H A Short History of Gin in Ecuador

 

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Ecuador

Ecuador is celebrated for its coffee, cacao, and Andean spirits such as aguardiente, but in recent years it has also embraced the global gin renaissance. With its unique geography — from the Amazon rainforest to the Andean highlands and the Pacific coast — Ecuador offers distillers access to an extraordinary range of botanicals. Though the country’s gin production is still small compared to Europe or even Argentina, Ecuadorian craft gins are beginning to capture attention, reflecting the nation’s biodiversity and creative energy.

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A Short History of Gin in Ecuador

Gin first reached Ecuador through European imports, particularly British brands like Beefeater, Gordon’s, and Tanqueray, which appeared in bars and hotels in Quito and Guayaquil during the 20th century. For decades, gin was overshadowed by rum, aguardiente, and beer, which dominated local drinking culture.

The shift began in the 2010s, when Ecuador’s craft distilling movement took off. Inspired by the booming cocktail scene in South America, a handful of local producers began making artisanal gins infused with regional botanicals — from Andean herbs to Amazonian fruits. Today, Ecuador may still be a small player, but its gins are highly distinctive.

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Famous Ecuadorian Gin Brands

1. Pacari Andean Gin – Inspired by the Andes

Produced by artisans linked to Ecuador’s premium chocolate scene (Pacari is a world-famous organic chocolate brand), this gin reflects the biodiversity of the Andes.

• Botanicals: Juniper, cacao nibs, Andean herbs, orange peel, and cinnamon.

• Flavor Profile: Rich, slightly chocolaty, with citrus and herbal layers.

• Reputation: A boutique gin that appeals to both locals and international visitors looking for something uniquely Ecuadorian.

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2. Quito Dry Gin – The Capital’s Signature Gin

Produced in the Quito region, this gin reflects the cosmopolitan culture of Ecuador’s capital city.

• Botanicals: Juniper, Andean mint (hierba buena), lemon verbena, and citrus grown in high-altitude valleys.

• Style: Fresh and crisp, designed for gin & tonic serves.

• Cultural Role: Popular in Quito’s growing craft cocktail scene.

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3. Galápagos Gin – Island-Inspired Craft Spirit

As its name suggests, Galápagos Gin was created to highlight the archipelago’s natural treasures.

• Botanicals: Tropical fruits, island herbs, and citrus combined with juniper.

• Identity: Marketed as an eco-conscious spirit, reflecting Ecuador’s sustainability ethos.

• Reputation: A niche but memorable gin, often purchased by tourists visiting the islands.

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4. Amazonía Dry Gin – Jungle Botanicals

Craft distillers in the Amazon region of Ecuador have experimented with gins infused with rainforest plants.

• Botanicals: Guayusa leaves (a caffeinated Amazonian herb), cacao husks, allspice, and citrus.

• Style: Earthy, energizing, and herbal.

• Reputation: A small-batch product but highly innovative, reflecting Ecuador’s Amazonian identity.

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5. Imported Gin Brands in Ecuador

While Ecuador has its own growing gin scene, international brands remain dominant in bars and hotels:

• Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available, the most common choices for classic G&Ts.

• Bombay Sapphire – A premium import often paired with upscale tonics in Quito and Guayaquil.

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Tonic Waters in Ecuador

Ecuador doesn’t yet have a large domestic tonic industry, so most mixers are imported or produced regionally.

1. Fever-Tree (Imported)

Very popular in premium bars in Quito and Guayaquil. Mediterranean and Indian tonics are most common.

2. Britvic / Schweppes (Imported)

Affordable and widely available, making them the go-to tonics in many Ecuadorian households.

3. Local Alternatives

Some bartenders use soda water mixed with local herbs or fruit syrups to create tonic substitutes with a uniquely Ecuadorian twist.

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Ecuador’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

• Bar Scene: Quito and Guayaquil have emerging cocktail cultures, with gin & tonic menus becoming a feature in upscale lounges and boutique hotels.

• Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic traditions, Ecuadorian bartenders use balloon glasses with garnishes like cacao nibs, lemongrass, or citrus slices.

• Local Twist: Guayusa, cacao, and Andean herbs are often used as garnishes, creating a distinctly Ecuadorian take on the G&T.

• Tourism Influence: Gin and tonic is particularly popular among tourists visiting the Galápagos and Andean resorts, where local gins are marketed as souvenirs.

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Conclusion

Ecuador may not yet be a global gin powerhouse, but it has carved out a niche by highlighting its biodiversity and cultural heritage. With brands like Pacari Andean Gin, Quito Dry Gin, Galápagos Gin, and Amazonía Dry Gin, Ecuadorian producers are crafting spirits that tell a story of mountains, jungles, and islands.

Paired with imported tonics like Fever-Tree or Schweppes, Ecuadorian gin & tonics offer a unique fusion of classic European tradition and Andean-Amazonian flavors. For gin enthusiasts, sipping an Ecuadorian G&T is a chance to taste both innovation and the richness of Ecuador’s landscapes in a single glass.

 gin and tonic calories

Gin & Tonic Calories: a clear, practical guide (with real numbers)

If you love a crisp G&T but want to keep an eye on calories, you don’t have to guess. A gin and tonic’s calories come from two places: alcohol (in the gin) and sugar in the mixer (in regular tonic). Once you know those two levers, you can build a drink that fits any target—from ~75 kcal “light” highballs to 200+ kcal party serves.

