Pink gin has gained huge popularity in the last decade or so, and it's safe to say the summery spirit isn't going anywhere.
A few years back, ordering a ‘pink’ gin in most establishments would land you with a dry London gin with a splash of Angostura bitter. Nowadays, however, it seems like every pub offers at least a few fruity and refreshing pink gins, often flavoured with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even bitter grapefruit.
Whether you pair it with tonic, lemonade, or fashion it into a cocktail, this spirit is uplifting, tasty, and with hundreds of different variations available, it's almost guaranteed that there's a pink gin out there to suit your taste exactly.
So, if you’re on the lookout for your perfect pink tipple or searching for a unique gift, we’ve got all the ginspiration you need. Read on to discover our round up of the best pink gins in the UK, including some truly unusual pink gins!
Check out our round-up of delicious, tried and tested pre-mixed cocktails here too
What flavour is pink gin?
Not all pink gins have the same flavour. While regular gin is primarily made using botanical or juniper berries, pink gin describes any gin with a pink colour and an often sweeter taste. Strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants and rhubarb are common ingredients when making pink gins, but other sweet fruits and ingredients are used by different companies. This is why we like to try a selection so we can find our favourite pink gin flavour!
What makes pink gin pink?
Red and pink fruits, flowers and ingredients, the most popular components of pink gin, contribute to that familiar colour as they infuse into the drink. Many gin distilleries will also add colouring and sweeteners to perfect their pink tone and get their desired flavour.
The best pink gin in 2024
Mermaid Gin
Mermaid Gin is made with island strawberries, lemon zest and elderflower, and it’s a winning combination in our opinion! The gin itself is smooth, fresh and fruity, but it’s not sickly sweet. It also comes in the most beautiful bottle, which would look incredible displayed on any kitchen shelf or vintage cocktail cart. We loved it with light tonic and a thin slice of strawberry, but if you’re a lemonade fan, it works well with citrus flavours or ginger ale.
- From £42
Mirabeau Rose Gin
According to its creators, Mirabeau gin is inspired by the botanical ingredients that grow on the rosè estate where it’s made. This also happens to be an area of Saint Tropez that has links to the world-famous perfume trade and, speaking of perfume, there’s definitely a distinct, floral taste to this spirit. It has hints of rose petals and jasmine, so if you’re a fan of dry rosé – or bitter aperitifs like Aperol – you’ll love it. It’s a great grown-up drink that’s perfectly sophisticated.
- From £30
Didsbury Strawberry and Sicilian Lemon gin
There's only the faintest hint of pink in the colour of this summery spin on Didsbury's classic gin, but the spirit itself is bursting with fruity flavour. Many flavoured gins are let down by an artificial chemical tang, but here the notes of sweet strawberries and tart lemon come through so naturally you can almost taste the fruit.
Pair with chopped strawberries or a sprig of basil to perfectly complement that aromatic Mediterranean flair.
- £15 for 200ml
Keepr's British Strawberry, Lavender And Honey Gin
- Buy now from DrinkSupermarket (£37.49).
We've learnt that honey, lavender and strawberries can be a match made in heaven, thanks to this very British gin from Keepr’s. A perfect balance of honey with fresh and floral ingredients combines to create a sweet but warming flavour. It’s definitely more ‘syrupy’ in texture than the other gins on this list – so much so that you could drink it neat quite easily - but we think it works best as a base for a sweet cocktail.
- £37.50
Manchester Gin
Manchester Gin is an iconic brand, and their take on pink gin is definitely one to try if you have a bit of a sweet tooth. Drink it neat and the candyfloss pink liquid has a subtly sweet but smooth raspberry flavour, with a light citrusy scent. Add a splash of tonic, however, and the bubbles transform your drink into a sherbert-like fizz that tastes much like a Love Heart sweet. To dial up the sweetness even more, try mixing it with a dash of lemonade.
Salcombe Gin Rose Saint Marie
This beautifully light rosè gin is our new summer evening essential. The citrusy gin is is flavoured with lemon peel and orange blossom, and aptly named after the iconic ‘Sainte Marie’ lighthouse where sailing ships would be loaded with citrus fruits before setting off to England’s ports. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, it’s fresh but not sweet – we think it’s best to drink it over ice with chilled tonic and a few slices of strawberry.
- From £40
Zymurgorium Flagingo Gin
In comparison to Zymurgorium’s more unusual unicorn, marshmallow and Turkish delight themed gins to name a few - you’d be forgiven for thinking their pink flamingo gin seems comparatively normal.
Unlike traditional pink gins, however, this one isn’t flavoured with summer berries or bitter grapefruit. Instead, it’s inspired by the Caribbean and combines mango, pineapple and passion fruit with allspice and ginger - perfect for the summer!
- From £20
Rattler Cornish Pink Gin
Last but by no means least! You may be thinking something about this gin looks familiar, and you’d be right… it’s made by the same distillers – and with the same apples - that make the iconic Cornish Rattler cider. Fresh apples are pressed before being mixed with fresh raspberries in Cornwall’s oldest distillery. The result is a sweet pink gin that tastes best muddled with rose lemonade and a handful of blueberries.
- From £41.95
Best mixers for pink gin
Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water
Gin and tonic is one of the most iconic duos out there... and for good reason. Tonic water has a subtle flavour that does a good job of enhancing all of the sweet aromas that come from pink gin. As the taste of tonic water is never too noticeable, you're able to appreciate the flavours of the spirit that you're drinking.
The London Essence Co. Soda Water
Soda water is a much lighter alternative to other mixers out there. It makes a good pairing with gin as both are known to be refreshing and, as it's just carbonated mineral water, it doesn't distort the taste of the gin.
Cawston Press Elderflower Lemonade
Lemonade is a great choice for a sweeter taste that can add a bit of fizz to your drink. This lemonade from Cawston Press combines apple, lemon and elderflower for a flavour that's light and refreshing.
Folkington's Fruit Juice
Gin and juice can be a delicious combo - particularly on summer days. For those of us who like pink gin for its sweetness, pairing it with a sweet juice can unlock even more appreciation for the beverage's flavours. Folkington's offer a range of juices including orange, apple, mango, and many more.
For more drink-related goodness, check out our selections of the best coasters and best drink trolleys, as well as our guide on how to organise a garden party.
