The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Russia

When most people think of Russian spirits, vodka immediately comes to mind. Russia has been one of the world’s dominant vodka producers for centuries, and its drinking culture has long revolved around grain- and potato-based spirits. Yet in recent years, Russia has also joined the global gin renaissance. Distillers from Moscow to St. Petersburg and across Siberia have begun creating gins that reflect both international trends and local Russian botanicals. While Russian gin is still a niche compared to vodka, it is rapidly gaining recognition domestically and abroad.

The Rise of Gin in Russia

Gin was introduced to Russia during the imperial era through European trade, but it never became a dominant spirit. For much of the 20th century, especially during the Soviet period, gin was almost nonexistent in Russian markets. It was only after the fall of the USSR, when global spirits culture entered Russia, that gin began to reappear.

In the 2010s, with the international gin boom sweeping across Europe, Russian distillers recognized the opportunity to produce a local version of the juniper spirit. Today, Russia boasts several high-quality gins made with ingredients sourced from its vast and diverse landscapes, from Siberian herbs to wild berries.

Famous Russian Gin Brands

1. Barrister Gin – The Internationally Known Brand

Distillery: Ladoga Distillery, St. Petersburg

Barrister Gin is one of the most prominent Russian gin brands, produced by the award-winning Ladoga Distillery.

Variants:
- Barrister Dry Gin – Classic London Dry style.
- Barrister Old Tom Gin – A sweeter, historical style.
- Barrister Orange – Infused with citrus peels.
- Barrister Pink – Flavored with berries for a fruity profile.
Reputation: Widely exported, Barrister is the Russian gin most often seen in Europe.
Identity: Combines British gin traditions with Russian distilling expertise.

2. Green Baboon Gin – Moscow’s Hip Craft Gin

Distillery: Crystal Distillery, Moscow

Green Baboon is a modern Russian craft gin created in collaboration with bartenders and mixologists.

Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, cardamom, and Siberian herbs.
Style: Bright, bold, and mixology-focused, designed to be used in cocktails.
Cultural Role: Popular in Moscow’s trendy cocktail scene, marketed to younger drinkers.
Design: Funky, eye-catching label with a modern urban aesthetic.

3. Khan Gin – Inspired by Russian History

Produced in Russia with branding that reflects imperial and Tatar influences.

Profile: Strong juniper foundation with spices such as black pepper and cardamom.
Reputation: Less international exposure, but well-known in domestic markets.

4. White Lace Gin – Premium Moscow Gin

A newer premium gin brand marketed as elegant and feminine, with delicate floral notes.

Botanicals: Juniper, citrus, lavender, and chamomile.
Style: Designed for sophisticated gin & tonics and cocktails.

5. Moscow Dry Gin – Traditional and Accessible

A straightforward Russian gin brand offering affordability and accessibility.

Flavor: Classic juniper-forward, with light herbal undertones.
Cultural Role: Often found in supermarkets and local bars, making it an everyday choice for Russian gin & tonics.

Russian Tonic Water Brands

While tonic water has long been imported, Russia now produces local premium tonics to pair with its gins.

1. Tonic by Evervess (PepsiCo Russia)

Widely available in supermarkets, this is Russia’s standard tonic water brand.

Strength: Affordability and accessibility.
Use: Often paired with everyday gins like Moscow Dry.

2. Franklin & Sons / Fever-Tree (Imported Premium Tonics)

Imported tonics such as Fever-Tree, Franklin & Sons, and Fentimans are popular in Russia’s upscale bars, especially when paired with craft gins like Green Baboon.

3. Domashny Tonic (Small Producers)

Some smaller Russian beverage companies have started producing artisanal tonic waters, often infused with local herbs, though these remain niche.

Russia’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

Urban Cocktail Bars: Moscow and St. Petersburg now have vibrant gin scenes, with bars offering elaborate gin & tonic menus inspired by the Spanish “gin-tonic” style.
Local Botanicals: Russian gins often highlight ingredients like lingonberries, birch leaves, Siberian herbs, and cranberries, giving them a unique regional profile.
Consumer Growth: While vodka still dominates, gin is increasingly seen as fashionable, especially among younger Russians and in cosmopolitan cities.
Export Potential: Brands like Barrister and Green Baboon are starting to gain traction in European markets.

Conclusion

Russia may not have the centuries-old gin tradition of Britain or Holland, but it has quickly developed a distinctive gin culture that reflects both global trends and local identity.

Barrister Gin stands as Russia’s most famous and internationally exported brand.
Green Baboon represents Moscow’s modern craft spirit and creative cocktail culture.
Arctic and Siberian botanicals give Russian gins unique flavors that distinguish them from other European styles.
Paired with tonic waters like Evervess or imported Fever-Tree, Russian gin & tonics are gaining a loyal following at home and abroad.

For gin enthusiasts, exploring Russian gin is a journey into a new frontier—where tradition meets innovation, and where the flavors of the vast Russian landscape are distilled into the glass.

Gin Tonic Gin

Friday, July 3, 2020

H The Rise of Gin in Russia