While the demand for traditional style gins is continuing to grow (there are now over 250 Scottish gins), we're also seeing the rise of Pink Gins which have been becoming increasing popular over the past few years. It's just been announced that you can buy Pink Gin Ice Cream!

Many of the Scottish gin distilleries that we work with have released their own take on the fruity and floral pink gin style so we thought we'd showcase some of our favourites.

What is Pink Gin?

Pink gin originated in the mid-19th century and consisted of Plymouth Gin, a dash of Angostura bitters and was commonly garnished with some lemon rind. It was the addition of the bitters that gave the gin it's pink colour.

It is thought that pink gin was created by members of the Royal Navy to help make the consumption of Angostura bitters more enjoyable as they were used as a treatment for sea sickness in 1824 by Dr. Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siebert. The addition of Plymouth Gin, a slightly sweeter gin, and lemon rind masked the flavour of the bitters.

Today, pink gin is a very different drink to the 19th century cocktail. Perfect for sunny days, today's pink gin is sweet and flavoured with red or pink fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or rhubarb. Many people choose to drink pink gins with tonic, rose lemonade or even with a splash of prosecco.

Scottish Pink Gins

With Scotland's amazing natural larder for fresh berries and fruit, it's no surprise that we're seeing an increase of the number of Scottish Pink Gins on the market. Check out some of our favourites below.

1. Lundin Scottish Pink Raspberry Ripple Gin

A full strength slightly sweetened pink gin made with Scottish rasperries and strawberries picked from the Scottish East Coast

Ripple Scottish Berry Infused Gin is a perfect gin if you enjoy a subtly sweetened gin - made without artficial colours and flavours, Ripple's colour comes from the fresh, sweet berries!

Serve over plenty of ice with a premium tonic and some Scottish raspberries to finish or with prosecco as a photo-worthy gin fizz.

ABV: 38%  |  Bottle Size: 70cl  |  Price: £37.95

2. Four Marys Bonny Bramble Gin by Linlithgow Distillery

The Bonny Bramble Gin is the second expression to be released in the series of Four Marys Gins from Linlithgow Distillery.

Traditional gin botanicals such as juniper, coriander and angelica are distilled with fresh raspberry leaves before being infused with Scottish Brambles. The flavours all come naturally from the distillation process - nothing has been added to the gin.

ABV: 40%  |  Bottle Size: 50 cl  |  Price: £30.00

3. Heather Gin by Isle of Bute Gin Co.

The Heather Gin is made using handpicked heather from the Isle of Bute on Scotland's west coast. The heather is combined with a number of botanicals including pink grapefruit for a gin that showcases the floral beauty of the island. 

Currently distilled in Glasgow by Simon Tardivel, the company are in the process of relocating back home to the island.  

Serve over ice mixed with a light tonic and finish with a wedge of pink grapefruit for a delightfully refreshing gin. Alternatively, add some fresh berries for an enhanced pink drink!

ABV: 43%  |  Bottle Size: 70 cl |  Price: from £34.95

4. Cherry Bakewell Gin by McLean's Gin

Photo: The Gin Cooperative

McLean's Cherry Bakewell Gin does exactly what it says on the bottle! You'll get big hits of cherry, almond and vanilla as a nod to the classic British sweet treat.

Perfect as a refreshing gin & mix or used as the base of a cocktail. 

We highly recommend serving over ice with cream soda and finished off with a maraschino cherry (trust us, it's good!). If your palate is not as sweet then it also works well with a classic tonic water.

ABV: 37.5%  |  Bottle Size: 70 cl |  Price: £38.50

5. Hibiscus Gin by Kinrara Distillery

A limited release from Kinrara Distillery in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, the Hibiscus Gin is 

A juniper led dry gin, combining both foraged and locally sourced botanicals. The gin is then cold compounded with additional hibiscus flowers and sweet orange peel to give a luxurious deep pink hue and added floral flavour. As natural ingredients are used the consistency of the pink colour of the gin may change. However, the flavour will always stay the same.

We think that the Hibiscus Gin is best enjoyed in a big glass with lots of ice and topped with a premium lemonade to make a refreshing cooler. Alternatively, add to prosecco for an indulgent pink fizz. Finish off with some fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint.

ABV: 40%  |  Bottle Size: 70 cl  |  Price: £39.95

6. Black Raspberry Old Tom Gin by South Loch Gin

The combination of classic gin botanicals bring a traditional juniper hit with the addition of Scottish black and red raspberries for a naturally sweet, fruity twist for a contemporary take on the Old Tom style.

As the colour comes naturally from the berries the colour may change in sunlight or over time. However, the outstanding flavour will always remain the same.

We recommend served over ice, topped with Mediterranean tonic water and finished with some lemon and rosemary. If looking for an alternative to tonic serve then mix with ginger ale.

ABV: 41.4%  |  Bottle Size: 70 cl  |  Price: £36.95