The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is world-famous for its beer culture and for herbal liqueurs like Becherovka. Gin, however, has become an increasingly popular spirit in the last decade. With the global gin renaissance reaching Central Europe, Czech distillers have embraced the opportunity to craft gins using local herbs, fruits, and botanicals from the Bohemian and Moravian landscapes.
In Prague, Brno, and other urban centers, gin & tonic has become a trendy cocktail, enjoyed both by locals and tourists. The Czech gin scene is defined by a mix of artisanal domestic gins and premium international imports, creating a diverse and exciting market.
A Short History of Gin in the Czech Republic
For most of the 20th century, gin in the Czech Republic was limited to imports, mainly Gordon’s, Beefeater, and Tanqueray. Domestic production was virtually nonexistent, as traditional spirits like slivovice (plum brandy) and Becherovka dominated.
In the 2010s, the craft distilling movement began to thrive, and Czech entrepreneurs started producing gins that highlighted local botanicals such as linden blossoms (the national tree), juniper from Moravia, forest berries, and mountain herbs from the Krkonoše region.
Today, the Czech Republic is home to several premium gin labels that are gaining recognition both at home and abroad.
Famous Czech Gin Brands
1. OMG Gin (Oh My Gin) – The Pioneer
Distillery: Zufanek Distillery, Moravia
OMG Gin is often considered the first premium craft gin from the Czech Republic.
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Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, linden blossom, angelica root, and citrus.
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Variants: OMG Classic Dry Gin, OMG Gin Peppermint, and OMG Gin Czech Herbs.
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Style: Smooth, herbal, and distinctly Czech.
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Reputation: The flagship Czech gin, highly regarded in Europe.
2. Little Urban Distillery Gin – The Prague Artisan
Distillery: Little Urban Distillery, Prague
A boutique gin brand crafted in small batches, inspired by urban creativity.
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Botanicals: Juniper, linden, chamomile, citrus peel, and lavender.
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Style: Fresh, floral, and aromatic.
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Reputation: A favorite in Prague’s cocktail bars and among younger gin enthusiasts.
3. Garage22 Gin – Experimental and Modern
Distillery: Garage22, Prague
A distillery that focuses on bold flavors and creative twists.
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Botanicals: Juniper, citrus zest, herbs, and sometimes experimental ingredients like hops.
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Style: Modern, zesty, and crafted for mixology.
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Reputation: Known for pushing boundaries, aligning with Prague’s vibrant bar culture.
4. Czech Rock Gin – Moravian Craft Spirit
Distillery: Moravia
A small-batch gin with strong ties to Czech landscapes.
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Botanicals: Juniper, forest berries, linden, and Moravian herbs.
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Style: Earthy, bold, and rooted in tradition.
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Reputation: A regional gin gaining attention across Central Europe.
5. Other Emerging Czech Gins
Several new micro-distilleries are experimenting with botanicals like elderflower, hops, raspberries, and mountain tea, showing the Czech Republic’s potential to become a regional gin hotspot.
Imported Gin Brands in the Czech Republic
Imported gins remain highly popular, especially in Prague and Brno:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available in supermarkets and pubs.
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Bombay Sapphire – A common premium choice.
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Hendrick’s – Loved in upscale cocktail bars, often paired with cucumber.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Popular due to Mediterranean culinary influence.
Tonics in the Czech Republic
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most common and affordable tonic, available everywhere.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
A favorite in Prague’s mixology scene, especially Mediterranean and Elderflower varieties.
3. Local Czech Tonics (Emerging)
Some Czech soda makers are experimenting with craft tonics, sometimes infused with herbs like elderflower or hops, though these are niche.
Czech Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Prague as Hub: The capital has embraced gin & tonic, with dedicated gin bars offering dozens of combinations.
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Brno and Beyond: The country’s second-largest city also boasts a thriving cocktail culture.
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Serving Style: Following Spanish and British trends, served in balloon glasses with elaborate garnishes.
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Garnishes: Lime, orange peel, cucumber, raspberries, elderflower, and linden leaves.
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Tourism Influence: Gin & tonic is especially popular among international visitors exploring Prague’s nightlife.
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Cultural Identity: Czech gin blends global gin-making with local herbs, linden blossoms, and Moravian botanicals, making it distinctive.
Conclusion
The Czech Republic may be more famous for beer and herbal liqueurs, but it is now producing some of Central Europe’s most innovative craft gins. With pioneering brands like OMG Gin, artisanal labels like Little Urban Distillery and Garage22, and regional gins like Czech Rock Gin, the country has carved out a place in the global gin map.
Paired with Schweppes or Fever-Tree, and garnished with linden blossoms, cucumber, or citrus, a Czech gin & tonic is refreshing, authentic, and modern.
For gin enthusiasts, sipping a Czech G&T is not just about enjoying a cocktail — it’s about experiencing Bohemian landscapes, Moravian tradition, and Prague’s vibrant urban culture in a glass.
