is an excellent choice for Gin & Tonic, Negroni, Dry Martini, Tom Collins, French 75, Bramble, Gimlet and other cocktails where a balanced botanical gin can enhance the finished drink.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Crystal clear and brilliant, presented in the unmistakable sapphire-blue glass bottle that has become a signature of the brand.

Aroma: Fresh and aromatic, featuring juniper berries, lemon peel, coriander, delicate floral notes and subtle herbal spice.

Palate: Smooth, balanced and citrus-forward, combining gentle juniper with fresh lemon, aromatic herbs, earthy roots and the warming spice of cubeb and grains of paradise.

Finish: Clean, refreshing and elegantly dry, with lingering citrus oils, delicate peppery spice and a soft botanical character.

The Heritage of Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is one of the most recognisable premium gin brands in the world, celebrated for its distinctive blue bottle and carefully balanced botanical character.

The brand was introduced in 1987, drawing inspiration from traditional English gin-making and a historic recipe associated with 1761.

Its identity combines classic London Dry Gin principles with a more contemporary approach to flavour, presentation and botanical selection.

Unlike gins that rely heavily on one or two dominant flavours, Bombay Sapphire was developed around ten botanicals that contribute different aromatic elements.

The name refers to the Star of Bombay, a famous blue sapphire gemstone, reinforcing the connection between the spirit and its distinctive packaging.

Over time, the blue bottle became one of the most recognisable designs in the international spirits market.

Bombay Sapphire also played an important role in introducing a broader audience to premium botanical gin during the revival of modern cocktail culture.

Today, the brand belongs to Bacardi and continues to emphasise botanical craftsmanship, carefully selected ingredients and its signature vapour-infusion process.

For home bartenders, Bombay Sapphire represents a versatile premium gin that can be used in traditional recipes while also providing opportunities to experiment with modern botanical combinations.

The Ten Signature Botanicals

One of the defining characteristics of Bombay Sapphire is its carefully balanced combination of ten botanicals sourced from different regions of the world.

Each ingredient contributes a specific aromatic quality to the finished spirit.

Juniper berries: Provide the essential piney, resinous and herbal character that defines gin. Juniper remains central to Bombay Sapphire's identity, creating the foundation for its other botanical notes.

Lemon peel: Introduces bright citrus freshness and fragrant lemon oils, giving the gin its lively, refreshing character.

Coriander seeds: Contribute warm spice and naturally citrus-like aromas that complement both juniper and lemon peel.

Angelica root: Adds earthy, woody and subtly herbal characteristics that provide depth and structure.

Orris root: Offers gentle earthy and floral notes that complement the gin's lighter aromatic elements.

Bitter almonds: Introduce a restrained nutty character, contributing to the spirit's soft and rounded flavour.

Liquorice root: Provides delicate sweetness and gentle herbal warmth without making the gin taste like a sweet liqueur.

Cassia bark: Adds warming spice reminiscent of cinnamon, creating depth beneath the brighter citrus aromas.

Cubeb berries: Contribute distinctive peppery spice with subtle aromatic complexity.

Grains of paradise: Introduce warm, peppery and slightly exotic spice notes that complete the botanical blend.

These ten ingredients create a gin in which citrus, herbs, roots and spices work together while juniper remains recognisable.

The resulting flavour is delicate enough for refreshing long drinks yet structured enough for classic spirit-forward cocktails.

The Art of Vapour Infusion

Bombay Sapphire is particularly well known for its vapour-infusion distillation process, which distinguishes it from many conventional gins.

In traditional steep-and-boil gin production, botanicals may be placed directly into the spirit during distillation.

Bombay Sapphire instead suspends its selected botanicals inside perforated copper baskets positioned in the path of the rising alcohol vapour.

As the heated vapour moves through the baskets, it gently extracts aromatic compounds from the herbs, roots, peels and spices.

The vapour then continues through the distillation equipment before being condensed into liquid spirit.

This approach allows the distiller to develop a carefully balanced flavour from botanicals with different aromatic properties.

Botanical baskets: Hold the selected ingredients separately from the boiling liquid.

Rising vapour: Carries aromatic compounds from the botanicals into the spirit.

Controlled distillation: Helps maintain the intended balance of citrus, juniper and spice.

Final preparation: Produces the finished gin at its specified alcohol strength.

