H A Short History of Gin in Israel

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Israel

Israel is most often associated with wine from the Galilee, arak (an anise-based spirit), and high-quality craft beers. But in the past decade, the country has embraced the global gin renaissance, creating boutique gins that reflect Israel’s unique terroir: Mediterranean herbs, desert botanicals, citrus from the Sharon plain, and spices from Jerusalem’s markets. With its mix of tradition and innovation, Israel has quickly built a reputation for artisanal gins and creative gin & tonic culture.

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A Short History of Gin in Israel

Gin was introduced to Israel mainly through British influence during the Mandate period (1920–1948). However, it remained a minor spirit for decades, overshadowed by arak, brandy, and wine. In the 2010s, with the international rise of craft spirits, Israeli distillers began experimenting with gin. Drawing on the country’s Mediterranean climate, desert herbs, and spice-trade history, they created gins with distinctive flavors. Today, gin & tonic is one of the most fashionable drinks in Tel Aviv’s bustling cocktail bars.

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Famous Israeli Gin Brands

1. Milk & Honey Levantine Gin – From Israel’s First Whisky Distillery

Distillery: Milk & Honey Distillery, Tel Aviv
Founded: 2012 (gin launched shortly after)

Milk & Honey is best known for its whisky, but its Levantine Gin has become an icon in Israel’s spirits scene.

• Botanicals: Juniper, lemon peel, chamomile, black pepper, hyssop (za’atar), cinnamon, and coriander seeds.

• Style: A bold Mediterranean gin with herbal and citrusy notes.

• Reputation: Widely exported, Levantine Gin is considered Israel’s flagship gin internationally.

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2. Jullius Craft Distillery Gin – Galilee’s Pioneer

Distillery: Jullius Distillery, Kibbutz Hanita (Upper Galilee)
Founded: 2008

Jullius was the first artisan distillery licensed in Israel, producing fruit brandies, vermouth, and gin.

• Botanicals: Juniper, citrus from Galilee, and regional herbs.

• Style: Complex and aromatic, reflecting northern Israel’s orchards and vineyards.

• Reputation: Small-scale but highly respected for its artisanal approach.

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3. Pelter Gin – From a Renowned Winery

Distillery: Pelter Winery & Distillery, Golan Heights

Pelter began as a winery before expanding into spirits. Its gin is a reflection of the family’s passion for flavor and terroir.

• Botanicals: Juniper, rosemary, citrus zest, and Mediterranean herbs.

• Style: Elegant, balanced, with a fresh herbal finish.

• Reputation: Popular among Israel’s fine-dining restaurants.

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4. Holy Rashi Gin – Jerusalem-Inspired Craft Gin

Distillery: Boutique distillers in Jerusalem

A newer craft gin inspired by the spice bazaars and herbal traditions of Jerusalem.

• Botanicals: Juniper, cardamom, cinnamon, local citrus, and sage.

• Style: Warm, spicy, and aromatic — a nod to Middle Eastern flavors.

• Reputation: Limited production but a favorite in Jerusalem’s cocktail culture.

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5. Other Emerging Israeli Gins

Israel’s gin scene is growing quickly, with micro-distilleries experimenting with desert herbs, wild thyme, olive leaves, and even pomegranate. These small-batch labels often appear in Tel Aviv’s craft bars and boutique liquor shops.

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Tonics in Israel

1. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most widely available brand, found in supermarkets and bars across Israel.

2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

Very popular in Tel Aviv’s upscale cocktail lounges, with Mediterranean Tonic and Elderflower variants pairing especially well with Israeli gins.

3. Local Boutique Mixers

A handful of Israeli soda makers are experimenting with craft tonics, sometimes infused with herbs like rosemary or za’atar, though availability remains limited.

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Israel’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Tel Aviv Hotspot: The city’s cocktail bars have embraced gin & tonic as a signature drink, often experimenting with exotic garnishes.

• Garnishes: Citrus slices, za’atar sprigs, rosemary, sage, pomegranate seeds, and dried dates are commonly used.

• Mediterranean Style: Inspired by Spain, gin-tonics are often served in large balloon glasses (copas de balón) with plenty of ice.

• Tourism Influence: Israel’s tourism boom has increased demand for premium spirits, with gin & tonic now a staple in boutique hotels and seaside bars.

• Cultural Identity: Israeli gin is deeply tied to its land, with distillers emphasizing local botanicals that reflect both desert and Mediterranean ecosystems.

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Conclusion

Though Israel does not have centuries of gin tradition, it has quickly developed a distinctive gin identity that blends Mediterranean flavors, Middle Eastern spices, and modern craft techniques. With flagship brands like Milk & Honey Levantine Gin, artisanal pioneers like Jullius, and elegant producers like Pelter, Israeli gin is carving out a space on the world stage.

Paired with tonics such as Schweppes or premium imports like Fever-Tree, Israeli gin & tonics offer a refreshing yet complex drink — one that captures the country’s landscapes, history, and culinary traditions in every sip.

For gin lovers, an Israeli gin & tonic is more than a cocktail — it’s a taste of the Mediterranean sun, Galilean orchards, and Jerusalem’s spice markets in a single glass.