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.
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.
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.
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Botanicals: Juniper, cacao nibs, Andean herbs, orange peel, and cinnamon.
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Flavor Profile: Rich, slightly chocolaty, with citrus and herbal layers.
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Reputation: A boutique gin that appeals to both locals and international visitors looking for something uniquely Ecuadorian.
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.
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Botanicals: Juniper, Andean mint (hierba buena), lemon verbena, and citrus grown in high-altitude valleys.
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Style: Fresh and crisp, designed for gin & tonic serves.
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Cultural Role: Popular in Quito’s growing craft cocktail scene.
3. Galápagos Gin – Island-Inspired Craft Spirit
As its name suggests, Galápagos Gin was created to highlight the archipelago’s natural treasures.
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Botanicals: Tropical fruits, island herbs, and citrus combined with juniper.
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Identity: Marketed as an eco-conscious spirit, reflecting Ecuador’s sustainability ethos.
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Reputation: A niche but memorable gin, often purchased by tourists visiting the islands.
4. Amazonía Dry Gin – Jungle Botanicals
Craft distillers in the Amazon region of Ecuador have experimented with gins infused with rainforest plants.
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Botanicals: Guayusa leaves (a caffeinated Amazonian herb), cacao husks, allspice, and citrus.
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Style: Earthy, energizing, and herbal.
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Reputation: A small-batch product but highly innovative, reflecting Ecuador’s Amazonian identity.
5. Imported Gin Brands in Ecuador
While Ecuador has its own growing gin scene, international brands remain dominant in bars and hotels:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available, the most common choices for classic G&Ts.
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Bombay Sapphire – A premium import often paired with upscale tonics in Quito and Guayaquil.
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.
Ecuador’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Bar Scene: Quito and Guayaquil have emerging cocktail cultures, with gin & tonic menus becoming a feature in upscale lounges and boutique hotels.
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Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic traditions, Ecuadorian bartenders use balloon glasses with garnishes like cacao nibs, lemongrass, or citrus slices.
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Local Twist: Guayusa, cacao, and Andean herbs are often used as garnishes, creating a distinctly Ecuadorian take on the G&T.
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Tourism Influence: Gin and tonic is particularly popular among tourists visiting the Galápagos and Andean resorts, where local gins are marketed as souvenirs.
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.
