The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Vietnam
Vietnam is celebrated for its rice spirits, beer culture, and coffee traditions, but in recent years, it has also joined the global gin boom. Thanks to its tropical climate, fertile soils, and abundance of herbs and spices, Vietnam offers a rich palette of botanicals for gin production: lemongrass, lotus flower, green tea, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and exotic fruits.
In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, gin & tonic has become a popular cocktail in modern bars, rooftop lounges, and resorts. Today, Vietnam is producing a handful of artisanal gins that reflect its unique biodiversity, alongside the imported brands that still dominate much of the market.
A Short History of Gin in Vietnam
Gin first arrived in Vietnam during the French colonial period, alongside wine and cognac. For decades, gin remained an imported luxury consumed in colonial clubs and later in international hotels.
It wasn’t until the 2010s that Vietnam’s craft distilling movement began to emerge. Inspired by global mixology trends, Vietnamese entrepreneurs started making small-batch gins with local botanicals, creating spirits that highlight the country’s terroir. Today, Vietnam’s gins are gaining recognition in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Famous Vietnamese Gin Brands
1. Lady Trieu Gin – Inspired by Vietnamese Heritage
Distillery: Lady Trieu Distillery, Ho Chi Minh City
Named after the legendary 3rd-century Vietnamese warrior woman, Lady Trieu Gin is a bold expression of Vietnam’s natural and cultural identity.
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Botanicals: Lemongrass, lime leaves, pepper, lotus flower, and ginger.
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Style: Fresh, citrusy, and spicy with a floral edge.
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Reputation: Considered Vietnam’s flagship gin, well-known in the region’s cocktail bars.
2. Sông Cái Dry Gin – Spirit of the Mountains
Distillery: Sông Cái Distillery, Hanoi
A gin that emphasizes botanicals from northern Vietnam’s highlands and river valleys.
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Botanicals: Mountain pepper, star anise, cardamom, green tea, and native herbs.
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Style: Complex, earthy, and aromatic, with a distinctly Vietnamese character.
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Reputation: Award-winning and exported, a true ambassador of Vietnamese craft spirits.
3. Saigon Baigur Dry Gin – Cosmopolitan Urban Spirit
Distillery: Saigon Baigur Distillery, Ho Chi Minh City
One of the first internationally recognized craft gins from Vietnam.
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Botanicals: Lotus flower, pomelo peel, cardamom, lemongrass, and coriander.
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Style: Balanced, elegant, with tropical freshness.
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Reputation: A premium gin that reflects the cosmopolitan culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Other Emerging Vietnamese Gins
Small micro-distilleries in Da Nang and Hue are experimenting with cinnamon, pomelo, jasmine, and dragonfruit, though most remain local and limited in production.
Imported Gin Brands in Vietnam
Imports remain dominant, especially in luxury hotels and expat bars:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available across Vietnam.
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Bombay Sapphire – Popular in premium cocktail lounges.
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Hendrick’s – Common in fine dining venues, paired with cucumber or exotic herbs.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Growing in popularity due to Mediterranean culinary influence in Vietnam.
Tonics in Vietnam
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most widely available tonic in supermarkets and bars.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
Highly popular in high-end bars in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, especially Mediterranean and Elderflower varieties.
3. Local Alternatives
Some bartenders substitute tonic with soda water, ginger ale, or herbal infusions (lemongrass soda, green tea soda), giving a Vietnamese twist to gin & tonic.
Vietnam’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City Hotspots: Gin & tonic is a staple in rooftop lounges, speakeasies, and luxury hotels.
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Resort Culture: In Da Nang, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc, gin & tonic is popular with international tourists seeking refreshing cocktails.
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Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic culture, served in balloon glasses with elaborate garnishes.
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Garnishes: Lemongrass stalks, lime leaves, lotus petals, chili slices, or pomelo peel.
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Cultural Identity: Vietnamese gin combines global gin tradition with local spices, herbs, and citrus, making it truly distinctive.
Conclusion
Vietnam is quickly emerging as a gin-producing nation in Southeast Asia, blending tradition, modernity, and natural abundance. With iconic brands like Lady Trieu, terroir-driven spirits like Sông Cái, and cosmopolitan labels like Saigon Baigur, the country is shaping a strong gin identity.
Paired with Schweppes or Fever-Tree, and garnished with lemongrass, lotus, or pomelo, a Vietnamese gin & tonic is refreshing, aromatic, and unmistakably local.
For gin enthusiasts, sipping a G&T in Vietnam is more than just a cocktail — it’s a sensory journey through the rice fields, spice markets, and tropical landscapes of the country.
