Sip 7 2025

The Gin

Hi Reader,

Our gin journey this week takes us to New Zealand (of course after Australia) —a land of pure ingredients, world-class distilling, and bold innovation. 🇳🇿 Kiwi gin makers getting super creative by blending native botanicals like kawakawa, manuka, and horopito with expert craftsmanship to create fresh, vibrant gins of New Zealand that are perfect for you. But that’s not all!

We’re also mixing things up with a diverse lineup of stories, masterclasses, and features:

Gin of the Week: Top New Zealand Gins 🇳🇿
Story: Pink Gin Medicine? 🌸
Masterclass: Mixer Lessons 🧪
Cocktail for the week: Classic Pink Gin 🦩
Community Spotlight: Gin-filled journey 🍹
Events: February 🗓️

Gins of the Week: Top Gins of New Zealand 🇳🇿

New Zealand 🇳🇿 isn’t just about stunning landscapes and amazing wines—it’s also home to some seriously impressive gin. Distillers here are taking full advantage of the country’s pure water, native botanicals, and innovative techniques to craft gins that are fresh, bold, and full of character. If you’re after something smooth and citrusy or deep and herbaceous, these five gins are some of the best New Zealand has to offer.

Let’s dive in!

Juno Extra Fine Gin 🍊🌿
Flavor: Crisp, classic London Dry-style with juniper, eucalyptus, and pine, rounded out with orange, black pepper, kaffir lime leaves, and manuka.
Why Try It? It’s all about balance—smooth, versatile, and perfect whether you're mixing cocktails or sipping it straight. A solid first pick if you’re new to New Zealand gin!
Awildian Coromandel Dry 🍇🌸
Flavor: Bursting with fruity aromas of pomegranate and blueberry, with layers of spice and citrus.
Why Try It? This gin won World’s Best Classic Gin in 2022—that says it all! Plus, about a third of its 20 botanicals are locally grown or wild-foraged, making it a real taste of New Zealand’s Coromandel region.
Black Robin 🐦🍋
Flavor: A bold, juniper-forward London Dry with dried herbs, black pepper, and a fresh citrus twist.
Why Try It? Inspired by the endangered Chatham Island Black Robin, this gin doesn’t just taste amazing—it supports conservation too! A portion of every bottle sold goes toward protecting New Zealand’s wildlife.
Dr Beak New Zealand Premium 🍋🔥
Flavor: Big, bright citrus with spice-forward warmth, balanced by earthy, herbaceous notes.
Why Try It? Distilled with 13 botanicals and a 24-hour juniper maceration, this gin is bold enough to hold its own in a strong cocktail but smooth enough to sip on its own.
Little Biddy by Reefton Distilling Co. 🌲🌊
Flavor: Wild, green, and packed with herbal complexity—distilled with native botanicals straight from New Zealand’s lush West Coast rainforest.
Why Try It? Named after legendary gold miner Bridget “Biddy” Goodwin, this gin is all about adventure. If you love exploring the outdoors, this bottle belongs on your shelf.

Which one will you try first?

Read about the story of how a medicinal need led to Pink Gin 👇

The Best Artisanal Gins In NZ

Story: Pink Gin Medicine? 🌸

Back in the 19th century, British sailors spent months at sea, battling rough waters, unpredictable weather, and worst of all—seasickness. To fight off nausea, they turned to Angostura bitters, a herbal remedy created in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert, a German doctor working in Venezuela. Originally developed to aid soldiers suffering from digestive issues, the bitters quickly gained a reputation for their medicinal properties. However, the problem was that they were incredibly bitter and hard to drink on their own. In a stroke of ingenuity, British sailors mixed the bitters with Plymouth gin, a slightly sweeter and more approachable spirit. Not only did this make the bitters more drinkable, but the warmth of the gin also helped take the edge off those long, cold nights at sea.

