H A Short History of Gin in Mexico

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Mexico

Mexico is globally renowned for tequila and mezcal, but in recent years it has also embraced the global gin boom. Mexican distillers have applied the same artisanal craftsmanship used in agave spirits to gin, blending traditional juniper with local botanicals such as jalapeño, cacao, hibiscus, avocado leaf, and Mexican citrus. The result is a generation of gins that not only reflect international standards but also carry a distinctly Mexican identity. Paired with tonic water, these gins are transforming the gin & tonic into a favorite in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and tourist hubs like Cancún and Tulum.

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A Short History of Gin in Mexico

Gin arrived in Mexico during the colonial era via Spanish and British merchants but remained secondary to local agave-based spirits. For much of the 20th century, gin was imported — with brands like Beefeater, Gordon’s, and Tanqueray dominating.

In the 2010s, with the global craft spirits revolution, Mexican distillers began creating their own gins. By incorporating regional botanicals from the Yucatán, Oaxaca, and Jalisco, these producers gave Mexican gin a unique terroir. Today, Mexico’s gins are exported and recognized in international competitions.

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Famous Mexican Gin Brands

1. Gin Katun – The Yucatán Pioneer

Distillery: Yucatán Peninsula

Gin Katun is one of Mexico’s most iconic gins, crafted to reflect the biodiversity of the Yucatán.

• Botanicals: Juniper, achiote, cacao, allspice, and Yucatán citrus.

• Flavor Profile: Rich, earthy, and spicy with a tropical citrus backbone.

• Reputation: Highly respected and often considered the gin that put Mexico on the international map.

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2. Ginebra Artesanal Las Californias – Borderland Identity

Distillery: Baja California

This gin celebrates the cultural and natural exchange between Mexico and California.

• Variants:

  • Las Californias Citrica – Fresh, citrus-forward with Mexican lemon and grapefruit.

  • Las Californias Nativa – Herbal and earthy, using native botanicals like sage and avocado leaf.

• Reputation: Internationally awarded, known for its terroir-driven profile.

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3. Amores Gin (from Mezcal Amores Group)

Known for its success with mezcal, the Amores group also produces small-batch gin infused with Mexican botanicals.

• Botanicals: Hibiscus, tamarind, and local herbs.

• Identity: A bridge between mezcal craftsmanship and gin-making.

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4. Ginebra Mitre – The Mexican Craft Spirit

Distillery: Ciudad de México

Ginebra Mitre is a boutique gin brand that reflects Mexico City’s cosmopolitan cocktail scene.

• Botanicals: Juniper, lime, rosemary, eucalyptus, and Mexican pepper.

• Style: Contemporary, herbal, and aromatic.

• Reputation: Popular in Mexico’s urban bars and mixology culture.

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5. Bruja de Agua Gin – Oaxacan Inspiration

Produced in Oaxaca, a region already famous for mezcal, Bruja de Agua gin incorporates native herbs and flowers.

• Botanicals: Avocado leaf, cacao husk, and local flowers.

• Style: Complex, smoky-herbal notes with citrus freshness.

• Reputation: Appeals to adventurous gin drinkers seeking a mezcal-influenced profile.

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6. Imported Gin Brands in Mexico

International gins remain widely available:

• Beefeater and Gordon’s – Popular for everyday gin & tonics.

• Tanqueray – A staple in Mexican cocktail bars.

• Bombay Sapphire – Widely found in resorts and tourist destinations.

• Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Extremely popular, reflecting Mexico’s close cultural ties with Spain.

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Tonics in Mexico

1. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

Highly popular in Mexico’s craft cocktail scene, especially the Mediterranean and Elderflower variants.

2. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most widely available household tonic brand across Mexico.

3. Local Mexican Tonics (Boutique Brands)

A handful of artisanal tonic makers are beginning to emerge, often infused with hibiscus (jamaica), tamarind, or local citrus, though distribution remains limited.

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Mexico’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Urban Hotspots: Mexico City leads the gin & tonic boom, with dedicated gin bars offering menus of 50+ G&T combinations. Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mérida follow closely.

• Tourism Factor: Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen serve elaborate Spanish-style gin-tonics to international tourists.

• Serving Style: Inspired by Iberian traditions, served in balloon glasses with elaborate garnishes.

• Garnishes: Lime wedges, grapefruit slices, hibiscus petals, rosemary sprigs, and chili peppers for a spicy Mexican twist.

• Trend: Gin & tonic is now considered the fashionable alternative to tequila cocktails among younger, urban professionals.

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Conclusion

Mexico has transformed gin & tonic into a drink that reflects both tradition and innovation. With iconic brands like Gin Katun (Yucatán), Las Californias (Baja California), Mitre (Mexico City), and Bruja de Agua (Oaxaca), the country’s distillers are crafting gins that showcase cacao, chili, avocado leaf, and hibiscus.

Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with local citrus or herbs, the Mexican gin & tonic captures the vibrancy of the country — a fusion of heritage, biodiversity, and cosmopolitan flair.

For gin enthusiasts, trying a Mexican G&T is a chance to taste the landscapes of the Yucatán, Oaxaca, and Mexico City nightlife — all in one glass.