The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Spain
Spain may be best known for its wines, sherries, and brandies, but in the past few decades, it has also become the world capital of the gin-tonic. Unlike the traditional gin and tonic of the UK, which is often served in a tall highball glass with little garnish, the Spanish version is a gourmet experience—crafted in balloon glasses, packed with ice, and infused with elaborate garnishes. This Iberian reinvention of the gin & tonic has transformed Spain into one of the leading markets for gin consumption worldwide.
The Rise of Spanish Gin & Tonic Culture
In the late 20th century, gin-tonics exploded in popularity across Spain, especially in the Basque Country and Catalonia, where chefs and bartenders began treating the drink like haute cuisine. Gin became a natural fit for Spain’s food culture, which celebrates freshness, creativity, and Mediterranean botanicals. Today, Spain is not only one of the world’s biggest consumers of gin per capita but also home to some of the most respected gin brands.
Famous Spanish Gin Brands
1. Gin Mare – The Mediterranean Classic
Distillery: Vilanova, near Barcelona
Gin Mare is arguably the most famous Spanish gin worldwide, often described as the ultimate Mediterranean gin.
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Botanicals: Arbequina olives, thyme, rosemary, basil, and citrus from Valencia.
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Flavor Profile: Herbal, savory, and aromatic—uniquely Mediterranean.
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Reputation: A global symbol of Spanish gin culture, often paired with Mediterranean Tonic and a garnish of rosemary or olives.
2. Larios Gin – The Spanish Legacy Brand
Distillery: Founded in Málaga in 1866
Larios is the oldest and most iconic Spanish gin brand, with deep roots in Andalusia.
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Signature Products:
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Larios Dry Gin: Classic style, affordable, and widely consumed.
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Larios 12: Premium edition with 12 botanicals, smoother and citrus-forward.
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Larios Rosé: Pink gin with strawberry notes, popular in the Spanish summer.
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Cultural Role: For many Spaniards, Larios is synonymous with gin, present in households and bars for over a century.
3. Nordés Atlantic Galician Gin – The Aromatic Outsider
Distillery: Galicia
Nordés is unique for its use of an Albariño grape-based spirit instead of grain spirit, giving it a smooth, fruity profile.
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Botanicals: Local Galician herbs (sage, eucalyptus, laurel), juniper, ginger, and hibiscus.
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Flavor: Fresh, floral, and slightly sweet—often described as “the Atlantic in a glass.”
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Reputation: Hugely popular in Spain and Portugal, with its iconic white bottle representing the Galician coast.
4. Puerto de Indias – The Pink Gin Revolution
Distillery: Seville, Andalusia
Puerto de Indias is credited with sparking the pink gin trend that swept across Europe in the 2010s.
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Flagship Product: Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, infused with fresh strawberries from Seville.
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Other Variants: Blackberry and Classic Dry Gin.
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Impact: Made flavored gin mainstream and brought new audiences (especially younger consumers) into gin culture.
5. Xoriguer Mahón Gin – The Island Heritage
Distillery: Menorca, Balearic Islands
Xoriguer is one of Spain’s most historic gins, produced on the island of Menorca since the 18th century.
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Base Spirit: Distilled from wine (not grain), following old Mediterranean methods.
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Flavor: Distinctly herbal, with a soft juniper backbone.
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Cultural Tradition: Central to the island’s festivals, where it’s mixed with lemonade to create the local drink Pomada.
6. Rives Gin – The Andalusian Classic
Distillery: El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz
Founded in 1880, Rives is one of the oldest gin producers in Spain, still family-owned.
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Signature Products:
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Rives Special Gin: Triple distilled with Mediterranean botanicals.
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Rives Premium: Smooth and aromatic, often used in cocktails.
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Reputation: A trusted name in southern Spain, with a strong following in Andalusia.
Famous Spanish Tonic Water Brands
1. Schweppes Premium Mixers (Spain)
Spain was one of the first markets where Schweppes launched its premium tonic range. These tonics, with flavors like Pink Pepper, Ginger & Cardamom, and Hibiscus, became staples in Spanish gin-tonic culture.
2. 1724 Tonic Water – The Gourmet Choice
Produced with quinine harvested at 1,724 meters above sea level in the Andes, this Spanish tonic is designed for premium gins.
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Profile: Softer bitterness, slightly sweet.
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Reputation: Often paired with Gin Mare or Nordés in high-end bars.
3. Le Tribute Tonic – Barcelona’s Design Icon
From the creators of Gin Mare, Le Tribute Tonic is crafted to complement Mediterranean-style gins.
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Design: Striking retro bottle with Art Deco flair.
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Flavors: Crisp, citrus-forward, made with natural quinine.
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Pairings: Ideal with Gin Mare for the ultimate Spanish gin-tonic.
4. Me Tonic – The Innovator
Me Tonic is a modern Spanish brand that produces a range of tonics with distinctive profiles, including Yuzu and Ginger.
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Reputation: Known for bold experimentation and colorful branding.
Spain’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
The gin & tonic in Spain is more than a cocktail—it’s a cultural experience.
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Serving Style: Always in balloon glasses (copas de balón), filled with plenty of ice.
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Garnishes: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), citrus (orange, grapefruit), berries, or even spices (peppercorns, star anise).
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Bar Culture: Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastián are famous for their gin bars, some offering menus with 50+ gin-tonic combinations.
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Festivals: Gin-tonic festivals and competitions have become regular events, showcasing creativity and innovation.
Conclusion
Spain has taken the gin & tonic and turned it into an art form. With heritage brands like Larios, Rives, and Xoriguer, modern stars like Gin Mare, Nordés, and Puerto de Indias, and premium tonic brands such as 1724, Le Tribute, and Schweppes Premium, Spain stands as a leader in the global gin scene.
What makes Spanish gin-tonic culture unique is its fusion of Mediterranean ingredients, gourmet presentation, and cultural passion. For gin lovers, enjoying a balloon glass of Gin Mare with Le Tribute Tonic on a terrace in Barcelona, or sipping a Nordés & tonic with sage in Galicia, is a sensory experience that reflects both tradition and innovation.
Spain isn’t just a consumer of gin—it has redefined the gin & tonic as a lifestyle, making it one of the country’s most celebrated modern drinks.
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