The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Peru
Peru is internationally celebrated for its pisco, but in recent years it has also embraced the global gin renaissance. With its incredible biodiversity — from the Andes and the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast — Peru offers distillers access to an abundance of botanicals: coca leaves, muña (Andean mint), camu camu, cacao, purple corn, and Amazonian fruits. By blending these local ingredients with traditional juniper, Peruvian gins stand out as some of the most unique in South America. Today, gin & tonic is a fashionable drink in Lima’s cocktail scene, offering both locals and tourists a refreshing alternative to pisco-based cocktails.
A Short History of Gin in Peru
Gin first appeared in Peru through European imports in the 19th and 20th centuries, mainly British brands like Beefeater and Gordon’s. For decades, gin was overshadowed by pisco, rum, and aguardiente.
The turning point came in the 2010s, when Peruvian bartenders and distillers, inspired by global trends, began producing craft gins that highlighted Peru’s native botanicals. These gins quickly gained recognition, not just in Peru but also abroad, thanks to the country’s booming culinary reputation.
Famous Peruvian Gin Brands
1. London to Lima Gin – The International Star
Distillery: London to Lima Spirits, Lima
Founded: 2016
One of the most famous Peruvian gin brands, founded by British distiller Alexander James.
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Botanicals: Juniper, coca leaves, Andean mint (muña), ginger, cacao nibs, and Amazonian fruits.
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Style: Herbal, slightly earthy, with citrus brightness.
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Reputation: Widely exported and considered Peru’s flagship gin internationally.
2. Gin’ca (Gin de Caña) – The Pioneer
Distillery: Inquebrantable, Lima
Founded: 2014
The first premium Peruvian gin, distilled from sugarcane spirit instead of grain or neutral alcohol.
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Botanicals: Coca leaves, muña, coriander, citrus peel, and cassia bark.
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Flavor Profile: Smooth and slightly sweet, with herbal Andean notes.
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Reputation: A true pioneer, often called “the first Peruvian gin.”
3. 14 Inkas Gin – Inspired by Heritage
Distillery: Boutique craft producers in Lima
A gin named after the 14 Inca rulers, symbolizing Peruvian identity.
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Botanicals: Purple corn, coca leaves, ginger, and citrus.
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Style: Bold, spicy, and fruity, with a strong local character.
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Reputation: Gaining popularity in Peru’s cocktail bars.
4. Amazonian Gin Company – The Jungle Spirit
Distillery: Iquitos region
Amazonian Gin highlights botanicals from the Peruvian rainforest.
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Botanicals: Camu camu, passionfruit, cacao husk, and allspice.
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Style: Fruity, exotic, and tropical.
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Reputation: Limited production but loved for its authenticity.
5. Andean Spirits (Muña Gin, Cacao Gin) – Regional Experiments
Several micro-distilleries in Cusco and Arequipa are experimenting with small-batch gins.
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Botanicals: Muña (Andean mint), cacao from Cusco, and local herbs.
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Style: Earthy and herbal, designed for local consumption.
Imported Gin Brands in Peru
While local gins are rising, international brands remain very popular in Peru:
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Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Common in supermarkets and pubs.
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Bombay Sapphire – Popular in upscale hotels.
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Spanish Gins (Gin Mare, Nordés, Puerto de Indias) – Very trendy in Lima’s gin bars, reflecting Spain’s influence on Peruvian gastronomy.
Tonics in Peru
1. Britvic & Schweppes Tonic Water
Widely available and affordable, they form the backbone of most G&Ts.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
The favorite in Lima’s high-end cocktail scene, especially Mediterranean and Elderflower.
3. Peruvian Boutique Tonics (Emerging)
A handful of local producers are experimenting with tonics infused with chicha morada (purple corn), camu camu, and citrus, though distribution is limited.
Peru’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Lima as Epicenter: The capital’s trendy cocktail bars — especially in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro — offer elaborate gin & tonic menus.
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Serving Style: Spanish-style balloon glasses with plenty of ice, premium tonics, and creative garnishes.
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Garnishes: Andean mint, coca leaves, cacao nibs, citrus wheels, and even exotic fruits like passionfruit or lucuma.
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Tourism Influence: Tourists drawn to Peru’s gastronomy also fuel gin’s rise, making gin & tonic a fashionable alternative to pisco sour.
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Cultural Identity: Peruvian gin captures the fusion of Andean, Amazonian, and coastal flavors, reflecting the country’s diversity.
Conclusion
Peru may be famous for pisco, but it is now a rising star in the world of gin. With pioneering brands like Gin’ca, internationally acclaimed labels like London to Lima, and creative spirits such as 14 Inkas and Amazonian Gin, the country is producing gins that embody its biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with coca leaves, muña, or tropical fruits, Peruvian gin & tonics are vibrant, refreshing, and deeply connected to the land.
For gin enthusiasts, sipping a Peruvian G&T is more than a drink — it’s an exploration of the Andes, the Amazon, and Lima’s cosmopolitan bar culture in one glass.