What started as a practical solution for sailors soon made its way to the bars of England. By the mid-1800s, Pink Gin—named for its signature rosy hue from the bitters—became a fashionable drink in high-end lounges. Bartenders refined the recipe, serving it chilled with a twist of lemon to enhance its botanical and spiced flavors. The simplicity of the drink, combined with its unique depth of taste, made it a staple for gin lovers across the country.

Today, Pink Gin is no longer just a sailor’s remedy—it’s a timeless cocktail that blends history with sophistication. Whether you're sipping it in a sleek cocktail bar or making it at home, every glass carries a story of survival, innovation, and classic charm. It’s proof that sometimes, the best things come from necessity—and a little creativity. Cheers! 🍸

NEXT, Check out the Masterclass on Mixer Experiments👇

a history of pink gin. – Applewood Distillery

Masterclass: Mixer Lessons 🧪– Find Your Perfect Match 🍸

Gin and tonic is a classic, but there’s so much more you can do with gin. Mixing it with different mixers lets you explore flavors in unexpected ways. The right mixer can completely change the way you enjoy gin.

Let’s break it down!

1️⃣ Soda Water – Keep It Clean and Crisp 💦
If you want to taste the gin’s true character, soda water is your best choice. It adds bubbles without interfering with the botanicals, making it perfect for premium or craft gins. Expect a light, refreshing drink where the gin’s unique flavors—whether floral, citrusy, or herbal—really stand out. Add a squeeze of lime or a sprig of rosemary to enhance the aroma.

2️⃣ Ginger Ale – A Sweet and Spicy Kick 🔥
For a warmer, bolder gin experience, mix it with ginger ale. The spice from the ginger and the sweetness balance out the gin’s sharper notes, making it perfect for citrus-forward or spiced gins. Expect a smooth, slightly fiery drink that’s great for cozy evenings or slow sipping.

3️⃣ Fruit Juices – Bright, Tangy, and Refreshing 🍊
Gin pairs incredibly well with fruit. Orange juice brings a fresh, citrusy sweetness, while grapefruit juice adds a zesty bitterness that complements floral gins. If you like something tart, cranberry juice creates a crisp and balanced drink. Expect a vibrant, flavorful cocktail that’s easy to customize.

4️⃣ Flavored Sparkling Water – A Light and Subtle Option 💧
For a low-sugar, refreshing choice, try flavored sparkling waters. A hint of blackberry, cucumber, or lemon can highlight the gin’s botanicals without making the drink too sweet. Expect a crisp, delicate cocktail that’s perfect for warm days and casual sipping.

5️⃣ Tea – A Surprising and Elegant Twist 🍵
Tea and gin? Yes! Strong brews like Earl Grey or chamomile add depth and a touch of aromatics to gin, creating a unique, layered drink. Expect a smooth, herbal cocktail that’s great for sipping and experimenting with flavors.

Final Thought: Make It Your Own! The best way to find what you enjoy is to experiment. Play with different mixers, adjust the ratios, and see what works for your taste.

Checkout our Cocktail for the week Australian Gin Gimlet with Finger Lime 👇

Cocktail for the week: Classic Pink Gin 🦩

Classic Pink Gin Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 ounces (60 ml) gin (traditionally Plymouth gin)
2-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

Chill the Glass: Place a cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill.
Add Bitters: Once the glass is chilled, add the Angostura bitters. You can either swirl the bitters around the glass to coat the interior ("in" style) or swirl and then discard the excess bitters ("out" style), leaving only a residue.
Pour the Gin: Add the gin into the glass over the bitters.
Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by holding the twist over the glass and giving it a gentle squeeze, then drop it into the glass.
Serve: Enjoy your Pink Gin neat, savoring its aromatic and slightly bitter profile.

Pink Gin is typically served neat to let the flavors shine, but you can also add a splash of chilled water or soda if you prefer a softer taste. The botanicals from the gin and the warm spice of the bitters create a bold yet elegant drink that’s perfect for slow sipping.

Checkout events and our community feature on Gin-filled journey 👇