The best pink gins
Old school pink gin consisted of simply Plymouth gin with a splash of Angostura bitters, and was a popular tipple with members of the Royal Navy. The drink soon caught on, becoming popular throughout the UK in the late 19th century.
Nowadays, pink gin is often flavoured with raspberry, grapefruit, strawberry, rhubarb or rose, and is typically served with a tonic or sparkling wine as a spritz. There are those who might turn their noses up at flavoured gins but we are very much of the opinion that pink gin in all its guises is still IN. These 8 gins are proof that done well, gins infused with fruit or flavour can be just as subtle and interesting as the pure spirit. Check out our favourites below.
A peachy-pink gin in a graphically bold bottle, this Finnish rye gin is less floral than others, and could be a great, softer, substitute for traditional gin in your regular G&Ts. It’s flavoured with strawberries, foraged sour lingonberries and rhubarb. Available from Whisky Exchange (£25.95)
Isle of Barra rhubarb and heather gin liqueur
As glorious as the island it’s made on, Isle of Barra rhubarb and heather gin liqueur is a real rare find. Flavour-wise: it’s sweet from the rhubarb, spicy from the ginger and floral from the heather, and is really refreshing on the tastebuds. It comes as a liqueur, only 20% ABV, which makes it perfect for light drinking or even enjoying on its own over ice. Available from Isle of Barra Distillers (£22).
Spicy, refreshing, and altogether interesting, Conker’s Port Barrel pink gin is matured for 8 weeks in ex-Port barrels (as the name suggests), imparting a ruby-pink hue and a spicy-sweet flavour that doesn’t overpower but brings complexity. It’s on the pricier end of things, but a little goes a long way, and it makes a classy martini with an attractive pink blush. Available from Conker (£50).
This is a pink gin for the anti-flavoured gins brigade! A little bit spicy and a little bit herbal, but with a freshness that packs a strong juniper punch, this organic gin has been created by Scandinavian company Hernö. The brand’s founder Jon Hillgren believes that flavoured gins are watering down the craft behind the spirit, and the extra juniper found in this bottle is their way of lampooning the flavoured gin trend. Available from Master of Malt (£39.99).
Mermaid Pink Gin from the Isle of White distillery is fresh and zesty, with discernable notes of strawberry, citrus and pepper, with a smooth finish. Containing no added sugar, this drink isn’t saccharine, but fruity and incredibly well-suited to a gin fizz or bramble. Available from Master of Malt (£35.79).
Puerto de Indias strawberry gin
It wouldn’t be summer without sumptuously sweet strawberries and now you can drink them too in this Spanish pink gin. It’s on the sweeter end of the scale so we’d recommend serving with a light mixer. Or, if you’re feeling brave, enjoy it neat over ice! Available from Ocado (£27.55).
Edinburgh rhubarb and ginger gin
The rhubarb and ginger gin liqueur from Edinburgh Gin shot the brand to fame when it first hit the shelves. Until last year however, it was only available as a liqueur and so for those who like their gin to come with a punch, it perhaps lacked oomph. Much to our delight, the rhubarb and ginger liqueur was recently relaunched as a full strength gin (40%). Team it with a Mediterranean tonic for a sweet and refreshing upgrade to your regular G&T. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a stick of rhubarb for additional flair. Available from Edinburgh Gin (£28).
Flavoured with fresh raspberries and packaged up in a sleek, streamlined bottle, this no-frills gin caught our attention nonetheless. It’s nice and dry with a subtle fruity flavour and doesn’t use any artificial flavourings. What else makes it cool? Pinkster use up any leftover berries to make a rather delicious gin-soaked raspberry jam. So now you can enjoy your favourite tipple for breakfast too! We’re sold. Available from Pinkster (£35).