East Coast Distillery, Thorpe le Soken

First on our best Essex gins line-up is Tide’s Fortune Essex Dry Gin, £39. Why? It’s crafted in small batches and infused with a range of traditional botanicals, as well as sea buckthorn ​and locally-foraged sea purslane.

English Spirit Master Distillers, Great Yeldham

Our debit cards are at the ready for this Dr J’s Gin, £42. Blended from English Spirit’s very own sugar beet vodka, it also boasts macadamia nuts and citrus in its ingredients. Best served with tonic, crushed ice and a couple of salted capers.

Essex Spirits Company, Chelmsford

We say sit back and relax with this Essex Citrus Dry Gin, £34. Packed with lime, grapefruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander seed and orris root; you can also visit their location for tours and tastings.

Hounds of Hanningfield, Chelmsford

After something to take the edge off a rubbish work day? No, not these gorgeous dogs. Instead it’s all about this Navy Strength Gin, £49.50. A whopping 57% (hic!), it’s perfect for a relaxing cocktail. Just stick to the one if on a weekday, aye?

Leigh Spirit Co, Southend on Sea

Inspired by the legend of the Sea Witch, Sarah Moore; this Estuary Gin, £32, includes samphire, rose and lots more. Buy from this indie and you’ll also be supporting local businesses – as well as the Shark Trust Foundation.

Meadow Oak Distillery, Stebbing

Inspired by the meadowland on the Meadow Oak organic family farm, this Heartwood of Oak Moor Meadow Gin, £39, includes angelica, wood avens and dandelion roots, plus red clover and elderberry.

On The Wall Distillery, Bradwell on Sea

For a refreshing spin on the classic spirit, this limited edition Gin Ginchello, £35, is infused with the essence of fresh lemons and offers a uniquely smooth and tantalising flavour profile.

Pig’s Bay Distillery, Southend on Sea

Yum! This Pig’s Bay Pier Strawberry & Clotted Cream Gin, £35, is inspired by the regeneration of Southend Pier, with its strawberry and cream flavourings celebrating the piers of yesteryear.

Suffolk Distillery, Stoke by Nayland

We’re pretty much on the Essex/Suffolk border with this one – so it’s going in! This Mandarin & Cranberry Gin, £37.50, has a secret recipe of nine other botanicals, as well as juniper, mandarin, cranberry and cinnamon.

Wilkins & Sons, Tiptree

Renowned worldwide brand Tiptree also has to be on our best Essex gins round-up. Their Tiptree Hurricane Gin, £35.99, boasts coriander, bay and blood orange marmalade. Plus for every bottle sold, £2 is donated to the RAF Association to support RAF personnel, veterans and their families. Good work guys.