H A Short History of Gin in Peru

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Peru

Peru is internationally celebrated for its pisco, but in recent years it has also embraced the global gin renaissance. With its incredible biodiversity — from the Andes and the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast — Peru offers distillers access to an abundance of botanicals: coca leaves, muña (Andean mint), camu camu, cacao, purple corn, and Amazonian fruits. By blending these local ingredients with traditional juniper, Peruvian gins stand out as some of the most unique in South America. Today, gin & tonic is a fashionable drink in Lima’s cocktail scene, offering both locals and tourists a refreshing alternative to pisco-based cocktails.

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A Short History of Gin in Peru

Gin first appeared in Peru through European imports in the 19th and 20th centuries, mainly British brands like Beefeater and Gordon’s. For decades, gin was overshadowed by pisco, rum, and aguardiente.

The turning point came in the 2010s, when Peruvian bartenders and distillers, inspired by global trends, began producing craft gins that highlighted Peru’s native botanicals. These gins quickly gained recognition, not just in Peru but also abroad, thanks to the country’s booming culinary reputation.

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Famous Peruvian Gin Brands

1. London to Lima Gin – The International Star

Distillery: London to Lima Spirits, Lima
Founded: 2016

One of the most famous Peruvian gin brands, founded by British distiller Alexander James.

• Botanicals: Juniper, coca leaves, Andean mint (muña), ginger, cacao nibs, and Amazonian fruits.

• Style: Herbal, slightly earthy, with citrus brightness.

• Reputation: Widely exported and considered Peru’s flagship gin internationally.

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2. Gin’ca (Gin de Caña) – The Pioneer

Distillery: Inquebrantable, Lima
Founded: 2014

The first premium Peruvian gin, distilled from sugarcane spirit instead of grain or neutral alcohol.

• Botanicals: Coca leaves, muña, coriander, citrus peel, and cassia bark.

• Flavor Profile: Smooth and slightly sweet, with herbal Andean notes.

• Reputation: A true pioneer, often called “the first Peruvian gin.”

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3. 14 Inkas Gin – Inspired by Heritage

Distillery: Boutique craft producers in Lima

A gin named after the 14 Inca rulers, symbolizing Peruvian identity.

• Botanicals: Purple corn, coca leaves, ginger, and citrus.

• Style: Bold, spicy, and fruity, with a strong local character.

• Reputation: Gaining popularity in Peru’s cocktail bars.

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4. Amazonian Gin Company – The Jungle Spirit

Distillery: Iquitos region

Amazonian Gin highlights botanicals from the Peruvian rainforest.

• Botanicals: Camu camu, passionfruit, cacao husk, and allspice.

• Style: Fruity, exotic, and tropical.

• Reputation: Limited production but loved for its authenticity.

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5. Andean Spirits (Muña Gin, Cacao Gin) – Regional Experiments

Several micro-distilleries in Cusco and Arequipa are experimenting with small-batch gins.

• Botanicals: Muña (Andean mint), cacao from Cusco, and local herbs.

• Style: Earthy and herbal, designed for local consumption.

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Imported Gin Brands in Peru

While local gins are rising, international brands remain very popular in Peru:

• Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Common in supermarkets and pubs.

• Bombay Sapphire – Popular in upscale hotels.

• Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Very trendy in Lima’s gin bars, reflecting Spain’s influence on Peruvian gastronomy.

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Tonics in Peru

1. Britvic & Schweppes Tonic Water

Widely available and affordable, they form the backbone of most G&Ts.

2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

The favorite in Lima’s high-end cocktail scene, especially Mediterranean and Elderflower.

3. Peruvian Boutique Tonics (Emerging)

A handful of local producers are experimenting with tonics infused with chicha morada (purple corn), camu camu, and citrus, though distribution is limited.

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Peru’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Lima as Epicenter: The capital’s trendy cocktail bars — especially in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro — offer elaborate gin & tonic menus.

• Serving Style: Spanish-style balloon glasses with plenty of ice, premium tonics, and creative garnishes.

• Garnishes: Andean mint, coca leaves, cacao nibs, citrus wheels, and even exotic fruits like passionfruit or lucuma.

• Tourism Influence: Tourists drawn to Peru’s gastronomy also fuel gin’s rise, making gin & tonic a fashionable alternative to pisco sour.

• Cultural Identity: Peruvian gin captures the fusion of Andean, Amazonian, and coastal flavors, reflecting the country’s diversity.

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Conclusion

Peru may be famous for pisco, but it is now a rising star in the world of gin. With pioneering brands like Gin’ca, internationally acclaimed labels like London to Lima, and creative spirits such as 14 Inkas and Amazonian Gin, the country is producing gins that embody its biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with coca leaves, muña, or tropical fruits, Peruvian gin & tonics are vibrant, refreshing, and deeply connected to the land.

For gin enthusiasts, sipping a Peruvian G&T is more than a drink — it’s an exploration of the Andes, the Amazon, and Lima’s cosmopolitan bar culture in one glass.

H A Short History of Gin in Switzerland

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Switzerland

Switzerland is best known for its watches, chocolate, and precision engineering — but in recent years, it has also gained recognition for producing exceptional craft gins. With access to pristine Alpine water, wild mountain herbs, and locally foraged botanicals, Swiss distillers have carved out a unique place in the global gin market. Though relatively new compared to Britain or the Netherlands, Switzerland’s gin culture reflects its national identity: pure, refined, and deeply connected to nature. Paired with premium tonics, Swiss gins are now celebrated both domestically and abroad.

