Spirits for Beginners: Easy Starts to London’s Drinking Scene

When you’re new to spirits, distilled alcoholic drinks like gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, and tequila. Also known as hard liquor, it’s not about drinking fast or impressing anyone—it’s about finding what actually tastes good to you. Most people think you need to know the difference between a single malt and a blended bourbon before you can enjoy a drink, but that’s not true. You just need to be curious. London’s bar scene is full of places where you can try small pours, ask questions, and learn without judgment. No one’s grading you on your palate. They just want you to have a good time.

Start with gin, a botanical-forward spirit that’s the backbone of many classic cocktails. It’s often the first spirit people try in London because it’s approachable, aromatic, and mixes well with simple ingredients like tonic and lime. Try a gin and tonic at a spot like Haus of Cabaret or a quiet bar in Soho—you’ll notice how the herbs and citrus make it refreshing, not harsh. Then move to whiskey, a warm, complex spirit often served neat or with a splash of water. Don’t feel pressured to sip it like a connoisseur. Add ice. Add soda. Mix it with ginger ale. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it when you’re starting out. Many London bars now offer tasting flights, small samples of 3-4 different spirits served together to help you compare flavors. These are perfect for beginners because they let you taste without committing to a full drink. You’ll find them at cocktail bars in Shoreditch, Peckham, and even in some pubs that have started focusing on spirits education.

What you’ll notice after a few tries is that spirits aren’t just about the drink—they’re about the experience. The way the bartender asks what you like. The music in the background. The way your friends laugh when you say, "Wait, this tastes like orange peel?" That’s the real magic. You don’t need to memorize tasting notes. You just need to show up, try one thing at a time, and pay attention to what makes you smile. The posts below cover exactly that: where to go for your first spirit, how to order without sounding lost, what to pair with it, and even how to handle the occasional awkward moment when someone tries to explain the difference between cask strength and chill-filtered. You’ll find guides to quiet bars where you can ask questions, themed nights that make tasting fun, and spots that serve spirits in ways that actually taste good to beginners—not just to experts.