Gin, vodka, rum and poitín: the spirits shelf

Under Regulation (EU) 2019/787 all gin is neutral spirit of agricultural origin flavoured so that juniper predominates, at no less than 37.5% ABV. Gin may be flavoured by adding natural flavourings. Distilled gin is redistilled with botanicals. London gin (or London Dry) is distilled gin with no added colour and no sweetening beyond 0.1g of sugar per litre; it does not have to be made in London. 'Irish gin' is a description, not a protected term.

Irish Poitín / Irish Poteen has had EU geographical indication status since 2008. It is an unaged Irish spirit made from cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet, molasses or potatoes, typically 40–90% ABV. Bar 1661 built the first Irish bar on The World's 50 Best extended list (No. 98, 2026) on a poitín menu. Treat it as a category, not a dare: Bán, Mad March Hare and Micil are on back-bars across Dublin.

• Vodka: neutral spirit, minimum 37.5% in the EU. Irish vodkas (Dingle, Istil 38, Dublin City) sell on provenance.
• Rum: from sugar cane products; white for Daiquiris and Mojitos, aged for sipping and Old Fashioned twists.
• Tequila: '100% agave' on the label is the mark of quality; blanco for Margaritas, reposado for sipping.
• Liqueurs: a minimum of 100g sugar per litre by EU definition; check your coffee liqueur and triple sec stock weekly, they drive the two best-selling cocktails.

• Gin and tonic: 35.5ml gin in a large wine glass or copa full of ice, 150–200ml premium tonic poured down a bar spoon, one garnish that suits the gin. Fill the glass with ice; less ice means faster melt and a flat drink.
• Vodka soda, rum and coke, tequila and grapefruit soda: the highball family; ice to the top, mixer last, stir once.
• Measures: pour with a 35.5ml government-stamped measure or a calibrated optic; free pouring is both a legal and a GP problem.