H A Short History of Gin in Argentina

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Argentina

Argentina is internationally renowned for its wine, Malbec in particular, but in recent years it has also emerged as one of South America’s most exciting gin-producing countries. Inspired by the global gin renaissance and fueled by Argentina’s vibrant cocktail culture in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Córdoba, local distillers have begun crafting gins that combine European distilling traditions with distinctly Argentine ingredients. From Patagonian herbs to citrus from the north and yerba mate, Argentine gins are forging a strong identity on the international stage.

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A Short History of Gin in Argentina

Gin was introduced to Argentina by European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily from Italy, Spain, and Germany. For decades, imported gins like Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Gordon’s dominated the market. But by the 2010s, with the craft spirits boom and a growing bar culture in Buenos Aires, local distillers began creating artisanal gins that reflected Argentina’s diverse landscapes.

Today, Argentina is considered the gin capital of Latin America, with dozens of small producers and several internationally recognized brands.

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Famous Argentine Gin Brands

1. Principe de los Apóstoles Mate Gin – The Argentine Icon

Distillery: Sol de los Andes, Misiones
Founded: 2013 by bartender Tato Giovannoni

This gin is the most internationally famous Argentine gin and a true reflection of the country’s identity.

• Botanicals: Yerba mate (Argentina’s national infusion), pink grapefruit peel, peppermint, eucalyptus, and juniper.

• Flavor Profile: Herbal, fresh, and slightly bitter, with a distinctive yerba mate backbone.

• Reputation: Widely exported and considered Argentina’s flagship gin, praised by bartenders worldwide.

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2. Bosque Gin – The Patagonian Spirit

Distillery: Patagonia

Bosque Gin was created to capture the essence of Patagonia’s pristine landscapes.

• Botanicals: Juniper, Patagonian berries, lavender, coriander, and citrus.

• Variants: Bosque Dry Gin and seasonal editions.

• Identity: Clean, crisp, and aromatic, reflecting Patagonia’s forests and mountains.

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3. Restinga Gin – The Atlantic Coastal Gin

Distillery: Mar del Plata

Restinga is inspired by Argentina’s Atlantic coast and is known for its balance and freshness.

• Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, orange peel, lemon, and sea herbs.

• Reputation: One of Argentina’s most awarded gins, recognized internationally.

• Pairing: Often served with tonic and a slice of grapefruit, highlighting coastal flavors.

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4. Heráclito & Macedonio Gin – The Experimental Artisan

Distillery: Buenos Aires

This boutique gin project blends Argentine creativity with European techniques.

• Variants:

  • Heráclito London Dry – Classic style with local twists.

  • Heráclito & Macedonio Botanic – Infused with Patagonian herbs and spices.

• Reputation: Popular in Argentina’s cocktail bars for innovative flavor combinations.

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5. Príncipe Valiente Gin – The Rising Star

A newer craft gin brand with bold marketing and modern identity.

• Profile: Juniper-forward with floral and citrus notes.

• Reputation: Gaining attention among young consumers and mixologists.

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6. Others Emerging

Argentina’s gin boom has led to dozens of small distillers across the country — from Córdoba to Mendoza — experimenting with botanicals such as lemon verbena, native peppers, and Andean herbs.

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Tonic Waters in Argentina

While gin is booming, tonic water has also seen a surge in premium options.

1. Pulpo Blanco Tonic – The Local Favorite

A boutique Argentine tonic water designed to pair with local gins like Apóstoles.

• Profile: Crisp, balanced bitterness, with subtle herbal notes.

2. Tónica Benjamín – A Craft Mixer

Produced by small-batch beverage makers, this tonic emphasizes natural quinine and low sugar.

3. Imported Premium Tonics

Fever-Tree, Schweppes, and Britvic are also widely available in Argentina’s upscale bars and restaurants, often paired with international gins but increasingly used with local brands.

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Argentina’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic culture, Argentina’s bars serve G&Ts in balloon glasses with elaborate garnishes.

• Garnishes: Grapefruit slices, rosemary sprigs, yerba mate leaves, and Patagonian berries are common.

• Bar Culture: Buenos Aires is the epicenter, with gin & tonic menus offering dozens of variations.

• Consumer Trend: Younger generations have embraced gin & tonic as a fashionable alternative to wine and beer.

• Export Success: Brands like Principe de los Apóstoles and Restinga are now appearing in Europe and North America.

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Conclusion

Argentina has transformed itself into the gin capital of Latin America. With iconic brands like Principe de los Apóstoles Mate Gin, regional stars like Bosque Gin from Patagonia and Restinga Gin from the coast, and innovative projects like Heráclito & Macedonio, the country is producing gins that blend local identity with international quality.

Paired with tonics such as Pulpo Blanco or global favorites like Fever-Tree, Argentine gin & tonics are fresh, aromatic, and unmistakably tied to the country’s landscapes and culture.