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A Short History of Gin in Switzerland

Historically, Switzerland was more closely associated with absinthe (especially in Val-de-Travers, Neuchâtel) and schnapps than with gin. However, as the global gin boom accelerated in the 2000s and 2010s, Swiss distillers recognized an opportunity. They began crafting gins that highlighted the country’s rich Alpine flora — juniper from mountain slopes, edelweiss, lavender, sage, and citrus grown in Ticino.

Today, Switzerland boasts dozens of gin brands, many of which have won international awards for quality and innovation.

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Famous Swiss Gin Brands

1. Turicum Gin – Zurich’s Urban Pioneer

Distillery: Turicum Distillery, Zurich
Founded: 2015

Turicum is one of the best-known Swiss gins, representing Zurich’s craft spirit scene.

• Botanicals: Local linden blossoms, fir tips, rose hips, blueberries, and juniper.

• Style: Smooth, floral, and slightly sweet, with a refreshing Alpine character.

• Recognition: Award-winning and highly regarded internationally.

• Cultural Role: Popular in Zurich’s bars and a flagship of Swiss gin exports.

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2. Studer Gin – The Family Legacy

Distillery: Studer Distillery, Lucerne Region
Founded: 1883 (gin production modernized in the 21st century)

Studer is one of Switzerland’s oldest distilleries, family-run for over 100 years.

• Signature Gin: Studer Swiss Gold Gin, bottled with real gold flakes.

• Botanicals: Edelweiss, Alpine herbs, lavender, and citrus peel.

• Reputation: Known for premium quality and luxurious presentation.

• Unique Touch: The distillery also produces limited editions with barrel-aged expressions.

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3. Nginious! Swiss Blended Gin – The Experimental Spirit

Distillery: Liquid Spirit Distillers, Basel
Founded: 2014

Nginious! is known for its creativity and bold approach to gin-making.

• Variants:

  • Swiss Blended Gin – Their flagship, complex and balanced.

  • Summer Gin – Lighter, citrus-driven.

  • Smoked & Salted – A daring version with smoked chestnuts and salt.

  • Vermouth Cask Finish – Barrel-aged, bridging gin and vermouth flavors.

• Reputation: Internationally acclaimed for pushing gin boundaries.

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4. Matterhorn Gin – Alpine Purity in a Bottle

Distillery: Swiss Mountain Spring collaboration, Valais

Matterhorn Gin embodies Switzerland’s mountain heritage.

• Botanicals: Alpine juniper, edelweiss, lemon balm, and fresh mountain water.

• Style: Crisp, clean, and refreshing, reflecting the high Alps.

• Reputation: Strong symbolic branding tied to the Matterhorn, making it popular with tourists and collectors.

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5. GIN 27 Appenzeller Dry Gin – Herbal Tradition

Distillery: Appenzeller Alpenbitter Distillery, Appenzell
Founded: Early 20th century (gin brand modernized recently)

GIN 27 blends Switzerland’s long herbal liqueur tradition with modern gin culture.

• Profile: Herbal, aromatic, and slightly spicy.

• Variants: Classic Dry Gin, Wood Cask, and flavored editions.

• Reputation: A respected name in Swiss gastronomy, often served in traditional restaurants.

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6. Knutwiler Gin – Ticino’s Mediterranean Influence

Produced in southern Switzerland (Ticino), Knutwiler Gin reflects the sunnier, more Mediterranean side of the country.

• Botanicals: Citrus, herbs, and Alpine juniper.

• Style: Light, bright, and refreshing.

• Cultural Note: Represents the blending of Swiss precision with Italian influence.

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Famous Swiss Tonic Water Brands

1. Swiss Mountain Spring Tonic Water – The Premium Local Choice

Produced with natural mineral water from the Alps, this is Switzerland’s most respected tonic brand.

• Variants: Classic, Slimline, Rosemary, and Ginger Ale.

• Reputation: Designed to match premium Swiss gins like Turicum and Nginious!.

• Export: Found in upscale bars across Europe.

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2. Gents Swiss Roots Tonic Water – Botanical Innovation

Another premium tonic, made with gentian root, a traditional Alpine herb.

• Profile: Bitter, earthy, and herbal, ideal for juniper-forward gins.

• Cultural Significance: Highlights Switzerland’s herbal tradition, linking gin to alpine schnapps and bitters.

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3. Imported Tonics (Fever-Tree, Thomas Henry, Schweppes Premium)

While Swiss tonics dominate the local market, global tonic brands are also widely available, especially in bars in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

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Switzerland’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Design & Luxury: Swiss gins often come in striking bottles, combining modern design with luxury aesthetics.

• Local Botanicals: Edelweiss, alpine herbs, blueberries, and mountain flowers define Swiss gin’s flavor profile.

• Serving Style: In cocktail bars, G&Ts are served in balloon glasses (copas de balón), often with Alpine garnishes like rosemary, thyme, or dried citrus.

• Gin Festivals: Zurich, Basel, and Bern now host gin festivals where Swiss and international brands showcase their creativity.

• Tourism Factor: Distilleries like Studer and Turicum are increasingly popular stops for spirits tourism.

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Conclusion

Switzerland may be new to gin compared to Britain or Holland, but it has quickly established a premium niche in the market. Brands like Turicum (Zurich), Studer (Lucerne), Nginious! (Basel), Matterhorn (Valais), and GIN 27 (Appenzell) showcase the diversity of Swiss gin, from traditional herbal flavors to bold experiments. Paired with tonics like Swiss Mountain Spring or Gents Tonic, Swiss gin & tonics embody purity, innovation, and Alpine authenticity.

For gin lovers, Swiss gin is more than a drink — it is a journey into the mountains, meadows, and precision culture of the country, bottled with care and elegance.