The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Brazil
Brazil is internationally known for its cachaça and caipirinha, but in the last decade it has also emerged as a gin powerhouse in South America. The country’s incredible biodiversity — from the Amazon rainforest to the Atlantic forest and tropical coastlines — offers distillers access to an unrivaled range of botanicals. Brazilian gins stand out for their bold, exotic profiles, often infused with fruits, herbs, and spices found nowhere else on earth. Today, gin & tonic has become one of the most fashionable drinks in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, reflecting Brazil’s flair for flavor, creativity, and lifestyle.
A Short History of Gin in Brazil
Gin first arrived in Brazil during Portuguese colonial times, but for centuries, it was overshadowed by cachaça. Imported gins like Gordon’s and Beefeater remained niche products until the early 2000s, when the global gin renaissance reached South America. Brazilian mixologists embraced the gin-tônica, serving it in large balloon glasses with tropical fruits and herbs.
By the mid-2010s, craft distillers began producing authentic Brazilian gins, highlighting local botanicals such as açaí, jabuticaba, Brazil nuts, pink peppercorns, and Amazonian herbs. Today, Brazil is one of the largest gin markets in Latin America.
Famous Brazilian Gin Brands
1. Amazzoni Gin – The Amazon’s Spirit
Distillery: Amazzoni Distillery, Rio de Janeiro State
Founded: 2015
Amazzoni is Brazil’s first craft gin distillery and remains its most internationally recognized brand.
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Botanicals: Juniper, cocoa, Brazil nuts, maxixe (a Brazilian gourd), pink peppercorns, and Amazonian spices.
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Variants:
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Amazzoni Gin – The flagship, herbaceous and exotic.
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Amazzoni Rio Negro – A stronger, more complex expression.
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Amazzoni Maniuara – A fruitier edition with fresh tropical notes.
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Reputation: Winner of global awards, widely exported, and a symbol of Brazilian gin identity.
2. Arbórea Gin – Forest in a Bottle
Distillery: São Paulo
Arbórea Gin emphasizes Brazil’s biodiversity, with a strong focus on native plants.
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Botanicals: Yerba mate, lemongrass, citrus, and pink pepper.
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Style: Fresh, herbal, and slightly spicy.
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Reputation: Popular in São Paulo’s bar scene, admired for its balance and elegance.
3. Virga Gin – Minas Gerais Craft Spirit
Distillery: Virga Brasil, Minas Gerais
Virga was one of the first Brazilian gins to reach a broad national audience.
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Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cardamom, and Brazilian herbs.
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Style: Smooth and classic, but with a tropical twist.
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Reputation: Known as an accessible premium gin, strong in the domestic market.
4. Princesa Isabel Gin – A Tribute to History
Distillery: Santa Catarina
This gin pays homage to Princess Isabel, a key figure in Brazilian history.
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Botanicals: Chamomile, cinnamon, citrus, and local mountain herbs.
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Variants: Classic Dry Gin and aged editions.
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Reputation: Highly regarded among collectors and enthusiasts.
5. Gouveia Brasil Gin – Small-Batch Artistry
Produced in small quantities, Gouveia Brasil reflects artisanal distilling methods.
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Botanicals: Amazonian fruits, cloves, and citrus zest.
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Style: Strongly aromatic, crafted for mixology.
6. Imported Gins in Brazil
While Brazilian craft gins dominate, imported brands remain popular, especially in luxury hotels and tourist hubs:
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Gordon’s, Beefeater, Tanqueray – Widely available.
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Bombay Sapphire – A premium staple in urban bars.
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Spanish Gins (Nordés, Gin Mare, Puerto de Indias) – Hugely popular, reflecting Brazil’s cultural links with Iberia.
Tonic Waters in Brazil
1. Prata Premium Tonic – Local Favorite
Produced in Brazil, designed to match local gins.
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Variants: Classic and Citrus.
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Reputation: Widely used in Brazilian cocktail bars.
2. Wewi Tonic – Organic Brazilian Mixer
Brazil’s first organic tonic water, made with natural quinine and organic sugar.
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Flavors: Classic, Dry, and Hibiscus.
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Reputation: Popular with eco-conscious consumers and upscale bars.
3. International Tonics (Imported)
Fever-Tree, Schweppes Premium Mixer, and Fentimans are available in major cities, often paired with premium gins like Amazzoni.
Brazil’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Serving Style: Inspired by Spain, the gin-tônica is served in balloon glasses with lots of ice and elaborate garnishes.
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Garnishes: Tropical fruits like passionfruit, pineapple, mango, jabuticaba, and citrus are common; herbs such as rosemary and basil are also used.
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Urban Hotspots: São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are home to gin-specialty bars, with entire menus dedicated to gin & tonic.
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Tourism Influence: Gin & tonic has become a staple in beach clubs along the coast, from Florianópolis to Bahia.
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Trend: Younger consumers see gin as a sophisticated alternative to caipirinhas, giving it aspirational status.
Conclusion
Brazil has redefined gin & tonic in South America, combining European traditions with tropical biodiversity. With pioneering brands like Amazzoni, experimental producers like Arbórea and Princesa Isabel, and accessible favorites like Virga, Brazilian gin reflects the richness of its landscapes and culture.
Paired with tonics like Wewi or Prata, a Brazilian gin & tonic isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a celebration of the Amazon, the Atlantic forest, and Brazil’s cosmopolitan nightlife.
For gin lovers, tasting a gin-tônica in Brazil is an invitation to experience the country’s creativity, warmth, and natural abundance in a single glass.
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