The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from China
China has a rich tradition of alcohol, from baijiu and huangjiu to rice wines, but gin is a much newer arrival. Over the last decade, with the global boom in craft spirits and China’s rapidly evolving bar culture, the country has begun producing artisanal gins that fuse traditional juniper with Chinese botanicals such as goji berries, lotus, Sichuan pepper, osmanthus, green tea, and chrysanthemum.
Gin & tonic, once a Western import, is now a popular drink in major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, where international cocktail culture thrives.
A Short History of Gin in China
Gin was introduced to China during the colonial period, particularly in Shanghai and Hong Kong, where British traders and expatriates brought their drinking traditions. For decades, imported gin brands dominated — Gordon’s, Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire were staples in hotels and foreign clubs.
But in the 2010s, Chinese craft distillers began experimenting with gin, inspired by the global demand for premium, locally inspired spirits. They combined Chinese herbs, teas, and spices with classic gin recipes, producing spirits that reflect both tradition and modern mixology. Today, China’s gin industry is still small but growing, with a handful of gins already gaining international recognition.
Famous Chinese Gin Brands
1. Peddlers Gin Co. – Shanghai’s Craft Pioneer
Distillery: Peddlers Gin Company, Shanghai
Founded: 2016
Peddlers Gin is considered the first international craft gin brand from China, now exported worldwide.
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Botanicals: Sichuan pepper, Buddha’s hand (a fragrant citrus fruit), lotus flower, liquorice root, and goji berries.
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Style: Bold, spicy, citrus-forward, and distinctly Chinese.
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Reputation: Award-winning and recognized as China’s flagship gin.
2. Porcelain Shanghai Dry Gin – Elegance in a Bottle
Distillery: Porcelain Spirits, Shanghai
Porcelain Gin is packaged in stunning ceramic bottles, reflecting Chinese artistry.
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Botanicals: Juniper, tangerine peel, osmanthus, angelica, and cassia.
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Style: Smooth, floral, and elegant.
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Reputation: Known for premium design and delicate flavor profile, popular with collectors.
3. Dragon’s Blood Gin – The Bold Innovator
Produced by boutique distillers experimenting with exotic botanicals.
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Botanicals: Red dates (jujube), ginseng, star anise, and chrysanthemum.
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Style: Strong, herbal, with sweet spice notes.
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Reputation: Rare and small-batch, but gaining attention in China’s craft bar scene.
4. Nine Rivers Gin – The Chinese Terroir Spirit
A craft gin highlighting regional Chinese ingredients.
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Botanicals: Sichuan peppercorn, green tea, bamboo leaves, and citrus peel.
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Style: Fresh, peppery, and aromatic.
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Reputation: Represents China’s ability to translate its biodiversity into premium spirits.
5. Other Emerging Chinese Gins
Several micro-distilleries in Yunnan, Guangdong, and Beijing are experimenting with teas, spices, and herbs, though most remain local and limited in production.
Imported Gin Brands in China
Imported brands continue to dominate the Chinese market, especially in upscale hotels, restaurants, and bars:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available.
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Bombay Sapphire – A staple in high-end cocktail bars.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Very popular due to Spain’s strong cocktail influence in Asia.
Tonics in China
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most common and widely available tonic across China.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
Highly popular in cocktail lounges in Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong.
3. Local Soda Producers
Some Chinese soda makers are experimenting with craft tonic waters infused with green tea, chrysanthemum, or ginger, though these are niche and mainly used in boutique bars.
China’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Shanghai as Hub: Shanghai is the epicenter of China’s gin & tonic culture, with trendy cocktail bars offering G&Ts made with local gins and creative garnishes.
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Serving Style: Inspired by the Spanish gin-tonic, served in balloon glasses with elaborate garnishes.
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Garnishes: Buddha’s hand citrus slices, Sichuan peppercorns, goji berries, chrysanthemum flowers, and green tea leaves.
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Luxury & Design: Chinese gin brands often focus on packaging as much as flavor, reflecting local artistry and appealing to collectors.
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Tourism & Expat Influence: Gin & tonic is especially popular among expats, tourists, and young professionals who view it as a cosmopolitan drink.
Conclusion
China’s gin scene may be young, but it is vibrant and fast-growing. With pioneering brands like Peddlers Gin Co., artistic spirits like Porcelain Shanghai Dry Gin, and experimental labels such as Dragon’s Blood and Nine Rivers, the country is producing gins that reflect Chinese flavors, culture, and design.
Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with Sichuan pepper, lotus, or green tea, Chinese gin & tonics offer a unique taste of the Middle Kingdom.
For gin lovers, a Chinese G&T is more than just a cocktail — it’s a meeting of East and West, tradition and innovation, all distilled into a glass.
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