The gins of Marin, perfect to pair with tonic

A West Coast lifestyle aficionado once wrote a song about gin and juice. A better version would have used tonic, because while gin and juice is an acceptable cocktail, gin and tonic is an exceptional one.

Gin, by most accounts is a Dutch invention, popularized in the mid 1600’s by Dr Sylvias, a Dutch physician, it was already in widespread production by the time of his birth. Gin (or in Dutch “jenever’) is akin to aquavit in that gin is a juniper flavored neutral spirit and aquavit is caraway flavored. There are differences of course, but one thing for sure is that the countries bordering the mouth of the Baltic Sea liked their spirits flavored, while those farther east (Russia and Poland) preferred their spirits neutral.

So, it is somewhat strange that the British get most of the credit these days for gin, and London “dry” is one of the most classic and popular versions. Important to note that “London” is a legal definition and means all natural botanicals, where “dry” is a style definition. Ironically “London” gins don’t need to be made in London, nor even, in Britain at all. But a newer style of gin has moved to the forefront, spearheaded by brands like the “Scottish” gin Hendricks, a style of gin that is lighter and more aromatic, relying more on the other botanicals present in gin rather than the juniper. These gins are often described as citrusy, fresh, or floral. And they all go great with tonic.

One of the cocktails driving this trend is the reimagined gin and tonic. With the variety of many new quality tonics on the market (everything from cucumber to lavender) a renewed interest has arisen in the classic highball combination of a spirit and a sparkling mixer. The Spanish started the trend, combining lighter bodied gins with premium tonic and serving them with ice in large wine glasses along with added spices (like star anise, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns) and fresh aromatics (like rosemary sprigs, cilantro, mint). The results have set the Mediterranean on fire, from Mallorca to Syracuse. Along that route there are entire bars dedicated to just the gin and tonic, having upwards of 300 different versions!

Since Northern California is often described as Mediterranean in climate, it just might be time to embrace some of the trends working so well there. Luckily because of our climate, we won’t have to import anything, because we have all we need right around here.

So, to that end, here are three local products that mix especially well with premium tonic. Anything from bitter lemon to elderflower. Rolling, rolling, rolling, sipping on gin and tonic might not have quite the same ring as gin and juice. But gin from Marin flows just as easily off the tongue as it does onto it.

Hanson of Sonoma, California Coastal Gin, 42.5% ABV (85 proof), $50

Brand spanking new, and it’s violet! And that should make it unusual all on its own. But it is also citrusy, savory, and salty, with an emphasis on the citrusy. Sure, there’s juniper (there has to be) but that piney resiny flavor is more of a costar than the sole star. And all those flavors, that sea kelp, citrus, and butterfly pea flower (where the color comes from) are also organic. The dash of color (which changes with the addition of citrus juice), and bright citrus will certainly put the wow in your summer cocktail. Available in June only to club members and to taste at the public tasting rooms (in Sonoma and Sausalito). Starting in July it will be available to the general public for purchase. Summers just might never be the same.

More info here: Hanson of Sonoma

Alamere Spirits, Gin, 44% ABV (88 proof), $35

Alamere Spirits produces two vodkas, and two ginsall made from French Wheat. Which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering Alamere’s owners, Suzannah and Olivier Souvestre were former partners in Le Garage Restaurant and are the current proprietors of Suzette in Sausalito, both French restaurants. Alamere offers the traditional big juniper London “Dry” style of gin (a Gold medal winner at the 2021 San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition), as well as this citrus forward offering. Makrut lime (also called Kaffir) combines with lemongrass, grains of paradise, and the requisite juniper to create a surprisingly light and refreshing gin, especially surprising considering the proof. Excellent with tonic, and especially good “Spanish style” served in a big goblet with tonic. The French also have a Mediterranean Coast, but who needs the Cote d’Azur when they can have Alamere Falls?

More info or to purchase here: Alamere Spirits

Sausalito Liquor Company, Marin Coastal Gin, 45% ABV (90 proof), $34.99

Maybe it’s the locally foraged Nori seaweed, or the local angelica, or it could be the two different types of juniper? Gin has from its inception been an alchemical item, and Sausalito’s Scott Jampol has managed to distill that romantic sciency idea into his gin. Softer than one would expect, especially at 90 proof, this gin exhibits a citrusy floral character, all propped up by the juniper. It’s a liquid version of a long cool stroll through a Coastal redwood forest replete with spring flowers and summer citrus. Oh, and it won a gold medal at the 2023 L.A. Spirits Awards too if that sort of thing matters to you.

For more info or to purchase go here: Sausalito Liquor Co.