Every year, on the second Saturday of June (June 14 in 2025), gin lovers unite to celebrate World Gin Day – a global nod to one of the most versatile spirits behind the bar.
The rise of gin
Gin has enjoyed a renaissance over the last decade and is now a category brimming with boutique distilleries, flavoured innovations, and hyper-local botanicals. From classic dry styles to pink, sloe, navy-strength, matured and even savoury gins, the category continues to evolve – giving bartenders and retailers endless reasons to re-engage audiences.
What World Gin Day means for your business
For bars, liquor stores, and brands, World Gin Day offers a reason to bring gin front and centre. Think beyond a single special: this is your moment to build a full weekend of tastings, masterclasses, limited-edition releases, and creative promotions.
Liquor stores – host guided gin tastings, offer “build your own G&T” bundles, or feature local distilleries with spotlight displays and storytelling.
On-premise venues – offer craft gin flights, exclusive G&T menus, or even limited edition cocktails using New Zealand’s growing list of boutique gins.
It’s important to educate your team with tasting notes and information about the key gins you have on offer. Try to highlight any New Zealand gins you have on offer and encourage customers to try something new.
Some of our favourite Kiwi gins…

Clarity 2023 Gin
A classic London Dry Gin that offers a vibrant aroma, rich with hints of citrus, coriander, and pink peppercorns. It leads to a juniper-forward palate and a dry, peppery finish, perfect for a martini.
40% ABV
RRP: $62.99
Distributor: Clarity Distilling Company Ltd
Phone: (021) 040 5235
www.claritydc.co.nz

Little Biddy Gin – Classic
Authentic and robust, crafted with fresh rainwater and hand foraged native botanicals.
40% ABV
RRP: $79.99
Distributor: EuroVintage
Phone: (0800) 338766
www.reeftondistillingco.com

Weekender Gin
With flavours of New Zealand citrus and stone fruit, carefully balanced with spices and botanicals, Weekender is vibrant, smooth, and flavourful.
41% ABV
RRP: $64.95
Distributor: Blush Gin
Phone: (021) 612 165
www.weekenderdrinks.co.nz
To check out all the gins we love, click here.
The Classic Gin Martini

Ingredients:
60 ml gin (such as London Dry)
10 ml dry vermouth
Ice
Lemon twist or green olive, for garnish
Method:
Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
Add the gin and dry vermouth.
Stir gently (don’t shake!) for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist for brightness or a green olive for a savoury edge.
Optional twist:
For a drier martini, reduce the vermouth to 5 ml or just rinse the glass with it. For a wetter martini, bump up the vermouth to 15 ml.
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