For enthusiasts, drinking an Argentine gin & tonic is like sipping the essence of the Pampas, Patagonia, and Buenos Aires nightlife — all in one glass.

H A Short History of Gin in Venezuela

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Venezuela

Venezuela is globally known for its rum tradition — with iconic names like Diplomático and Santa Teresa — but in recent years, the country has also started to embrace the gin renaissance. While gin is not as historically embedded in Venezuelan drinking culture as rum, its popularity has grown rapidly in urban centers like Caracas, Valencia, and Maracaibo, where cocktail culture thrives.

Local distillers are beginning to produce artisanal gins infused with Venezuelan botanicals such as cacao, coffee, tonka beans, Amazonian herbs, and tropical fruits. Alongside these, imported gins continue to dominate bars, hotels, and restaurants.

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A Short History of Gin in Venezuela

Gin was first introduced to Venezuela through European imports in the 20th century, particularly British and Spanish brands. For decades, gin was considered a luxury spirit, consumed mostly in hotels, private clubs, and expatriate circles.

The turning point came in the 2010s, when Venezuela’s bartenders and small distilleries began experimenting with gin recipes, inspired by both the global craft gin trend and the country’s exceptional biodiversity. Today, Venezuela’s gins are rare but distinctive, highlighting native flavors and terroir.

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Famous Venezuelan Gin Brands

1. Canaïma Gin – The International Star

Distillery: DUSA (Destilerías Unidas S.A.), the same producer as Diplomático Rum

Canaïma is Venezuela’s most famous gin, recognized worldwide for its Amazonian botanicals and environmental commitment.

• Botanicals: Juniper, açaí, uva de palma, merey (cashew fruit), Amazonian berries, cacao nibs, and tonka beans.

• Style: Exotic, fruity, herbal, and complex, with a tropical rainforest profile.

• Reputation: Award-winning and exported internationally, considered one of Latin America’s flagship gins.

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2. Carúpano Dry Gin – From a Rum House to Gin

Produced by one of Venezuela’s historic rum families, this gin showcases coastal and Caribbean flavors.

• Botanicals: Citrus peel, coriander, cinnamon, and cacao husk.

• Style: Bright, smooth, and versatile.

• Reputation: A premium domestic gin, popular in high-end bars and restaurants.

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3. Amazonia Craft Gin – From the Rainforest

Crafted by a boutique distillery inspired by Venezuela’s Amazon region.

• Botanicals: Amazonian herbs, citrus, guava leaf, and starfruit.

• Style: Fresh, herbal, and tropical.

• Reputation: Small-batch and limited, but gaining popularity in Caracas cocktail lounges.

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4. Other Emerging Gins

Micro-distilleries in Venezuela are experimenting with botanicals like coffee beans, vanilla, and exotic fruits (passionfruit, soursop, papaya). These remain niche but reflect Venezuela’s biodiversity and creativity.

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Imported Gin Brands in Venezuela

Imported gins remain dominant, especially in urban nightlife and luxury hotels:

• Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available and affordable.

• Bombay Sapphire – A common premium choice.

• Hendrick’s – Popular in upscale cocktail bars, often paired with cucumber and herbs.

• Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Particularly trendy in Venezuela due to Spain’s cultural and culinary influence.

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Tonics in Venezuela

1. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most accessible and commonly used tonic in supermarkets and bars.

2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

Highly popular in Caracas’ mixology bars and luxury restaurants, pairing especially well with Canaïma Gin.

3. Local Alternatives

Some bartenders experiment with club soda, ginger ale, or tropical fruit sodas (grapefruit, passionfruit, or papaya), creating distinctly Venezuelan-style G&Ts.

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Venezuela’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Caracas as Epicenter: The capital leads Venezuela’s gin culture, with cocktail bars serving elaborate gin & tonic menus.

• Tourist Hubs: In Margarita Island and coastal resorts, gin & tonic is popular among visitors seeking light and refreshing drinks.

• Serving Style: Following Spanish influence, served in balloon glasses with premium tonics and vibrant garnishes.

• Garnishes: Amazonian fruits, citrus wheels, cacao nibs, coffee beans, or tonka bean shavings.

• Cultural Identity: Venezuelan gin represents a fusion of Amazonian biodiversity, Caribbean influence, and European tradition.

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Conclusion

Though Venezuela is traditionally a rum powerhouse, it has also emerged as a gin innovator in Latin America. With globally recognized brands like Canaïma Gin, premium labels like Carúpano Dry Gin, and experimental spirits like Amazonia Craft Gin, the country is building a gin identity rooted in its extraordinary biodiversity.

Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with Amazonian fruits, cacao, or coffee, Venezuelan gin & tonics are refreshing, exotic, and deeply tied to the land.

For gin enthusiasts, sipping a Venezuelan G&T is not just a cocktail — it’s a journey through the Amazon rainforest, Caribbean coast, and cosmopolitan Caracas nightlife in one glass.