Italian craft gin is experiencing its golden age. More and more enthusiasts are seeking limited-production spirits capable of telling a story of a region through their botanicals. But with such a wide offering, what are the best craft gins of 2026 to have in your collection? We have selected four labels that, for their production philosophy and aromatic identity, represent the excellence of Made in Italy.
What distinguishes a quality craft gin
A craft gin is not simply a spirit produced in small quantities. It is the result of precise choices: selected botanicals, often indigenous, distillation in discontinuous copper stills, and an authentic connection to the territory of origin. Unlike large-scale industrial productions, here every batch carries the hand of its maker.
The slightly higher price of these spirits reflects precisely the limited availability and the care taken in every phase, from the harvesting of botanicals to bottling. For the enthusiast, it is an investment in uniqueness.
The 4 best craft gins of 2026
1. Ginepraio (Tuscany)
Among the most internationally awarded Italian organic gins, Ginepraio showcases Tuscan juniper selected from three distinct territories — Riviera, Chianti, and Val Tiberina — enriched with italicum helichrysum, dog rose, and citrus fruits. Distilled in a discontinuous copper still, it offers an intense wild juniper profile, softened by floral and balsamic notes. The ideal choice for those who love a gin with a strong character and a clear territorial grounding.
2. GIN NIRO (Sicily)
GIN NIRO is our signature choice for 2026. It is a Sicilian craft Zibibbo gin, produced with Sicilian Zibibbo from an island of volcanic origin: an aromatic grape that gives the spirit a rare fruity and floral depth, distant from more conventional citrus profiles. The botanicals are distilled separately to preserve their purity and delicacy, resulting in a velvety sip that intertwines Mediterranean freshness and spicy complexity.
Awarded the Silver Medal at the World Gin Awards 2026 and available in a 70cl format for €41.90, GIN NIRO occupies a position that no other spirit in the same range can: the encounter between the uniqueness of Zibibbo and artisanal craftsmanship perfected in every detail. Discover the story of GIN NIRO or delve into our guide to the best Sicilian gins of 2026.
3. Portofino Dry Gin (Liguria)
A classic of Ligurian tradition: 21 botanicals hand-picked on the hills of Portofino — including rose, iris, rosemary, lavender, and sage — for a 43% ABV. The result is a gin with a citrusy, floral, and herbaceous profile, with a Mediterranean yet elegant personality. Versatile in both a gin and tonic and a well-built Martini.
4. Engine (Piedmont)
Recognizable by its iconic tin bottle, Engine is an organic Piedmontese gin with a clean and direct profile. Essential botanicals — juniper, sage, rosemary, lemon, and coriander — compose a fresh and immediate spirit, designed to enhance a dry Martini without frills. Proof that craftsmanship can also be synonymous with conciseness.
How to taste a craft gin
To capture every nuance of these spirits, the ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 °C: too cold, the aromas close up. Choose the right glass — a large glass better collects the aromas — and use only one large ice cube, which melts slowly without watering down. The garnish should be selected to complement the botanicals, not to cover them.
If you want to learn more, read our tips on the right glasses for gin and tonic and the world of flavored gin. For cocktails, check out the famous gin-based cocktails and dedicated recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Italian craft gin of 2026?
There is no single answer, as much depends on personal taste. Those looking for a wild juniper profile will appreciate Ginepraio; those who desire an aromatic experience beyond the usual will find in GIN NIRO, with its Zibibbo, a truly rare spirit in the Italian panorama.
How much does a good craft gin cost?
A quality Italian craft gin generally ranges between €35 and €60. GIN NIRO, for example, is offered at €41.90 for the 70cl bottle, a positioning consistent with its meticulous production and limited availability.
How should craft gin be stored?
It should be kept away from direct light and at room temperature, with the bottle upright. Once opened, gin lasts a long time, but it is advisable to consume it within a few months to fully enjoy the freshness of the botanicals.
Ready to choose your gin of 2026?
If you want to bring to the table a spirit that tells the story of Sicily in an inimitable way, buy GIN NIRO (70cl) for €41.90 directly from our store. Craft quality, unique aromatic profile, and convenient home delivery.
