The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Thailand
Thailand is world-renowned for its rum, Mekhong spirit, and tropical cocktails, but in the last decade it has also embraced the global gin renaissance. The country’s rich biodiversity — lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, ginger, pandan leaves, and exotic fruits — provides distillers with an endless supply of botanicals. Thai gins stand out for their aromatic, citrusy, and spicy profiles, offering a distinctly Southeast Asian twist on the classic gin & tonic.
A Short History of Gin in Thailand
Gin first arrived in Thailand through British and European colonial influence in Southeast Asia during the 19th century. For much of the 20th century, gin was available only as an import, mainly consumed in hotels and expatriate circles.
The turning point came in the 2010s, when Thailand’s booming cocktail culture, especially in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, created demand for premium gin. Local craft distillers seized the opportunity, blending traditional juniper with Thai herbs, spices, and fruits. Today, Thai gin is exported internationally and celebrated in mixology competitions.
Famous Thai Gin Brands
1. Iron Balls Gin – The Pioneer
Distillery: Iron Balls Distillery, Bangkok
Founder: Ashley Sutton (designer and entrepreneur)
Iron Balls is Thailand’s first internationally recognized craft gin, famous for its bold identity and premium quality.
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Botanicals: Pineapple, coconut, ginger, lemongrass, coriander, and juniper.
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Style: Tropical, spicy, and aromatic with a silky texture.
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Reputation: A flagship Thai gin, available in global cocktail bars.
2. Saneha Gin – Spirit of Thai Flavors
Distillery: Saneha Spirits, Bangkok
Saneha Gin is designed as a tribute to Thai herbs and spices.
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Botanicals: Lemongrass, kaffir lime peel, ginger, galangal, pandan leaf, and Thai pepper.
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Style: Citrus-forward, herbal, and spicy.
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Reputation: Popular in Bangkok’s mixology bars for its authentic Thai identity.
3. Grandma Jinn’s Gin – Boutique Craft Gin
Produced by a Bangkok micro-distillery, this gin takes inspiration from Thai kitchen herbs.
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Botanicals: Basil, lime, ginger, chili, and lemongrass.
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Style: Bold and aromatic, perfect for adventurous cocktails.
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Reputation: Small-batch and experimental, appealing to craft spirit lovers.
4. Chalong Bay Gin (Experimental) – From Rum to Gin
Distillery: Chalong Bay Distillery, Phuket
Known primarily for its sugarcane rum, Chalong Bay has experimented with gin-style spirits.
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Botanicals: Citrus, tropical spices, and Thai herbs.
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Reputation: Limited releases but highly regarded in Phuket’s cocktail scene.
5. Other Emerging Thai Gins
Thailand’s gin scene is growing, with smaller labels experimenting with botanicals like mango, passionfruit, turmeric, and holy basil. Many remain niche but highlight the country’s diversity.
Imported Gin Brands in Thailand
While Thai craft gins are booming, international brands are still widely consumed:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Common and affordable imports.
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Bombay Sapphire – Widely found in hotels and cocktail lounges.
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Hendrick’s – Popular in premium bars, often served with cucumber and Thai herbs.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Gaining popularity in Bangkok’s Mediterranean-themed restaurants.
Tonics in Thailand
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most widely available mixer, sold in supermarkets and bars.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
Highly popular in Bangkok’s luxury cocktail lounges. The Mediterranean and Elderflower variants pair especially well with Thai gins.
3. Local Soda Alternatives
Thai bartenders often swap tonic with soda water infused with herbs or fruit syrups (lemongrass syrup, ginger soda), creating uniquely Thai gin cocktails.
Thailand’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Bangkok Hotspot: The capital is Southeast Asia’s gin hub, with gin-focused bars like Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, and Tropic City.
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Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic culture, served in balloon glasses with tropical garnishes.
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Garnishes: Lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, chili slices, ginger root, or pineapple wedges.
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Tourism Factor: Phuket and Koh Samui beach clubs often serve Thai gins with exotic tonics for tourists seeking a tropical experience.
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Cultural Identity: Thai gins highlight the balance of spice, citrus, and herbal complexity, mirroring the country’s cuisine.
Conclusion
Thailand has established itself as a Southeast Asian gin hotspot, blending tradition, innovation, and biodiversity. With trailblazing brands like Iron Balls Gin, authentic expressions like Saneha Gin, and boutique experiments like Grandma Jinn’s, the country offers gins that truly capture Thai flavors.
Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with lemongrass, kaffir lime, or ginger, Thai gin & tonics deliver a refreshing taste of the tropics.
For gin lovers, sipping a Thai G&T is not just a drink — it’s a journey through Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife, the herbs of Thai kitchens, and the laid-back spirit of island beaches.
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