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The only math you need

Total kcal = alcohol kcal + mixer kcal

• Alcohol kcal ≈ gin_ml × gin_ABV × 0.789 g/ml × 7 kcal/g

• Mixer kcal ≈ tonic_ml × kcal_per_100ml ÷ 100

  • Regular tonic is typically ~34 kcal / 100 ml (≈8.5 g sugar)

  • Diet/zero tonic is ~0 kcal / 100 ml

Tip: Tonic calories vary by brand; check the label. Many “Mediterranean” or flavored tonics are higher than 34 kcal/100 ml.

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What most G&Ts actually cost (calorie-wise)

Assume a common 50 ml pour of gin.

Serve	Alcohol kcal	Tonic kcal	Total kcal
40% gin, 1:3 (50 ml gin + 150 ml regular tonic)	110.5	51.0	161.5
40% gin, 1:2.5 (50 ml + 125 ml regular tonic)	110.5	42.5	153.0
40% gin, 1:2 (50 ml + 100 ml regular tonic)	110.5	34.0	144.5
43.1% gin, 1:2.5 (e.g., Tanqueray EU)	119.0	42.5	161.5
47.3% gin, 1:2.5 (e.g., Tanqueray US)	130.6	42.5	173.1
57% Navy, 1:3	157.4	51.0	208.4

With diet/zero tonic: mixer kcal ≈ 0 — so a 50 ml, 40% G&T lands around 110–131 kcal (depending on your gin’s ABV).

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How to build a lower-calorie G&T (without making it sad)

1. Switch to diet/zero tonic.
   Drops 34–51 kcal per drink immediately with typical ratios.

2. Right-size the pour.

   • 40 ml of 40% gin ≈ 88.4 kcal (with diet tonic, that’s your total).

   • 35 ml of 40% gin ≈ 77.3 kcal (with diet tonic, total ≈ 77 kcal).

3. Keep carbonation high, not sweetness.
   Cold glass + fresh, highly carbonated tonic = crisp flavor that doesn’t rely on sugar.

4. Garnish smart.
   Citrus peels, a tiny rosemary tip, or a grapefruit twist add aroma, not calories. Avoid sugary syrups or fruit purées.

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What actually changes the number on your glass

• ABV of the gin: Higher ABV = more calories per ml.

  • 50 ml at 37.5% ≈ 103.6 kcal

  • 50 ml at 40% ≈ 110.5 kcal

  • 50 ml at 43.1% ≈ 119.0 kcal

  • 50 ml at 47.3% ≈ 130.6 kcal

  • 50 ml at 57% ≈ 157.4 kcal

• Tonic sugar: Regular tonic ≈ 34 kcal/100 ml (check your bottle). Some flavored tonics are 40–45 kcal/100 ml.

• Ice & dilution: Ice adds no calories. As it melts, your per-glass calories drop slightly (more water), but you haven’t reduced the alcohol calories you consumed—just spread them out.

• Add-ons:

  • 15 ml simple syrup ≈ ~45–50 kcal (brand-dependent).

  • 15 ml lemon juice ≈ ~5–7 kcal.

  • Bitters (a few dashes) ≈ negligible.

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Sample “calorie-aware” G&T builds

Crisp & light (~88 kcal)

• 40 ml 40% London Dry

• Diet/zero tonic to taste (start 1 : 2.5)

• Lemon peel
  ≈ 88 kcal total (no mixer calories)

Under-120, still classic (~111–119 kcal)

• 50 ml 40–43% gin

• Diet/zero tonic (1 : 2.5)

• Grapefruit twist
  ≈ 110.5–119.0 kcal total

Party-length but lean (~77 kcal)

• 35 ml 40% gin

• Diet/zero tonic (1 : 3–3.5)

• Lime peel
  ≈ 77.3 kcal total

Traditional feel, regular tonic (~153 kcal)

• 50 ml 40% gin

• 125 ml regular tonic (1 : 2.5)

• Lime peel
  ≈ 153 kcal total

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“Is my bar pouring stronger than at home?”

Likely, yes. Many bars pour 50 ml (or 2 oz/60 ml in some markets) and may use higher-ABV gins. If you’re counting, ask for the measure (25 ml vs 50 ml), the gin’s ABV, and whether the tonic is regular or diet.

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Pacing & context (useful benchmarks)

A 50 ml pour of 40% gin contains ~15.8 g of alcohol (~110.5 kcal).

• ≈ 1.13 US standard drinks (14 g)

• ≈ 2.0 UK units (8 g per unit)

Calories track with alcohol grams. If you’re trying to lower both, drop the pour size or choose lighter ABV gin—and keep the mixer sugar near zero.

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Quick FAQ

Do garnishes add calories?
Peels and tiny herb sprigs are essentially zero. Fruit wheels add a few calories; syrups add a lot.

Is tonic water always sugary?
No—many brands offer diet/zero versions at ~0 kcal. Flavored tonics can be higher than standard.

Does shaking or stirring change calories?
No. Technique changes dilution and texture, not calorie content (aside from per-glass dilution).

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Bottom line

Most classic G&Ts sit around 150–170 kcal with regular tonic and a 50 ml pour. Switching to diet/zero tonic drops you to ~110–130 kcal immediately; trimming the pour to 40 ml brings many serves under 100 kcal without sacrificing snap—especially if your glass, ice, and carbonation are on point.