Continuing today through this Saturday, the East Imperial Gin Jubilee is breaking out the good stuff at bars across Bangkok, shedding light on the way specialty gins can elevate classic cocktails and new creations – and adding some fun to the mix, too.

The jubilee showcases international labels Hendrick’s, Bombay Sapphire and Dodd’s; cult favourites Citadelle, Death’s Door, Sipsmith, St. George, Fords Gin and The Botanist; and even locally produced Iron Balls and Grandma Jinn’s, the latter a collaboration between Bootleggers Bangkok and the maker of small-batch rums Lamoon and Lamai. 

Using the gins they’ve been assigned, bartenders at 17 venues across the city will vie for the title of Bangkok’s Best G&T. From Thai tea-infused to lemongrass-laced and lavender-scented, the G&Ts run the gamut of floral, fruity and refreshing. If you’re not normally a fan of gin, this is a good opportunity to test the waters, as these bartenders know their spirits. 

Plus, fans can get involved by competing for the best “Ginstagram” post – follow East Imperial on Instagram, post a photo of your favourite G&T and tag #GinJubilee2017. The winner gets a three-day trip to Singapore to take part in the Singapore Cocktail Festival.

There’s also a wide range of events and deals to enjoy. For example, swing by 80/20 on Charoenkrung tonight for a gin masterclass featuring Fords Gin, or head over to Osito for a masterclass featuring Iron Balls. Then again, if you’d rather simply enjoy a good drink, visit Sorrento, where Hendrick’s brand ambassador Tasha Lu will be on-hand to talk about the spirit, or head over to Tep Bar, where a live band will play classic luk krung while bartenders whip up Thai-inspired gin and tonics. Friday night, check out Bronx Liquid Parlour, run by the eminent Hideyuki Saito, where there will be live swing music as well as DIY G&Ts made with The Botanist.

If you can’t make the events during the week, be sure to visit the closing party – called the Gin Lane Street Party – at Quaint Bangkok this Saturday, where the cocktails will flow and the winner of Bangkok’s G&T contest will be announced.

Participating Bars & Bartenders

Backstage Cocktail Bar – Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn (Fords Gin)

Bamboo Bar – Jamie Rhind (Sipsmith)

Bronx Liquid Parlour – Hideyuki Saito (The Botanist)

Bunker – Kiattikoon Auengkum (Hendrick’s)

Cielo Sky Bar – Tommy Suwan (Grandma Jinn’s)

Crying Thaiger – Kin Mekunwattana (Citadelle)

Hyde & Seek – Chanond Purananda (Iron Balls)

Junker and Bar – Passapong Phetpradit (Bombay Sapphire)

Mikys – Michele Montauti (The Botanist)

Morimoto – Nont Ketumarn (Citadelle)

Osito Unique Spanish – Top Patimaprakorn (Iron Balls)

Track 17 – Anupol Kariwal (Sipsmith)

Teens of Thailand – Nontawat Kaewsod (Bombay Sapphire)

Tep Bar – Pitchayapong Joongklang (Grandma Jinn’s)

Vesper – Jatupol Somanee (Grandma Jinn’s)

Villa di Sorrento – Pongpak Sudthipongse (Hendrick’s)

80/20 – Thanavut Kosolwongse (Fords Gin)