H A Short History of Gin in Haiti

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Haiti

When people think of Haiti, the spirit that immediately comes to mind is clairin — the island’s artisanal, rustic cousin of rum. Haiti is world-renowned for its sugarcane-based spirits and vibrant rum tradition. Gin, however, plays a smaller but growing role in the country’s cocktail culture. Introduced during the colonial era and later reinforced by tourism and expat demand, gin & tonic has carved out a niche in Haitian bars and resorts.

Today, gin consumption in Haiti is defined by imports (mostly from the UK, Spain, and the US) alongside very limited local experiments by boutique producers who are inspired by Haiti’s biodiversity. Though still in its infancy, the Haitian gin scene shows promise, especially given the country’s wealth of botanicals like hibiscus, lime, ginger, and tropical spices that lend themselves perfectly to gin.

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A Short History of Gin in Haiti

Gin was introduced to Haiti during the colonial period when French and British merchants brought their drinking traditions to the Caribbean. For centuries, however, rum and clairin dominated local drinking culture.

Gin remained an imported luxury spirit throughout the 20th century, mostly consumed in hotels, social clubs, and among expatriates. In the last decade, Haiti’s growing interest in craft cocktails — especially in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien — has created space for gin & tonic to become a fashionable alternative to rum-based drinks.

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Gin in Haiti: Local vs Imported

1. Local Haitian Gin (Emerging)

Haiti does not yet have an established gin distilling industry like Jamaica or Barbados, but a handful of experimental producers have tried making small-batch gins, usually on a micro scale.

• Profile: Local botanicals such as hibiscus (choublak), ginger, lime peel, and tropical fruits are infused with juniper-based spirit.

• Reputation: These gins are rare, mostly found in boutique bars, and not widely distributed.

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2. Imported Gins (Dominant in Haiti)

Imported gins make up the majority of what is consumed in Haiti, particularly in hotels, resorts, and upscale bars. Popular brands include:

• Beefeater – A classic London Dry, widely available.

• Gordon’s – Affordable and common in supermarkets.

• Tanqueray – A favorite in higher-end cocktail bars.

• Bombay Sapphire – Often the “premium” choice for tourists and luxury hotels.

• Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Puerto de Indias) – Popular in upscale resorts, reflecting the influence of European visitors.

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Tonics in Haiti

Tonic water availability in Haiti is more limited than in Europe or North America. Options include:

1. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most common and widely available tonic in Haiti, found in supermarkets and hotels.

2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

Available mainly in upscale bars and tourist resorts catering to international visitors.

3. Local Alternatives

In many Haitian bars, bartenders substitute tonic water with ginger ale, kola champagne, or tropical sodas (grapefruit or lime sodas). These substitutions create a Caribbean twist on gin & tonic that is unique to Haiti.

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Haiti’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Port-au-Prince Bars: The capital has a growing cocktail scene, with gin & tonic appearing on menus at trendy lounges.

• Resorts: Tourist hubs like Labadee and Cap-Haïtien often serve gin & tonics with premium gins, appealing to international travelers.

• Serving Style: Inspired by Caribbean creativity, Haitian G&Ts often include tropical garnishes.

• Garnishes: Lime wedges, hibiscus flowers, ginger slices, mango cubes, or sprigs of fresh herbs like basil.

• Local Twist: Many Haitians enjoy gin with ginger beer or fruit sodas rather than tonic, creating refreshing Caribbean variations.

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Conclusion

In Haiti, gin is still a niche spirit compared to the dominance of rum and clairin. However, the gin & tonic has established itself in hotels, resorts, and the emerging cocktail culture of Port-au-Prince. With imported brands like Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire defining the market, and small-scale experiments using hibiscus, ginger, and lime, Haiti is slowly building its own approach to gin.

Paired with Schweppes or Fever-Tree, and garnished with tropical fruits and spices, a Haitian gin & tonic is both familiar and refreshingly unique. For enthusiasts, it’s a way to experience the island’s creativity and biodiversity through a global classic.