Pink Gin and Soda: What Is Pink Gin and How Do You Serve It?

What is pink gin?

Pink gin is gin that has been flavoured with red fruit or botanicals, and often given a pink colour, either naturally from the fruit or with added colouring. Common flavours include strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb and hibiscus.

It still starts with a gin base flavoured with juniper, which is then infused or blended to add the fruity, pink character. The result is usually softer and sweeter than a classic dry gin.

Explore: Shop pink gin

How is pink gin made?

Producers use several methods. Some macerate fruit in the gin after distillation, which adds colour and flavour. Others add fruit juice, natural flavourings or sweeteners to a distilled gin base.

Depending on the sweetness and the rules where the gin is sold, some products are labelled as flavoured gin or gin liqueur. Check the label if you prefer a drier style.

How is pink gin different from regular gin?

A classic dry gin is led by juniper, citrus and spice, with little or no sugar. Pink gin puts fruit forward and is usually rounder and sweeter, which makes it popular with people who find dry gin too sharp.

Both can be enjoyed in the same ways, but pink gin is often served with soda or lemonade rather than a strongly bitter tonic. Our guide to London dry and contemporary gin explains the wider styles.

How do you make a pink gin and soda?

Fill a tall glass with ice, add one part pink gin and top with two to three parts chilled soda water. Stir gently and garnish with fresh strawberries, a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.

Soda keeps the drink light and lets the fruit flavour come through. For a sweeter long drink, use lemonade or a lightly flavoured tonic instead.

What garnish works with pink gin?

Fresh strawberries, raspberries, a slice of lime or lemon, a twist of grapefruit or a sprig of mint all work well. Edible flowers add a pretty finish for entertaining.

Use plenty of ice and a large glass so that the drink stays cold and the garnish has room to show.

Which mixers go well with pink gin?

Soda water is the cleanest choice. Light or Mediterranean tonic adds a gentle bitterness, and lemonade gives a sweeter, more casual drink. Sparkling wine turns pink gin into a celebratory topper.

Avoid heavy mixers that cover the fruit. Browse our mixers and tonics to stock up.

Can you drink pink gin neat?

You can sip a quality pink gin neat or over ice, but most styles are lower in botanical complexity than classic gin and taste best diluted. A small splash of soda opens the aroma.

If you want to try it neat, chill the bottle first and pour a small measure.

How strong is pink gin?

Strength varies by brand. Gins are commonly bottled at around 37.5 to 43 percent ABV, while flavoured or liqueur-style pink gins can be lower. Always check the label.

Mixed with soda, a standard serve is far milder than a neat measure, but alcohol is still alcohol, so drink responsibly.

How do you choose a pink gin?

Decide whether you want dry and botanical or sweet and fruity, then check the flavour, the ABV and the size. A smaller bottle is a good way to try a new style.

Browse the pink gin collection and the wider gin range. We deliver insured across Australia, and an adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.

What mistakes should you avoid when serving pink gin?

The most common mistakes are too little ice, warm mixers and over-sweet mixers. Fill the glass with ice before you pour, chill the soda or tonic, and measure the gin so the drink stays balanced.

Avoid over-garnishing as well. One or two pieces of fruit or a sprig of mint is enough, because a crowded glass leaves less room for ice and the drink warms up faster.

Can you make a pink gin spritz?

Yes. Add a measure of pink gin to a wine glass of ice, top with chilled sparkling wine or prosecco and a splash of soda, and finish with a strawberry or a slice of lemon.

How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?

Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.

The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.

How can you drink responsibly in Australia?

The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.

Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.