The Blushing Spirit: Tracing the Journey of Pink Gin from Past to Present

The tale of Pink Gin is a colourful chapter in gin history — steeped in tradition and reinvented for today. From its naval origins to the shelves of Humdinger, here's how this blushing spirit evolved.

The Origins of Pink Gin: A Naval Elixir

The story of Pink Gin begins in the mid-19th century with the British Royal Navy. It was a palatable way to take Angostura Bitters, a herbal mix believed to ward off seasickness. Mixed with Plymouth Gin, the bitters gave the drink a pink hue — hence the name 'Pink Gin'. It was a staple of naval life, often enjoyed with a dash of water, and soon found its way into the hearts of gin lovers back on land.

Pink Gin in the Modern Gin Era: A Renaissance

Fast forward to today, and Pink Gin has undergone a renaissance. No longer just a simple mix, it's a whole category that infuses gin with red and pink fruit and botanicals such as strawberries, raspberries or rhubarb, often sweetened for contemporary palates. It appeals to traditionalists and newcomers alike.

Our Pink Gin

At Humdinger, we've embraced the legacy of Pink Gin with our own twist. Humdinger Pink Gin is inspired by South Canterbury and the fruit it grows so well.

Crafting a Local Pink Gin

Our Pink Gin is a celebration of place. We source the best of what our region has to offer, starting with luscious blackcurrants for a robust burst of flavour. When we first wrote this, they were complemented by the subtle, floral notes of rosehip from the windswept Rangitata.

Our Pink Gin has evolved since we first wrote this. Today its berry flavour comes from raspberries and blackcurrants grown by Butlers Berries, just south of Timaru, lifted with Rangpur limes from Six Acres Farm in Taranaki.

In crafting our Pink Gin, we sought balance — the sweet with the tart, the bold with the delicate — for a spirit that reflects our home.

How to Serve It

We recommend serving our Pink Gin with a mixer that respects its fruity nature, such as a classic tonic water or lemonade. For a nod to gin tradition, Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water is the perfect match, lifting the floral notes without overshadowing the gin's character.

How to Store It

Our Pink Gin is made with real fruit. To keep its colour and flavour at their best, store the bottle in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.

The pink gin we know today is a far cry from its bitters-infused ancestor. It has become a canvas for creativity and a way to express local pride — and at Humdinger, it's a tribute to the fruit grown around us.

Taste the blush: shop Humdinger Pink Gin.