Mix up your staple spirit this year with Lilidh Kendrick and Meave Cosgrove.

In recent years gin has been eclipsed by vodka as the drink of choice for students, but with many bars embracing gin in new and exciting ways it seems we are starting to shake off our gin-hibitons. Gin is filling up pages on cocktail menus proving that there is so much more to gin than just G&T with ice and a slice.

Gin has encountered its fair share of disreputability in the past. It was first introduced to Britain after the Thirty Years War where soldiers were given this so-called ‘Dutch Courage’ to keep warm. Not long after its introduction into British society, however, its popularity spiralled out of control as it was so cheap and readily available. Years of gin hysteria gave the spirit its nickname ‘Mother’s ruin’.

Gin has come a long way since then. Now this quintessential British drink has been reborn and refined with an air of sophistication. With the invention of inspiring gin cocktails and twists on classics, gin has once again come of age. So where can you go in Edinburgh for a taste of this gin sophistication? With this question in mind we donned our gin jackets and went on a search for some of the best gin joints in town.

Our first stop was 56 North, a stylish, spacious and relaxed bar minutes away from George Square. They have dedicated a page of their menu to an extensive list of gin varieties from all over the globe, from Scotland and Scandinavia to the States. As well as the gin classics, their cocktail menu sees the use of gin in innovative ways. We opted for a twist on the iconic gin drink, the Collins, usually made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. The added sweetness of peach and crème de fraise here makes for a fruity and refreshing cocktail. Our next drink was the Bramble, a sweet yet tangy mix of Bombay Sapphire, fresh lemon juice with a drizzle of crème de mure served over plenty of crushed ice. For those who don’t share our sweet tooth they have a cucumber and black pepper combination which we have been assured is delicious. The diverse range of gin cocktails on offer demonstrates the versatility of the spirit.

We then headed on our slightly merry way to New Town to check out Bramble Bar. Walking into this candlelit underground cavern we felt as though we had stumbled upon Edinburgh’s best kept secret. Inside the bar was intimate and buzzing and they had even managed to fit in a DJ. As we sat reclining in the brown leather arm chairs, sipping our decadent cocktails it was as though we had travelled back in time to the secret bars of the prohibition.

Given that the bar is named after the classic gin cocktail, the Bramble, gin features highly on the well thought out cocktail menu. One cocktail we tried was a daring combination of gin and absinthe, surprisingly tasty. There were drinks served in teacups which was a nice touch and gave a whole new meaning to G and Tea. The drinks were reasonably priced considering the quality of the ingredients used; cocktail prices start from £6.50.

Lastly, for all those serious gin aficionados, Bar Kohl have their ‘I Love Gin’ pitcher which includes no less than four types of premium gin topped off with a dash of tonic (we don’t recommend you attempt this one alone).

Edinburgh is spoilt for choice when it comes to cocktail bars where you can treat yourself to a classy drink. Gin may have had a shaky reputation in the past but don’t be too quick to judge, there is a world of combinations to suit everyone’s tastes.