Around the World in 7 G&Ts

The gin & tonic has come a long way from its creation by the British army in India as a way of fighting malaria. And – thanks to a recent renaissance – the drink has even had a makeover in Spain, becoming one of the nation’s most popular cocktails.

For Bookers who consider themselves as gin geeks on a quest for the perfect G&T, here are seven of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world.

The Ginstitute, London

Since its inception led by four bartenders in the upstairs room of a London pub, the Ginstitute has taken a humble but genius concept and turned its gin tasting experience into a thriving business. Today, it has its own venue, which is spread over four floors; a downstairs tasting and distillery room, a sleek ground floor cocktail bar, a G&T emporium called GinTonica and bedrooms above making it London’s first gin hotel. Enjoy a gin-making history lesson in a wood-panelled room, sample the world’s finest gin varieties, use botanicals to create your own blend and get a bottle to take away with you. Comprising five connected, white Georgian townhouses, The Laslett is a highly rated accommodation for Bookers looking for the ultimate Notting Hill experience.

Foodhallen, Amsterdam

Amid the bustle of Amsterdam’s Foodhallen – a renovated factory space bursting with upmarket food booths – Bookers will find a fantastic gin bar towards the back. Friendly bartenders are happy to help you choose a gin from the enticing menu; cloves and orange or lychee and grapefruit are especially popular. The only difficulty is the fishbowl size of each cocktail, making it impossible to try everything in one night. But you’ll be back. Boutique B&B Bovien is the highest-rated accommodation in Oud West Amsterdam, within easy walking distance of de Foodhallen.

Gin Palace, Melbourne

A tribute to the bawdy gin palaces of 19th-century London, this Melbourne bar was one of the first in the world to get on board with the gin renaissance. The decor is exaggeratedly decadent, with velvet, burgundy and low lighting complementing the sophisticated drinks. Ask the expert staff for tips or for a surprise selection from the exhaustive menu. QT Melbourne is a fashionable, contemporary hotel right in the CBD, so Bookers won’t have to wander far to get back to their room after a few G&Ts.

Bobby Gin, Barcelona

The Spanish are the biggest gin drinkers in Europe and so Spain is arguably the best place in the world to taste it. Apparently, the whole craze started with a gang of top chefs networking in San Sebastián over G&Ts. But the drink was also the favoured tipple at the game-changing Spanish El Bulli restaurant. Spanish mixologists take gin very seriously and are experimental with their garnishes and infusions, from smoky to herbal and fresh. Visit Bobby Gin in Barcelona and Bookers are guaranteed to be impressed with the concotions on offer. Stay at Casa Mimosa, a luxury hotel within a peach-coloured, modernist building that is the perfect place to nurse your hangover – you can cool down in the gorgeous plunge pool or sit on the rooftop terrace gazing over the rooftops of Barcelona.

The Botanical Club, Milan

Welcome to Italy’s very first small batch gin distillery. For gin devotees, the Botanical Club in Milan is a great place for Bookers to go to enhance their appreciation of the drink. Local plants and herbs take center stage on the unique menu (think generous portions of juicy, sweet Italian tomatoes and basil), featuring a massive range of blends. The colourfully-decorated B&B Raffaello is conveniently located right in the center of the city.

Atlas, Singapore

Taking over the ground floor of one of Singapore’s grandest, art deco buildings, Atlas was a hugely anticipated recent opening. It’s a real Great Gatsby-esque affair with symmetrical spiral staircases, bronze statues, ornate patterns and lots of gold and dark red. Cocktail geeks will be floored by the selection of thousands of gins available, including bespoke gins and rare, historic vintages. And the bartending talent is equally impressive. Book your stay in regal splendour at the revered Raffles Hotel to get yourself in a Great Gatsby mood.

Bathtub Gin, New York

Inspired by the Prohibition-era speakeasies, Bathtub Gin’s name refers to the home-distilled methods used when alcohol was banned in the USA. Of course, the cocktails have improved now that they’re not accompanied by a police raid. In the middle of NYC’s Meatpacking District, this laid-back, fun bar has myriad gin-based concoctions, with additions like wildflower honey, fresh sage and lavender. And they’re not stingy on the gin either. The highly rated Crosby Street Hotel is a beautifully renovated building that’s typical of the Meatpacking District with on-trend interiors, an inner courtyard and a terrace restaurant.

#BeABooker and book your trip today.