Top 5 Affordable Spirits & How to Enjoy Them
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy great-tasting spirits at home. In fact, some of the best-value bottles can be picked up in your local supermarket, offering fantastic flavour without the premium price tag.
We’ve put together our top 5 affordable spirits available here in England — covering gin, dark rum, vodka, liqueur, and whiskey — complete with flavour notes, who they appeal to, and two ways to enjoy them: a quick and simple serve, and a slightly more adventurous cocktail you can make with easy-to-find supermarket ingredients.
1. Gordon’s London Dry Gin – A Classic for Everyday G&T Lovers
Flavour Profile: Crisp, juniper-forward, with subtle citrus and coriander notes.
Appeals To: People who like a no-nonsense, traditional gin. Perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing G&T over floral or sweet gins.
Price Range: Around £17 for 70cl.
Simple Serve:
G&T — 50ml Gordon’s, plenty of ice, top with chilled tonic water, and garnish with a wedge of lime.
More Adventurous Serve – Bramble:
50ml Gordon’s London Dry Gin
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup (homemade with sugar & water)
15ml crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
Shake gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass, drizzle crème de mûre on top, and garnish with fresh blackberries.
2. Captain Morgan Original Dark Rum – Smooth, Rich & Easygoing
Flavour Profile: Sweet molasses, caramel, hints of vanilla, and gentle spice.
Appeals To: Rum drinkers who enjoy smooth, mellow flavours over heavy smokiness. Great for casual sipping or mixing.
Price Range: £16–£18 for 70cl.
Simple Serve:
Dark & Stormy — 50ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum over ice, top with ginger beer, and squeeze in fresh lime.
More Adventurous Serve – Rum Mojito:
50ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum
Juice of ½ a lime
2 tsp sugar
Fresh mint leaves
Soda water
Muddle mint, sugar, and lime juice in a glass. Add rum, fill with ice, and top with soda water. Garnish with mint.
3. Smirnoff Red Label Vodka – The Reliable All-Rounder
Flavour Profile: Clean, neutral, with a gentle grain sweetness.
Appeals To: People wanting a versatile vodka that blends seamlessly into cocktails.
Price Range: £16–£18 for 70cl.
Simple Serve:
Vodka & Lemonade — 50ml Smirnoff, ice, topped with lemonade, and a slice of lemon.
More Adventurous Serve – Woo Woo:
25ml Smirnoff Red Label
25ml peach schnapps
75ml cranberry juice
Pour all ingredients over ice in a highball glass, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.
4. Baileys Irish Cream – Smooth, Sweet & Indulgent
Flavour Profile: Creamy dairy base, rich cocoa, and Irish whiskey warmth.
Appeals To: Sweet-toothed drinkers and dessert lovers.
Price Range: £12–£15, often on offer.
Simple Serve:
Over ice — 50ml Baileys poured over ice cubes for a silky treat.
More Adventurous Serve – Baileys Espresso Martini:
50ml Baileys Irish Cream
25ml vodka
25ml fresh espresso (cooled)
Shake with ice until frothy. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
5. Jameson Irish Whiskey – Light, Smooth & Crowd-Pleasing
Flavour Profile: Light-bodied, with vanilla, honey, and gentle spice notes.
Appeals To: Whiskey newcomers and seasoned drinkers looking for a mellow sip.
Price Range: £20–£23 for 70cl.
Simple Serve:
Jameson & Ginger — 50ml Jameson over ice, top with ginger ale, garnish with lime.
More Adventurous Serve – Irish Sour:
50ml Jameson Irish Whiskey
25ml fresh lemon juice
20ml sugar syrup
Shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass over ice, garnish with a lemon slice.
Final Sip
Affordable spirits don’t mean compromising on taste. Whether you prefer the crisp bite of a gin and tonic, the rich warmth of dark rum, or the creamy indulgence of Baileys, there’s a budget-friendly bottle for every palate — and with just a few supermarket ingredients, you can turn them into cocktails that feel like a night out.
Contact Bars and Beyond Ltd to bring the bar to your next event — from signature cocktails to classic serves, we’ll keep glasses full and guests happy