A guide to emerging gin destinations
By Vaishali Kolpe Sabherwal
We have all heard of ‘Sin City’. But did you know that ‘Gin Cities’ was a thing? Once considered ‘Grandma’s favorite tipple of choice’, Gin was dropped luxuriously into a tumbler of iced water and served with a sliver of lime and a splash of tonic. However, all that has altered and this liquor is making a popular comeback, that too, in a transformational avatar. Whether you’re a gin snob who can tell the difference between your Angelica root to your orris, or just a lover of a crisp G&T at sunset, there is no better time to see the world through the eyes of a gin glass. So hop in (and maybe pack a hangover bag) — as we take a botanical booze cruise through the coolest emerging gin cities in the world.
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Cape Town, South Africa Botanicals
Meet the Big Five
Cape Town’s gin scene is buzzing(pun intended!) — and it’s not hard to see why. The city is literally surrounded by wild, fragrant fynbos, the uniquely South African shrubland that’s basically a treasure chest of botanicals. Local distillers are harnessing this natural bounty to craft gins with flavors you just can’t find anywhere else. To begin with, try Inverroche, the trailblazing pioneer of fynbos gin. Their Amber Gin is infused with wild coastal botanicals and has a warm, spicy character perfect for sipping by the beach as the sun sinks below the Camps Bay horizon. Cape Town Gin Company also knows what they are doing by leaning more into local culture with their rooibos-infused gins and liqueurs. Lastly, you can’t go wrong with the Hope Distillery, whose small-batch gins are a big favorite among the local bartenders.
Pro Tip: Book a tasting tour and go full Mad Botanist — you’ll come away with a solid buzz and probably a tote bag full of juniper-scented souvenirs.
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Tokyo, Japan
Precision, Innovation, and Yuzu Magic
It’s already been established that Japan does everything with precision when it comes to craftsmanship. And Gin is certainly no exception. Exotic Japanese botanicals like yuzu, sansho pepper and sakura blossoms have seeped their way into innovative recipes revolutionizing age-old distilling techniques in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo. The breakout star? Roku Gin by Suntory. You cannot miss the distinctive hexagonal-shaped bottle perched on the back-bar of every hip nightspot in town. It is zesty, aromatic and complements everything from fresh sushi to street yakitori. The Tokyo Distillery and Benizakura (not really Tokyo, but worth the detour) are crafting gins that capture the ‘scent’sation of a mystical Japanese forest in every glass.
Pro Tip: Check out The Bar Orchard Ginza, a tiny, moody speakeasy in Tokyo’s high-end Ginza district, known for its custom cocktails using seasonal Japanese fruit and house-infused gins.
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Barcelona, Spain
Gin-Tonic with a Mediterranean Twist
Spain has not just embraced Gin, on the contrary, they are doing the full flamenco with it. For the Spanish people, Gin-tonic (yes, it is literally considered an inseparable word) is not merely a drink, it is a complete ritual, served in giant balloon glasses with a fiery, flamboyant garnish and a theatrical bent so dramatic that it could make the Broadway artists blush. Barcelona is an emerging capital of this movement. Local gins like Gin Mare and others are very popular with their distinct flavors of Arbequina olives, basil, rosemary and thyme. This delicate infusion takes you right into an alluring sun-drenched coastal vacation.
Pro Tip: Head to Bobby’s Free or Dr. Stravinsky, an award-winning cocktail bar that treats gin like a science experiment (in the best way). Also, Spaniards dine late, so you’ve got a long night to sample your way through their extensive menu.
