The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Switzerland
Switzerland is best known for its watches, chocolate, and precision engineering — but in recent years, it has also gained recognition for producing exceptional craft gins. With access to pristine Alpine water, wild mountain herbs, and locally foraged botanicals, Swiss distillers have carved out a unique place in the global gin market. Though relatively new compared to Britain or the Netherlands, Switzerland’s gin culture reflects its national identity: pure, refined, and deeply connected to nature. Paired with premium tonics, Swiss gins are now celebrated both domestically and abroad.
A Short History of Gin in Switzerland
Historically, Switzerland was more closely associated with absinthe (especially in Val-de-Travers, Neuchâtel) and schnapps than with gin. However, as the global gin boom accelerated in the 2000s and 2010s, Swiss distillers recognized an opportunity. They began crafting gins that highlighted the country’s rich Alpine flora — juniper from mountain slopes, edelweiss, lavender, sage, and citrus grown in Ticino.
Today, Switzerland boasts dozens of gin brands, many of which have won international awards for quality and innovation.
Famous Swiss Gin Brands
1. Turicum Gin – Zurich’s Urban Pioneer
Distillery: Turicum Distillery, Zurich
Founded: 2015
Turicum is one of the best-known Swiss gins, representing Zurich’s craft spirit scene.
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Botanicals: Local linden blossoms, fir tips, rose hips, blueberries, and juniper.
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Style: Smooth, floral, and slightly sweet, with a refreshing Alpine character.
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Recognition: Award-winning and highly regarded internationally.
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Cultural Role: Popular in Zurich’s bars and a flagship of Swiss gin exports.
2. Studer Gin – The Family Legacy
Distillery: Studer Distillery, Lucerne Region
Founded: 1883 (gin production modernized in the 21st century)
Studer is one of Switzerland’s oldest distilleries, family-run for over 100 years.
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Signature Gin: Studer Swiss Gold Gin, bottled with real gold flakes.
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Botanicals: Edelweiss, Alpine herbs, lavender, and citrus peel.
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Reputation: Known for premium quality and luxurious presentation.
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Unique Touch: The distillery also produces limited editions with barrel-aged expressions.
3. Nginious! Swiss Blended Gin – The Experimental Spirit
Distillery: Liquid Spirit Distillers, Basel
Founded: 2014
Nginious! is known for its creativity and bold approach to gin-making.
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Variants:
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Swiss Blended Gin – Their flagship, complex and balanced.
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Summer Gin – Lighter, citrus-driven.
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Smoked & Salted – A daring version with smoked chestnuts and salt.
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Vermouth Cask Finish – Barrel-aged, bridging gin and vermouth flavors.
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Reputation: Internationally acclaimed for pushing gin boundaries.
4. Matterhorn Gin – Alpine Purity in a Bottle
Distillery: Swiss Mountain Spring collaboration, Valais
Matterhorn Gin embodies Switzerland’s mountain heritage.
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Botanicals: Alpine juniper, edelweiss, lemon balm, and fresh mountain water.
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Style: Crisp, clean, and refreshing, reflecting the high Alps.
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Reputation: Strong symbolic branding tied to the Matterhorn, making it popular with tourists and collectors.
5. GIN 27 Appenzeller Dry Gin – Herbal Tradition
Distillery: Appenzeller Alpenbitter Distillery, Appenzell
Founded: Early 20th century (gin brand modernized recently)
GIN 27 blends Switzerland’s long herbal liqueur tradition with modern gin culture.
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Profile: Herbal, aromatic, and slightly spicy.
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Variants: Classic Dry Gin, Wood Cask, and flavored editions.
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Reputation: A respected name in Swiss gastronomy, often served in traditional restaurants.
6. Knutwiler Gin – Ticino’s Mediterranean Influence
Produced in southern Switzerland (Ticino), Knutwiler Gin reflects the sunnier, more Mediterranean side of the country.
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Botanicals: Citrus, herbs, and Alpine juniper.
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Style: Light, bright, and refreshing.
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Cultural Note: Represents the blending of Swiss precision with Italian influence.
Famous Swiss Tonic Water Brands
1. Swiss Mountain Spring Tonic Water – The Premium Local Choice
Produced with natural mineral water from the Alps, this is Switzerland’s most respected tonic brand.
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Variants: Classic, Slimline, Rosemary, and Ginger Ale.
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Reputation: Designed to match premium Swiss gins like Turicum and Nginious!.
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Export: Found in upscale bars across Europe.
2. Gents Swiss Roots Tonic Water – Botanical Innovation
Another premium tonic, made with gentian root, a traditional Alpine herb.
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Profile: Bitter, earthy, and herbal, ideal for juniper-forward gins.
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Cultural Significance: Highlights Switzerland’s herbal tradition, linking gin to alpine schnapps and bitters.
3. Imported Tonics (Fever-Tree, Thomas Henry, Schweppes Premium)
While Swiss tonics dominate the local market, global tonic brands are also widely available, especially in bars in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
Switzerland’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Design & Luxury: Swiss gins often come in striking bottles, combining modern design with luxury aesthetics.
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Local Botanicals: Edelweiss, alpine herbs, blueberries, and mountain flowers define Swiss gin’s flavor profile.
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Serving Style: In cocktail bars, G&Ts are served in balloon glasses (copas de balón), often with Alpine garnishes like rosemary, thyme, or dried citrus.
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Gin Festivals: Zurich, Basel, and Bern now host gin festivals where Swiss and international brands showcase their creativity.
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Tourism Factor: Distilleries like Studer and Turicum are increasingly popular stops for spirits tourism.
Conclusion
Switzerland may be new to gin compared to Britain or Holland, but it has quickly established a premium niche in the market. Brands like Turicum (Zurich), Studer (Lucerne), Nginious! (Basel), Matterhorn (Valais), and GIN 27 (Appenzell) showcase the diversity of Swiss gin, from traditional herbal flavors to bold experiments. Paired with tonics like Swiss Mountain Spring or Gents Tonic, Swiss gin & tonics embody purity, innovation, and Alpine authenticity.
For gin lovers, Swiss gin is more than a drink — it is a journey into the mountains, meadows, and precision culture of the country, bottled with care and elegance.
