The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of Asia’s great cocktail capitals, with a nightlife culture that blends British colonial heritage, Cantonese traditions, and global mixology trends. While whisky and cognac dominate premium spirit consumption, gin has grown rapidly in popularity, especially in the last decade.
Today, Hong Kong offers a mix of local craft gins inspired by Asian botanicals and international imports, with gin & tonic firmly established as a signature drink in rooftop bars, luxury hotels, and speakeasies across the city.
A Short History of Gin in Hong Kong
Gin first arrived in Hong Kong during the British colonial era (1842–1997). British officers and traders brought the tradition of gin & tonic with them, partly as a way to consume quinine against malaria. Gin became a standard in colonial clubs, hotels, and military gatherings.
After the mid-20th century, Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan bar scene ensured gin remained widely available. By the 2010s, the city embraced the global craft gin boom, with bartenders experimenting with Asian flavors and local distillers producing uniquely Hong Kong gins.
Famous Hong Kong Gin Brands
1. Two Moons Gin – The Flagship Craft Gin
Distillery: Two Moons Distillery, Hong Kong
Two Moons is widely regarded as Hong Kong’s first true craft gin and has gained international recognition.
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Botanicals: Juniper, Chinese tangerine peel (chenpi), Chinese almonds, and local herbs.
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Variants: Original Dry Gin, Calamansi Gin, and Hibiscus Gin.
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Style: Smooth, citrusy, and delicately herbal.
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Reputation: Considered Hong Kong’s signature gin brand.
2. Perfume Trees Gin – Heritage and Storytelling
Distillery: Perfume Trees Gin, Hong Kong
This gin is deeply tied to Hong Kong’s identity, named after the native agarwood tree often called the “perfume tree.”
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Botanicals: Juniper, sandalwood, Chinese angelica root, and aged tangerine peel.
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Style: Aromatic, warm, and complex, with cultural depth.
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Reputation: A cult favorite, often seen as Hong Kong’s “storytelling gin.”
3. Fok Hing Gin – A Playful Spirit
A brand that reflects Hong Kong’s quirky, bold personality (its name is a cheeky pun).
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Botanicals: Juniper, goji berries, Chinese herbs, and citrus.
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Style: Vibrant, playful, and modern.
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Reputation: Popular among younger gin enthusiasts and mixologists.
4. Other Emerging Gins
Small-batch gins are appearing that use local teas (oolong, pu’er), chrysanthemum flowers, ginger, and lychee, showcasing Hong Kong’s rich culinary influences.
Imported Gin Brands in Hong Kong
As a global trade hub, Hong Kong imports a wide range of international gins:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Common staples.
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Bombay Sapphire – A premium favorite in hotels.
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Hendrick’s – Widely available, often paired with cucumber or rose petals.
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Monkey 47 (Germany) – Highly popular among collectors and mixologists.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Popular in Mediterranean restaurants and rooftop bars.
Tonics in Hong Kong
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most common and accessible mixer.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
Highly popular in cocktail bars and luxury hotels, especially Mediterranean and Elderflower varieties.
3. East Imperial Tonic (Singapore-based, regional)
A premium tonic with a strong presence in Asia, often used in Hong Kong gin bars.
4. Local Craft Tonics
Some bartenders experiment with tea-based tonics or infusions, aligning with Hong Kong’s tea heritage.
Hong Kong’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Rooftop Lounges: Venues like Ozone (Ritz-Carlton) and Sevva serve premium G&Ts with skyline views.
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Speakeasies: Bars such as The Old Man (inspired by Hemingway) and Quinary offer creative gin-based cocktails.
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Serving Style: Influenced by Spanish gin-tonic traditions — oversized balloon glasses, elaborate garnishes.
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Garnishes: Citrus peel, chrysanthemum petals, lychee, Chinese herbs, and tea leaves.
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Cultural Identity: Hong Kong’s gin culture blends colonial legacy, Cantonese heritage, and modern cosmopolitan mixology.
Conclusion
Hong Kong has become one of Asia’s most exciting gin markets, with internationally recognized local brands like Two Moons, Perfume Trees, and Fok Hing Gin leading the charge. Combined with premium imports like Hendrick’s, Bombay Sapphire, and Monkey 47, the city offers a gin culture that is both diverse and deeply tied to local traditions.
Paired with Fever-Tree or East Imperial, and garnished with tea leaves, citrus, or chrysanthemum, a Hong Kong gin & tonic is elegant, aromatic, and unmistakably local.
For gin enthusiasts, sipping a G&T in Hong Kong is more than just a drink — it’s a journey through British heritage, Chinese botanicals, and the city’s world-class cocktail scene.
