World Gin Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of each year, is a day to honor ‘gin’, a spirit made with juniper-forward notes. In 2026, World Gin Day is about to be celebrated on June 13th. Which is why, this World Gin Day 2026, we’re sharing with you the best gin cocktails to make, the best gin drinks to try in Mumbai, and why it is celebrated in the first place. Let’s get started!
World Gin Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of June.
But do you know why World Gin Day is celebrated and how did it begin in the first place?
The inaugural World Gin Day was started by gin enthusiast Neil Houston in 2009 in Birmingham. However, the celebration as we know it today is possible because of Emma Stokes, aka GinMonkey and the author of The Periodic Table of Cocktails.
Emma and Neil were friends who came together for their passion for gin. In 2010, they decided to bring the celebration to a little gin bar in London. Emma invited some of her friends for this celebration. In 2013, Emma officially took complete charge of World Gin Day on account of Neil’s work commitments. Over the years, millions of gin lovers have shown interest in celebrating this day, turning this day into a global phenomenon as we know it today.
The Bee’s Knees is one of the most famous prohibition-era cocktails. Over the years, it has become an icon in itself, noted for its simplicity, citrus-forward character, and refreshing taste. It is one of those drinks that asks very little and delivers layered flavors. What makes this version worth noting is how well Greater Than's bright, citrus-forward character slots into the format. The botanicals lift the sweetness of the honey while the lime keeps it sharp.
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Espresso Martini is the perfect balance of bold and smooth. With a comforting richness of coffee and the robust mouthfeel of gin, it is a refreshing take on the classic serve. With No Sleep Gin’s bold character, this Martini variation is simply luscious, rich, and frosty, becoming too irresistible with each sip.
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A floral twist on the classic Martini, this cocktail uses the botanical punch of gin with the aromatic Davana Bianco. Elderflower distillate in this drink adds a soft lift, while a touch of saline ties everything together for a balanced sip. This is a unique gin cocktail that you must definitely try making this World Gin Day!
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Also Read: 5 Must-Try Recipes For National Cosmopolitan Day
The Anise Delight is a refreshing drink perfect for an ideal summer getaway. From a distance, it might look like a classic Cosmopolitan, but don’t judge the drink by its simple appearance. It is bright, refreshingly citrusy, and balances the warmth of anise with juicy cranberry and peach.
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Nothing beats the feel of a Classic Martini, does it? This Classic Martini shows what an Indian gin like Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin can do at its most unadorned. Hapusa brings its Himalayan identity – juniper, turmeric, Gondhoraj lime – to one of the most unforgiving formats in cocktails, where there's nowhere to hide and everything shows.
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This drink has been featured on Supa San’s Nomikai Hours menu. Mid Day Buzz is a contemporary take on the Japanese Lemon Sour. Crafted with gin, yuzu, and Sichuan pepper liqueur, the cocktail strikes the right balance of bright citrus notes with a subtle tingling spice that lingers on the palate.
Bombay Brasserie’s Bengal Summer is inspired by Kolkata’s iconic Aam Pona Sherbet. This elegant drink combines gin with smoky raw mango and panch phoran to recreate one of Bengal's most nostalgic summer flavors.
Papi is one of Mumbai’s newest cocktail bar and it is already creating waves with its unique and innovative drinks. The Cocktail FOUR is a refreshing spritz that highlights the bright citrus notes of limoncello, complemented by delicate lavender florals and a subtle saline touch. It is light, vibrant, and just rightly balanced. The result is a crisp and light drinking experience that stands out for its aromatic complexity.
The First Licensed Bar is a cocktail created as a tribute to Mumbai’s iconic cocktail legacy. This cocktail is elegant yet complex, with layers of bright citrus and subtle bitterness and depth. It celebrates the spirit through exquisite craftsmanship, character and a nod to the city's enduring bar culture.
Korea’s beloved rice wine, soju, gets a blingy makeover in this Harajuku Tokyo Cafe cocktail. It is a playful fusion of gin and soju that brings together botanical depth of gin with the smooth, clean character of Korea's much loved spirit. The drink is well balanced and refreshing, offering a vibrant cross-cultural twist in a glass.
The Rebujito is an elegant interpretation of the Spanish classic drink. Bringing together gin, Cocchi Bianco, and Oloroso sherry in a beautifully balanced serve. And to elevate it even further, it is lifted by a touch of citrus and subtle sweetness. The cocktail reveals layers of delicate botanicals, orchard fruit, and nuanced sherry character. Served over ice in a wine glass, it is refreshing, refined, and effortlessly expressive, capturing the charm of Mediterranean aperitif culture in every sip.
Amelia, known for blending European elegance with contemporary hospitality, serves one of the best gin cocktails in Mumbai – MECCA. This cocktail is a bright citrus-forward drink featuring yuzu, Italian lemon, and orange. Taking notes from the sun-drenched terraces of Sorrento, it delivers a vibrant blend of sweet and tangy notes with a refreshing Mediterranean character.
Translating to “happiness” in Mandarin, Xing Fu is a fragrant gin cocktail that combines orange liqueur, Earl Grey tea, and lavender syrup. The result is an enjoyable drinking experience with delicate floral notes that intertwine with bright citrus and subtle tea tannins. It is elegant and approachable, sweet and thoughtfully balanced.
Also Read: What To Know Before Buying Craft Gin In India
Whether you're a die-hard gin enthusiast or someone looking to enjoy delicious gin drinks in Mumbai, World Gin Day 2026 is the perfect excuse to raise a glass to one of the world's most versatile spirits. From timeless classics like the Martini and Bee’s Knees to restaurants and bars serving unique gin cocktails, we’ve got it all covered!
Gin can be paired well with soda, tonic water, dry vermouth, or fruit juices.
World Gin Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of June. In 2026, it falls on June 13.
The Gin & Tonic is widely regarded as the most popular gin cocktail.
