The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
When it comes to spirits, the Dominican Republic is world-famous for its rum — brands like Brugal, Barceló, and Bermúdez have defined the country’s drinking culture for centuries. Gin, however, has also carved out a space in Santo Domingo’s modern nightlife. Introduced during colonial trade and later through tourism, gin has become a sophisticated alternative to rum. Today, Dominican bartenders are experimenting with both imported gins and emerging local craft labels, serving gin & tonics that blend Caribbean freshness with European tradition.
A Short History of Gin in the Dominican Republic
Gin arrived in the Caribbean through European colonizers and traders in the 18th and 19th centuries. For most of its history in the Dominican Republic, gin was imported and consumed in expatriate or elite circles, while rum remained the national favorite.
The rise of cocktail culture in Santo Domingo in the 2000s, fueled by tourism and global trends, brought gin & tonic into the mainstream. Today, it is a staple in upscale bars, restaurants, and hotels, often adapted with local citrus, tropical fruits, and herbs.
Famous Gin Brands in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has few homegrown gin producers (rum is still the dominant spirit), but both local projects and imported gins define the market.
1. Macorix Gin (Limited Production)
Produced by the historic Macorix distillery in Puerto Plata, better known for rum.
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Style: A small-batch gin infused with Caribbean botanicals.
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Reputation: Rare and mostly local, appealing to Dominican gin enthusiasts.
2. Imported British Gins – Still the Backbone
Imported gins dominate the Dominican market, especially in Santo Domingo’s cocktail lounges.
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Beefeater – Widely available, used in classic G&Ts.
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Gordon’s – Affordable and common in households and bars.
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Tanqueray – A favorite in upscale venues.
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Bombay Sapphire – Popular in hotels and tourist resorts.
3. Spanish Influence – Premium Gins
Given the Dominican Republic’s strong ties with Spain, Spanish gins have become very popular.
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Gin Mare – A Mediterranean gin with rosemary, thyme, and olives.
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Nordés Atlantic Gin – Smooth and aromatic, with grape-based spirit and Galician botanicals.
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Puerto de Indias – Known for its strawberry and berry-infused pink gins, a hit among younger Dominican consumers.
4. Caribbean-Inspired Craft Gins
Some regional Caribbean producers export gins that are also found in Santo Domingo:
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Duppy Share Caribbean Gin – Distilled with tropical fruits and spices, occasionally available in the Dominican market.
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Rum-to-Gin Distillers – A few boutique rum distilleries have experimented with limited gin runs, though still very niche.
Tonic Waters in the Dominican Republic
1. Schweppes Tonic Water
The most widely available tonic in supermarkets and bars.
2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)
Increasingly popular in luxury hotels and cocktail bars in Santo Domingo. Mediterranean and Elderflower varieties are favorites for pairing with Spanish gins.
3. Local Alternatives
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Kola Real (Dominican soda brand): Sometimes substituted for tonic in casual gin mixes.
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Ginger beer or tropical sodas: Bartenders often replace tonic with local sodas to create Caribbean-inspired gin highballs.
Santo Domingo’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Nightlife: In Santo Domingo, gin & tonic is now a staple in rooftop bars, beach clubs, and cocktail lounges.
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Serving Style: Spanish-style balloon glasses (copas de balón) filled with ice, tonic, and elaborate garnishes.
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Garnishes: Local limes, grapefruit slices, passionfruit, rosemary sprigs, and tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
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Tourism Influence: Resorts in Punta Cana and La Romana often highlight gin & tonic on their cocktail menus to appeal to European tourists.
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Local Twist: In some bars, tonic is swapped for tropical soda (Chinola soda or Ting) to create Caribbean-style gin cocktails.
Conclusion
While the Dominican Republic is still dominated by rum, gin & tonic has become a fashionable drink in Santo Domingo and beyond. Imports like Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire, alongside Spanish favorites like Gin Mare, Nordés, and Puerto de Indias, define the market. Local projects such as Macorix Gin and occasional rum-distillery experiments give a homegrown touch.
Paired with mixers like Schweppes or premium options such as Fever-Tree, Dominican gin & tonics reflect the island’s fusion of colonial heritage, Spanish influence, and Caribbean creativity. Garnished with tropical fruits and herbs, they offer a refreshing, distinctly Dominican take on a global classic.
