Origin is Key: The New Generation of Spanish Gins with Local Botanicals

Spanish gin has a long and proud history, and it all starts in Mediterranean. Xoriguer, produced in Mahón (Menorca, Balearic Islands) since the 18th century, stands as one of the oldest and most iconic gins in the country. Made using a base of wine spirit and infused with juniper berries, it’s distilled in traditional copper stills and aged in wood, resulting in a distinctive, earthy profile. Today, it remains one of the few gins in Europe with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)—a testament to its deep connection with local tradition and craftsmanship.

Much later came a new Mediterranean perspective with brands like Gin Mare, which helped redefine Spanish gin for the 21st century. Distilled on the Costa Dorada near Barcelona, Gin Mare introduced a fresh, culinary approach to gin with a unique mix of botanicals: thyme, basil, rosemary, and Arbequina olives. It was one of the first Spanish gins designed not just for cocktails but also to pair with food, making it a favorite in gastronomy circles. Its clean, herbal style is perfect over ice with tonic and a sprig of rosemary.

Parallel to this Mediterranean evolution, Spain also developed a passionate love for the gin & tonic. Here, it’s not just a drink but a ritual: large balloon glasses, oversized ice, top-quality tonics, and carefully chosen garnishes all contribute to the experience. Spain is now one of the top gin consumers in the world, and this national obsession has helped fuel a new generation of small-batch, locally inspired gins.

The Gin & Tonic Craze: A Spanish Ritual

Gin might have British roots, but Spain has made the gin & tonic its own. What started as a simple drink has become a full-blown ritual: balloon glasses, crystal-clear ice, premium tonics, and elaborate garnishes are standard practice across Spanish bars and homes. This cultural phenomenon has helped elevate gin to superstar status in Spain, now one of the top consumers of gin per capita in the world. This love for gin-tonic, often served as a post-dinner drink or even paired with tapas, has driven innovation and opened the door to a wave of craft gins that prioritize quality, terroir, and storytelling.

Now, following in the footsteps of the Mediterranean pioneers, a new wave of Spanish gin producers is embracing regional botanicals and artisanal methods. Let’s take a look at some of the standout names shaping this flavorful evolution.

Handmade and Limited in Barcelona

Handcrafted in traditional copper stills in Barcelona (Catalonia), 100&NOMORE produces just 100 bottles per edition—no repeats, no mass production. Every bottle is hand-numbered, and the brand focuses on rare ingredients and creative inspiration from natural landscapes.

In the words of the producers: “Each of our gins is distilled by hand in traditional copper stills using uncommon ingredients. Every edition is limited to just 100 bottles. Brava includes pine and eucalyptus. It evokes walking through pine groves by the sea, feeling the sun’s embrace, breathing in fresh Mediterranean air scented with gorse, rosemary, thyme, and pine.”

Founded in 2022, 100&NOMORE is a sensory experience more than just a beverage. It offers invigorating aromas of pine and eucalyptus with a balsamic freshness reminiscent of the sea. On the palate, it is cool, foresty, and finishes with a subtle spice that lingers without overpowering.

Lavanda Fields in the Glass

Created in Sigüenza (Guadalajara. Castile - La Mancha), central Spain, Lavanda Gin captures the essence of its land using organic lavender, rosemary, and thyme. The project began in 2020, just before the pandemic, as a way to reconnect with and showcase local biodiversity.

As the team explains “the idea of a lavender-themed gin came to us as we saw the potential of our land. We decided to launch the project right before the pandemic. Lavender is just one of the botanicals—but the main one. The thyme and rosemary also come from the area. The lavender is organic, and the seal is biodegradable.”

This gin delivers a soft and perfumed aroma dominated by lavender, underpinned by herbal touches of rosemary and thyme. On the palate, it is smooth and aromatic, with a clean, floral finish that reflects the calm beauty of the Castilian countryside.

Using Handpicked Local Botanics

Minimalism and tradition go hand-in-hand in Gin9 de Mascaró, a bold, juniper-forward gin distilled in the mountainous region between Penedès and Anoia (Catalonia). This is one of the driest gins on the market and contains only one botanical: wild juniper berries, handpicked by local farmers and shepherds.

Mascaró proudly defines it as“100% juniper and nothing else. Also 100% Mediterranean.” Gin9 opens with a sharp, clean burst of juniper and just a hint of citrus zest. On the palate, it is exceptionally dry, intense, and straightforward—perfect for purists who want their gin stripped down to its very essence.

Celebrating Mallorca’s Rich Botanical Heritage

Gin Eva is a testament to the Mediterranean spirit, meticulously crafted in Mallorca (Balearic Islands) by Eva Maier and Stefan Winterling. Their gins are a celebration of the island's rich botanical heritage, with each expression reflecting a deep connection to the local landscape.

Utilizing wild juniper berries from the Mallorcan coast and citrus fruits like lemons and bitter oranges from the Sóller Valley, Gin Eva distills its botanicals separately before blending them to create harmonious profiles. Notably, their La Mallorquina gin, infused with Mallorcan olives, has garnered international acclaim, winning the "World's Best Signature Botanical Gin" award at the World Gin Awards in 2019. This dedication to quality and locality has solidified Gin Eva's reputation as a leading producer in Spain's craft gin scene

Infused in a Local Icon

This Galician gin boldly features one of the region’s most iconic ingredients: Pimientos de Padrón (green peppers from Galicia, specifically the Pemento de Herbón DOP variety). A Miña Orixe, distilled in A Coruña, offers a taste of Galicia unlike anything else, using pepper infusion for a subtle heat and vegetal depth. The brand notes:“The distillation process ensures a balance between the pepper’s character and the other botanicals in the recipe.”

On the nose, it offers a unique aroma of green pepper and citrus with fresh herbal complexity. The flavor is lively, bright, and slightly spicy—just enough to surprise without overwhelming the palate. It’s an exciting, modern expression of Galician terroir.

Spanish Gin Flavors Go Global

Spanish craft gins have found strong demand in international markets, each with its own export focus. Xoriguer is mainly sold in the UK, Germany, and Nordic countries, with growing interest in the US and Japan. Gin Mare has a wider global reach, doing well in the UK, Germany, France, the US, Canada, and parts of Asia like Japan and South Korea, thanks to its Mediterranean character. Gin Eva, though more niche, exports primarily to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and is slowly gaining recognition in the U.S. and Northern Europe.

Spanish gins have demonstrated that are more than just trendy craft bottles—they’re expressions of place, climate, and culture. Each one reflects the landscape and tradition of its origin, offering gin lovers a deliciously local journey through Spain’s regions.