The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Panama
Panama is globally recognized for its rum, seco (sugarcane spirit), and canal-driven international trade, but in the past decade, it has also embraced the gin renaissance. Thanks to its tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and cosmopolitan capital city, Panama is producing small-batch gins that combine classic juniper with local botanicals such as hibiscus, pineapple, cacao, coffee, and tropical herbs.
In Panama City, gin & tonic has become a fashionable cocktail, especially in rooftop lounges, beach resorts, and expat-favored bars. While imported gins dominate the market, Panama’s craft distillers are carving out a unique place in the global gin scene.
A Short History of Gin in Panama
Gin first reached Panama through British and Spanish imports during the 19th and 20th centuries, when the isthmus became a key international trade hub. For most of the 20th century, gin was consumed mainly in Panama City’s clubs, hotels, and among expatriates working around the canal.
The real change came in the 2010s, when the global craft gin trend spread to Central America. Local Panamanian distillers, already skilled in rum and seco production, began experimenting with gin recipes that showcased native fruits and herbs. Today, gin is firmly part of Panama’s cocktail culture, especially in cosmopolitan and tourist areas.
Famous Panamanian Gin Brands
1. Casa Bruja Ginebra Panamá – The Pioneer
Distillery: Casa Bruja Brewing & Distilling, Panama City
Originally known for craft beer, Casa Bruja expanded into spirits, creating one of Panama’s first artisanal gins.
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Botanicals: Juniper, hibiscus, pineapple, cacao, and local herbs.
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Style: Fruity, floral, with a tropical edge.
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Reputation: A flagship Panamanian gin, loved by bartenders in Panama City.
2. Selva Tropical Gin – Spirit of the Jungle
Crafted with botanicals sourced from Panama’s rainforests.
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Botanicals: Juniper, passionfruit, guava, ginger, and rainforest herbs.
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Style: Exotic, aromatic, and slightly sweet.
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Reputation: A boutique gin, popular in eco-lodges and coastal resorts.
3. Canal Dry Gin – Inspired by Panama’s Global Gateway
Produced by a small distillery highlighting Panama’s identity as an international hub.
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Botanicals: Juniper, citrus peel, cardamom, and Panamanian coffee.
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Style: Dry, complex, with a balance of spice and citrus.
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Reputation: An urban craft gin, available mainly in Panama City.
4. Other Emerging Gins
Panama has several micro-distillers experimenting with tropical infusions: mango, soursop, tamarind, and coconut. These remain niche but highlight the country’s creative potential.
Imported Gin Brands in Panama
Imports remain dominant, especially in Panama City and tourist hubs:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Affordable and widely available.
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Bombay Sapphire – A premium favorite in upscale cocktail bars.
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Hendrick’s – Popular in luxury hotels, often served with cucumber.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Growing in popularity, reflecting Mediterranean influences.
Tonics in Panama
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most common and accessible tonic brand in Panama.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
Available in Panama City’s luxury cocktail lounges and high-end resorts.
3. Local Alternatives
In some places, bartenders substitute tonic with ginger ale, soda water, or tropical sodas (pineapple soda, passionfruit soda), giving G&Ts a distinctly Panamanian twist.
Panama’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Panama City as Hub: The capital is home to rooftop bars and cocktail lounges where gin & tonic is a signature drink.
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Beach Resorts & Islands: In Bocas del Toro and the Pearl Islands, tropical gin cocktails are popular with tourists.
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Serving Style: Influenced by Spanish gin-tonic culture — served in balloon glasses with plenty of ice and bold garnishes.
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Garnishes: Hibiscus petals, pineapple slices, passionfruit seeds, or cacao nibs.
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Cultural Identity: Panamanian gin blends rainforest botanicals, Caribbean flavors, and cosmopolitan sophistication.
Conclusion
Panama may be more famous for its rum, but it is now producing distinctive craft gins that reflect its tropical landscapes and cultural diversity. With pioneering labels like Casa Bruja Ginebra Panamá, exotic expressions like Selva Tropical Gin, and urban styles like Canal Dry Gin, the country is carving out a unique niche in Central America’s gin scene.
Paired with Schweppes or Fever-Tree, and garnished with hibiscus, pineapple, or cacao, a Panamanian gin & tonic is both refreshing and deeply tied to the land.
For gin enthusiasts, sipping a G&T in Panama is more than a drink — it’s a journey through the rainforest, the Caribbean coast, and the cosmopolitan nightlife of Panama City in one glass.