The result is a smooth, aromatic spirit with bright citrus and delicate botanical complexity.

Although different distillation techniques can produce excellent gin, vapour infusion is a defining part of Bombay Sapphire's character and production philosophy.

Distilled at Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire

Bombay Sapphire is produced at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England, a historic site that has been transformed into a modern gin distillery.

The location has an industrial history extending back several centuries, including its former use as a paper mill.

The redevelopment of Laverstoke Mill brought together historic buildings, contemporary architecture and specialist distilling equipment.

The distillery officially opened to the public in 2014 and has become closely associated with the brand's modern identity.

Its distinctive glasshouses, designed by Heatherwick Studio, house plants representing the botanical ingredients used in Bombay Sapphire.

These structures reflect the importance of botanical sourcing and the relationship between plants, climate and flavour.

The distillery also uses traditional Carterhead-style equipment, including stills named Tom and Mary, alongside additional modern copper distillation equipment.

Its production methods are designed to preserve the brand's established flavour while supporting consistent quality.

For customers interested in the origin of their spirits, Laverstoke Mill provides a distinctive connection between English gin heritage and contemporary botanical distillation.

Botanicals from Around the World

Bombay Sapphire's flavour is shaped not only by its botanical recipe but also by the selection and sourcing of its ingredients.

The brand uses botanicals originating from several different regions, each associated with particular agricultural conditions and aromatic characteristics.

Juniper and orris root are associated with Italy, while lemon peel and almonds are sourced from Spain.

Moroccan coriander contributes distinctive aromatic spice, and angelica root is traditionally associated with European growing regions.

Cubeb berries originate from Java, while grains of paradise are associated with West Africa.

Liquorice and cassia bark complete the botanical combination with additional sweetness, warmth and spice.

These ingredients are selected according to the qualities required for the signature flavour rather than simply the number of botanicals used.

The producer emphasises long-term relationships with growers and careful evaluation of botanical quality.

This approach helps maintain consistent flavour despite the natural variation that can occur between agricultural harvests.

The resulting gin brings together ingredients from different botanical traditions in one balanced London Dry expression.

What Makes Bombay Sapphire Different from Other London Dry Gins?

London Dry Gin is a recognised gin style defined by production requirements and a character in which juniper remains the leading botanical.

However, different brands can produce noticeably different interpretations of the style.

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is built around four signature botanicals, creating a direct, juniper-forward and traditionally dry profile.

Beefeater London Dry Gin uses nine botanicals and places particular emphasis on the relationship between juniper, lemon and Seville orange peel.

Bombay Sapphire uses ten botanicals, including cubeb berries, grains of paradise, cassia bark and bitter almonds.

This creates a more layered aromatic profile featuring citrus freshness, delicate herbs, gentle floral notes and warm spice.

Its vapour-infusion process also provides a distinct production approach compared with the botanical-steeping methods used by many traditional gin producers.

While all three products are suitable for classic cocktails, their flavour differences can influence the final drink.

Bombay Sapphire is particularly appealing to customers who enjoy balanced botanicals and refreshing citrus character rather than an especially forceful juniper profile.

Why Bombay Sapphire Works So Well in Gin & Tonic

Gin & Tonic is one of the most natural ways to appreciate Bombay Sapphire's botanical balance.

The drink combines gin with tonic water, creating a refreshing mixture of herbal aromas, bitterness and carbonation.

Bombay Sapphire's citrus notes complement the bright character of fresh lime, while juniper provides the essential gin foundation.

Its delicate spice and herbal characteristics remain noticeable without overwhelming the tonic.

The producer's recommended classic serve uses 50 ml Bombay Sapphire and 100 ml premium tonic water, finished with fresh lime.

This two-to-one tonic-to-gin ratio creates an expressive drink in which the botanical character remains prominent.

For a lighter result, the quantity of tonic can be increased according to preference.

Large ice cubes help keep the drink chilled while reducing rapid dilution.

A fresh lime wedge provides a bright garnish, while lemon peel, rosemary or grapefruit can create different aromatic variations.

For Drinkero customers, Bombay Sapphire offers an excellent foundation for exploring the relationship between gin, tonic water and botanical garnishes.

Bombay Sapphire in a Negroni

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail combining gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth.

