A Gin-Soaked Journey | Listen

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The Sunshine State is making a splash with craft distilleries

From the panhandle to the peninsula, Florida is home to a large number of craft distilleries, many producing intriguing and undeniably appealing varieties of gin. When you acknowledge that gin is a contrivance that starts with a neutral grain spirit followed by juniper berries and other botanicals, and methods for distillation and infusing flavor vary from one producer to the next, the range of innovative flavor profiles and new drinking experiences that can be found across the state is considerable.

It’s important to note that the formula for gin has been evolving for centuries. Originally produced in the 1600s in the Netherlands and referred to as “genever” (the Dutch word for juniper), this early version was made from a distillation of malt wine with added juniper berries and other botanicals. When introduced to England, the name was shortened to “gin,” distillation processes improved, and the Gin Craze was born.

Several hands cheers to a Manifest Distillery Gin bottle — Manifest Distillery

Once landed in America, gin became the drink of choice during Prohibition. It was popular with Dorothy Parker and her cadre at the Algonquin Round Table, and when Ian Fleming wrote Casino Royale, his debut spy novel, the martini that James Bond requested was made with gin. Gin reached its peak in the US during the ’70s, a time when martinis and cocktail parties were all the rage.

Today, with the influx of higher quality, super-premium gins, the only way to truly appreciate them is by tasting—and there’s no better place than Florida.

While Florida tends to be recognized for its warm and sunny climate, sandy beaches, and bucolic waterways, these destinations are also ideally suited to cool and refreshing gin-based cocktails, especially the ever-popular gin and tonic. With aficionados displaying an insatiable appetite for artisanal gins, it’s easy to understand why Florida’s craft distillers are producing such an impressive volume and variety.

David Cohen, president and head distiller of Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville and president of the Florida Craft Spirits Association says the organization includes nearly 50 member distilleries and that the industry has seen rapid growth in the last 10 years. While not all of them make gin, Cohen adds, “People are searching out more unique and authentic spirits versus the ones their parents drank back in the day. That’s why Manifest presents all of its spirits, including its gins, from a culinary perspective and advocates the art of craft distilling.”

As you can imagine, with so many distilleries across the state, the occasion for wonderful sipping experiences and flavor-forward cocktails is on the rise.

A good example is Islamorada Distilling, one of the southernmost operations in Florida. Stephanie Harper, head distiller, says their original gin is a “good gateway gin,” light with floral and citrus notes, while the hibiscus gin adds a distinct flavor and purple color to gin cocktails.

Image of Big Cypress gin bottle and cocktail. — Big Cypress Distillery

At Big Cypress Distillery, located on the southwestern edge of Miami, head distiller Fernando Plata expresses a similar sentiment. “You’ll find at least six gins available in our tasting room at any given time with 15 to 20 other styles in rotation. We make a lot of stuff. When we have visitors, we like to talk about everything. We don’t keep secrets.” Be sure to ask about their special gin (infused with rose and saffron), their barrel-aged gin that’s released just once a year, and their Lemon City gin (made without lemons, deriving its flavor from lemon verbena, lemongrass, and lemon balm).

While many other distilleries approach gin-making in a comparable manner, Tampa-based Fat Dog Spirits has taken an unusual approach. As advocates of medical marijuana, they make their own hemp extract, then infuse their Nirvana gin with 16 botanicals and this noteworthy ingredient. According to senior partner Dr. Ram Ramcharran, the hemp-infused spirits offer a relaxing drinking experience.

No matter where in Florida you travel or which distilleries you may choose to visit, there are worthwhile gins to taste and enjoy at every stop. While it could take a long time to visit them all, if you’re planning a visit to Florida, make sure to include at least a few.

Image of Islamorada Distillery's distilling room — Islamorada Distillery

Florida’s Craft Distilleries

There are 50 licensed distilleries around the state that currently belong to the Florida Craft Spirits Association, many producing impressive varieties of gin. These are just a few. For more information, visit floridacraftspirits.org.

30A Distilling Co. | Santa Rosa Beach

The Florida panhandle, especially along the Gulf coast at Santa Rosa Beach, has some of the most spectacular beaches in the country. At 30A Distilling Co’s somewhat off-the-road, speakeasy-style tasting room, visitors are invited to kick back, relax, and experience their truly artisanal gins and selection of craft cocktails. 30adistillingco.com

Image of St Augustine Distillery Gin bottle — St. Augustine Distillery

Manifest Distilling | Jacksonville

Manifest makes several styles of gin including a Green Label (made for mixed drinks), Florida Botanical (featuring locally sourced ingredients), and a barreled variety that changes from batch to batch. Located in downtown Jacksonville near the sports complex, the distillery invites visitors to tour, taste, and enjoy. There’s always something off-menu—make sure to ask. manifestdistilling.com

St. Augustine Distillery | St. Augustine

Built in a restored 1900s ice plant amid this city’s noteworthy historical landmarks, St. Augustine Distillery has become a popular destination for both aficionados and inquisitive visitors. Complete with a self-guided tour and generous tastings, there are plenty of opportunities to discover New World and barrel-aged gin and more. staugustinedistillery.com

Fat Dog Spirits | Tampa

Fat Dog Spirits was the first craft distillery licensed in Florida. While the use of hemp extract distinguishes their Nirvana gin (and vodka), their organic certification, use of locally sourced ingredients, and dedication to sustainability are also commendable. You can enjoy the widely distributed Nirvana gin in bars and restaurants along the Gulf Coast and other parts of Florida. fatdogspirits.com

Image of Loaded Cannon's distilling room — Suncoast Loaded Cannon Distillery

Suncoast Loaded Cannon Distillery | Bradenton

With tales of buccaneers and a spirit of adventure, Loaded Cannon (2023 Best of Florida, GuidetoFlorida.com) embraces a pirate theme. Their Margoza gin, American oak barrel-aged alternative, and other highly regarded spirits are named after pirates. Hear the tales and sample their treasures with a visit to their distillery and tasting room. loadedcannondistillery.com

Big Cypress Distillery | Miami

Experience artfully crafted gins, including their Old Tom-style Magic City gin, traditionally sweetened with a neutral base distilled from sugar cane and 11 botanicals. There’s lots more available in their intimate tasting room, open for small groups on Thursdays through Saturdays. Ask about small-batch offerings and enjoy elevated craft cocktails. bigcypressdistillery.comExperience artfully crafted gins, including their Old Tom-style Magic City gin, traditionally sweetened with a neutral base distilled from sugar cane and 11 botanicals. There’s lots more available in their intimate tasting room, open for small groups on Thursdays through Saturdays. Ask about small-batch offerings and enjoy elevated craft cocktails. bigcypressdistillery.com

ChainBridge Distillery | Fort Lauderdale

Recognized for their award-winning fruit brandies, ChainBridge offers several gins along with a wide range of spirits well suited to every palate. Be sure to try their barrel-aged gin, its special character derived from used brandy barrels. Intrepid visitors will want to experience their carrot spirit and beet spirit. chainbridgedistillery.com

Image of Islamorada Distilling Gin bottle — Islamorada Distilling

Islamorada Distilling | Islamorada, Florida Keys

Located in the heart of Islamorada, considered the “sportfishing capital of the world” with easy access to the Everglades, this distillery and tasting room is someplace special. Of course, their purple-hued hibiscus gin makes the visit worthwhile, but their other spirits and beers are also a great way to start a Keys-based adventure. islamoradadistilling.com