What is the history of gin in Menorca?

Gin first arrived on Menorcan shores in the 18th century, when British rule (1713–1802) brought sailors and soldiers with a thirst for their national spirit. Lacking the grain spirits of home, local distillers met the demand using what they had — abundant juniper berries from the Mediterranean scrubland and grape-based spirit drawn from the island’s winemaking traditions.

Thus was born Gin de Menorca, a spirit with deep roots in both British naval tradition and Menorcan terroir. Unlike London dry gins, Menorcan gin carries a softer, rounder profile — smooth and herbal, with juniper at its heart but gentled by citrus and the whisper of local wild herbs. It is gin, yes, but with the easy charm and warmth of the island itself.

What is the most iconic gin in Menorca?

No name is more synonymous with Menorcan gin than Xoriguer (pronounced shore-ee-gay), founded in Mahón in the 18th century and still proudly operating today. Named after the family’s windmill, Xoriguer is one of Europe’s oldest gin distilleries still in operation. Inside, traditional copper stills bubble quietly, preserving methods handed down through generations.

Xoriguer’s gin is unmistakable — aromatic, mild, with juniper leading but never overpowering. There’s a soft citrus lift, a touch of wild herbs, and a smoothness that makes it dangerously easy to sip. It is this spirit that anchors island celebrations, especially in the form of the Pomada — gin mixed with lemon soda or fresh lemonade, served over ice and sipped under the summer sun during Menorca’s famed fiestas.

Above: Juniper berries at the Xoriguer Distillery in the Port of Mahón.

Can you visit a gin distillery in Menorca?

To truly understand Menorca’s gin, one must taste it where it was born. A visit to the Xoriguer distillery in Mahón is an immersion into history and aroma, with tastings that guide you through the layers of flavor. Across the island, beach bars and fine dining restaurants alike honor gin’s place in the culture:

• Sip a Pomada as the sun sets over Ciutadella’s harbor.

• Order a gin and tonic at a seaside chiringuito, served in generous tumblers with a flourish of fresh herbs and citrus.

• Discover gin pairings woven into tasting menus at Menorca’s top restaurants, where each sip complements local delicacies like sobrasada, Mahonés cheese, and seafood pulled from the Mediterranean that morning.