Its flavour depends on the balance between the gin's botanicals, the bitter aperitif and the aromatic sweetness of vermouth.

Bombay Sapphire provides a relatively smooth and citrus-forward gin foundation.

Its lemon peel and coriander notes complement the citrus characteristics of Campari.

Cubeb and grains of paradise introduce additional warm spice, while juniper maintains the traditional gin structure.

A classic Negroni is made with equal parts gin, bitter aperitif and sweet vermouth.

The ingredients are stirred with ice and served in a rocks glass, usually with an orange garnish.

Bombay Sapphire creates an elegant variation that highlights the drink's aromatic complexity without making the gin excessively dominant.

For customers interested in experimenting with different gin styles, comparing a Bombay Sapphire Negroni with one made using Tanqueray or Beefeater can reveal how botanical differences change the overall balance.

Perfect for Dry Martini and Gimlet

Bombay Sapphire is also highly suitable for cocktails containing relatively few ingredients, particularly Dry Martini and Gimlet.

The Dry Martini combines gin with dry vermouth, creating a spirit-forward drink where the base gin contributes much of the flavour and aroma.

Bombay Sapphire's citrus and floral notes complement the herbal character of vermouth, while its juniper provides a classic gin foundation.

A lemon twist can reinforce the gin's fresh citrus aroma, while an olive offers a savoury alternative.

The Gimlet takes a different approach by combining gin with lime and a sweetening ingredient.

Bombay Sapphire's lemon peel and coriander character complements the bright acidity of lime.

Its gentle spice adds depth to the finished drink without competing with the citrus.

For a fresh Gimlet, lime juice and sugar syrup can be adjusted to achieve the intended sweet-and-sour balance.

These two cocktails demonstrate how the same gin can provide an elegant foundation for both spirit-forward and citrus-led recipes.

How Bombay Sapphire Complements Cocktail Ingredients

Bombay Sapphire's balanced botanical composition makes it suitable for a wide variety of classic cocktail ingredients.

Tonic water: Introduces bitterness and carbonation that highlight the gin's juniper and citrus notes.

Fresh lime: Adds refreshing acidity and complements the aromatic characteristics of lemon peel and coriander.

Fresh lemon: Reinforces the gin's citrus profile in cocktails such as Tom Collins, French 75 and Bee's Knees.

Dry vermouth: Creates an elegant botanical combination for Martini-style cocktails.

Sweet vermouth: Adds aromatic wine character and sweetness for cocktails such as Negroni.

Campari: Provides herbal bitterness and citrus complexity that contrast with the gin's softer botanical balance.

Honey syrup: Complements the gin's delicate floral notes in sour-style drinks.

Blackberry liqueur: Introduces rich berry flavour that pairs with the gin's citrus notes in a Bramble.

Dry sparkling wine: Adds crispness and carbonation for elegant drinks such as French 75.

These combinations make Bombay Sapphire a versatile option for home bartenders building a collection around a manageable selection of spirits, liqueurs and mixers.

What Makes Bombay Sapphire Special?

Bombay Sapphire stands out through its combination of ten internationally sourced botanicals and a distinctive vapour-infusion production process.

Its recipe brings together juniper, bright citrus, fragrant roots, delicate floral notes and exotic spice.

The botanicals are suspended in copper baskets during distillation, allowing rising alcohol vapours to absorb their aromatic character.

This production method is an important part of the brand's identity and contributes to its balanced flavour.

The distillery at Laverstoke Mill provides a connection between historic English industry and modern gin production.

The unmistakable blue bottle makes Bombay Sapphire one of the most visually recognisable gins in the world.

At 40% alcohol by volume, the European-market expression provides a versatile foundation for classic and contemporary cocktails.

For Drinkero, Bombay Sapphire adds an important botanical style alongside Tanqueray and Beefeater, giving customers another recognisable choice for Gin & Tonic, Martini, Negroni and citrus-based gin cocktails.

Perfect for Cocktails

Bombay Sapphire is especially suitable for classic gin cocktails that benefit from balanced botanicals, bright citrus freshness and delicate spice.

Gin & Tonic: Combine Bombay Sapphire with premium tonic water and fresh lime. Its refreshing citrus and juniper notes create an elegant and balanced highball.

Negroni: Stir Bombay Sapphire with Campari and sweet red vermouth. Its botanical character complements the bittersweet mixture while providing a clean gin foundation.