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Melbourne, Australia
Hipster Vibes and Eucalyptus Dreams
Although Melbourne is famous for its coffee, it’s increasingly upping its Gin game too. The Aussie method is young, innovative, and thoroughly grounded in native flavors — lemon myrtle, wattleseed, finger lime, and yes, even eucalyptus. Located just outside Melbourne in the Yarra Valley region, is Four Pillars Gin, a global name owing to its bold flavors and chic design. Their Rare Dry Gin is zesty and fragrant while the Bloody Shiraz Gin (which infuses local Shiraz grapes into its recipe) is a deep purple knockout. And then there’s Patient Wolf and Little Lon Distilling Co., who both distill small-batch gins out of Melbourne city’s heart. Expect rooftop gin tastings, distillery tours complete with fancy grazing boards and artisanal cheese pairings, and experienced mixologists waxing eloquent about tonic ratios. Pro Tip: Visit in spring and sip gin cocktails under blooming jacarandas for peak Aussie magic.
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Mexico City, Mexico
Tequila’s Cool Cousin Steps into the Spotlight
When one says ‘Mexico’, you automatically think of Tequila and Mezcal. But have you heard of spicy gin? The capital’s young, innovative distillers are flipping the script with gin that brings out the true essence of Mexico- think spicy, zesty and herbaceous. Gintol and Mezcal Gin (yes, gin-mezcal fusion) is revolutionizing the game using uniquely-flavored, locally-sourced ingredients such as hoja santa, avocado leaf, and Mexican citrus. The outcome? Gins that make heroes out of margaritas or martinis. By the way, there’s also a thriving bar scene to complement this movement.
Pro Tip: Try out Licorería Limantour or Handshake Speakeasy for gin cocktails as beautiful as the decor. And watch out for more Mexican distillers embracing sustainability and heritage botanicals.
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Berlin, Germany
This Beat is Techno-Tonic
Berlin’s gin scene is as raw and unpredictable as the city itself. From Kreuzberg grunge dens to Mitte cocktail lounges, there is a rebellious spirit (pun very much intended) pervading German capital distilling culture. Berliner Brandstifter is the local favorite with a gin infused with interesting fusions of elderflowers, cucumber, and Berlin’s native juniper. Monkey 47 is another Black Forest cult favorite that’s amassed a worldwide following for its intricate recipe involving, you guessed it- 47 botanicals. Berlin bars are experimental playhouses — check out Buck and Breck for minimalist chic, or The Curtain Club for upscale hotel atmosphere. The Gin here is usually served with showy garnishes such as dried apple wheels, sprigs of lavender, and even juniper smoke.
Pro Tip: Gin and tonic here is less about excess and more about precise, almost scientific balance. It’s Berlin, after all.
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Vancouver, Canada
Mountains, Forests, and Really Good Gin!
If you like the idea of your gin served with a side of pine trees, crisp mountain air and a whiff of aromatic wildflowers, then Vancouver is your ‘spirit place’ (pun intended again). Gin is at the helm of Canada’s exploding craft spirits scene. Distillers here are making the most of this nation’s abundant forest botanicals while pushing creative boundaries with enticing innovations. Leading the Ampersand Distilling Co., Long Table, and Odd Society Spirits are some of those spearheading the movement. Their gins feature anything from Douglas fir to seaweed to wildflower honey. The emphasis is hyper-local, small batch, and extremely artisanal. And naturally, there is no lack of hip tasting rooms and cocktail bars with fire pits, mountain vistas, and toque-wearing bartenders. How very Vancouver is that?
Pro Tip: Check out Long Table Distillery, Vancouver’s first micro distillery that is famous for its Cucumber Gin and Barrel-Aged Gin. Or go to Liberty Distillery on Granville Island that offers visitors the chance to see the gin-making process and also try out the varieties.
Final Sip
Gin has traveled far from its London dry origins. What began as a stiff-upper-lip British tradition is now a worldwide playground for creativity and cocktail artistry. Every city is infusing its own special spin on this classic spirit, and the outcome is as varied as the cities themselves. So whether you’re sipping a yuzu martini in Tokyo, drinking a fynbos negroni in Cape Town, or twirling a rosemary gin-tonic in a balloon glass in Barcelona, remember that you’re doing way more than just drinking gin. You’re actually experiencing the essence of a city. Bottoms up. Adventure ahead — one G&T at a time!
