New Zealand Gin Day Souvenir Gin 2026

New Zealand Gin Day falls on 24 January, and for 2026 a group of the country's distilleries each contributed one botanical to a shared souvenir gin. The National Distillery Company led the project as master distillers and brought the contributions together, alongside Blush, Bluff Distillery, Dancing Sands, Curiosity, Dr Beak, 5 Mile Distillery, Sandymount, Kākāpo and Prophecy Distilling. It is bottled at 42% ABV in a 750 ml bottle.

Citrus · Floral · Herbal

The result is built on a classic London DryLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins base, with lemon and yuzu up front. Chamomile, thyme and horehound, Prophecy's own contribution, then soften the profile; horehound is a bitter, slightly minty herb once used in old-fashioned sweets. Horopito, the peppery native leaf, adds a gentle warmth, while coriander seed, orris and angelica root keep the familiar dry-gin structure around the juniper. The distilleries sum it up as fresh, bright and properly summery, which suits a January release in the southern hemisphere. The finish is clean, with citrus and herbs lingering over the juniper. Yuzu, a fragrant Japanese citrus, gives the lemon a more floral, mandarin-like edge.

Prophecy Distilling, based in Alexandra in Central Otago, is one of the makers selling the bottle. Its yuzu and lemon make it a natural choice for a Tom CollinsTom CollinsA long drink of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass.Glossary or a GimletGimletGin with lime cordial or sweetened lime juice, served well chilled without ice. It is said to come from the Royal Navy, as a guard against scurvy.Glossary, and a dry MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary with a twist shows the herbal side. It also makes a fitting souvenir of the day for any New Zealand gin lover.

For the long drink, fill a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary with clear ice and add 4 cl of New Zealand Gin Day Souvenir Gin 2026 and 10 cl of Alchemy & Tonic Yuzu & Lemongrass Tonic Water. Stir gently and add a yuzu peel with a small thyme sprig. The tonic doubles the yuzu, and the thyme echoes one of the shared botanicals.