Dry Martini: Combine Bombay Sapphire with dry vermouth and garnish with lemon peel or a green olive. Its delicate citrus and herbal character creates a refined Martini.

Tom Collins: Shake Bombay Sapphire with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with soda water. Its citrus-forward profile works particularly well in this refreshing sparkling cocktail.

French 75: Combine Bombay Sapphire with lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with chilled dry sparkling wine. Its botanical flavour complements the bright acidity and elegant carbonation.

Bramble: Mix Bombay Sapphire with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup, then add blackberry liqueur over crushed ice. Its citrus and spice notes provide a balanced foundation for the berry flavour.

Gimlet: Shake Bombay Sapphire with fresh lime juice and sugar syrup. Its clean, botanical character complements the cocktail's distinctive lime freshness.

Bee's Knees: Combine Bombay Sapphire with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup. The honey's floral sweetness complements the gin's delicate botanical notes.

Gin Mule: Mix Bombay Sapphire with ginger beer and fresh lime. Its citrus and peppery botanical character balances the ginger's warming spice.

Serving Suggestions

Bombay Sapphire is particularly enjoyable in chilled Gin & Tonics, refreshing citrus cocktails and classic spirit-forward drinks.

For a Gin & Tonic, combine 50 ml Bombay Sapphire with 100–150 ml premium tonic water. Serve over 150–200 g ice cubes in a large balloon glass and garnish with fresh lime.

For a Negroni, combine 30 ml Bombay Sapphire, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth. Stir with ice, strain over fresh ice and garnish with orange peel.

For a Dry Martini, combine 60 ml Bombay Sapphire with 10–15 ml dry vermouth. Stir until thoroughly chilled and strain into a cold Martini glass, finishing with a lemon twist or green olive.

For a Tom Collins, combine 50 ml Bombay Sapphire with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a tall glass containing fresh ice and top with approximately 100 ml soda water.

For a French 75, combine 30 ml Bombay Sapphire with 15 ml lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a suitable chilled glass and top with approximately 60 ml dry sparkling wine.

For a Bramble, shake 50 ml Bombay Sapphire with 25 ml lemon juice and 12.5 ml sugar syrup. Strain over crushed ice, add 15 ml blackberry liqueur and garnish with fresh blackberries.

For a Gimlet, combine 60 ml Bombay Sapphire with 22.5 ml fresh lime juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake thoroughly with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a Bee's Knees, combine 50 ml Bombay Sapphire with 25 ml lemon juice and 20 ml honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

For a Gin Mule, combine 50 ml Bombay Sapphire with 15 ml lime juice and approximately 120 ml chilled ginger beer. Serve over ice and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

For the best results, use fresh citrus, quality mixers and appropriately chilled glassware to preserve the gin's delicate botanical balance.

Product Details

• Brand: Bombay Sapphire
• Product: Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
• Country of origin: England, United Kingdom
• Distillery: Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire, England
• Brand introduced: 1987
• Brand owner: Bacardi
• Spirit type: Gin
• Style: London Dry Gin
• Production: Vapour-infusion distillation
• Distillation equipment: Carterhead-style stills with botanical vapour baskets
• Botanicals: Juniper berries, lemon peel, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, bitter almonds, liquorice root, cassia bark, cubeb berries and grains of paradise
• Number of botanicals: 10
• Colour of spirit: Crystal clear
• Bottle: Distinctive sapphire-blue glass
• Aroma: Juniper, lemon peel, herbs and delicate spice
• Flavour profile: Bright citrus, gentle juniper, floral botanicals and warm peppery spice
• Finish: Clean, smooth and dry
• Alcohol content: 40% Vol.
• Bottle size: 0.7L (700 ml)
• EAN: 5010677714006
• Recommended use: Gin & Tonic, Negroni, Dry Martini, Tom Collins, French 75, Bramble, Gimlet and Bee's Knees

Storage: Store upright with the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Serve chilled or mix with fresh ice according to the cocktail recipe.

Discover more with Drinkero: Explore classic Gin & Tonic, Negroni, Dry Martini, Bramble and French 75 recipes, discover the differences between London Dry Gin styles and use the Drinkero cocktail calculator to prepare accurately measured ingredients for your favourite cocktails at home.