With another hip, artisanal, small-batch gin seemingly springing up every other day, Mother’s Ruin has certainly undergone something of a renaissance. And nowhere more so than Mallorca, where the spirit that was once the scourge of Georgian London is nowadays a solid favourite — the island even produces at least half a dozen examples of its own. And what better drink to kick back with in the Mediterranean sunshine than a crisp Gin Tonic? (They drop the ‘&’ in Spain). Here are the best spots around the island to do just that.
Ginbo Cocktail Bar
Bar, Tapas, Cocktails, $$$
Quite simply the best place on the island, if not the whole of Spain, to sample an expertly prepared G&T. Winners of the national cocktail bar fair (FIBAR) last year, this has long been considered the finest spot among locals to sip on a gin-based beverage. By day drinkers can occupy its alfresco terrace overlooking a palm-fringed paseo on the edge of the Old Town, or by night join the buzzy crowds inside its gorgeous old-school bar. And if gin’s not your thing, there’s at least another 300-odd tipples to choose from!
If you want to accompany your G&T with a scenic sea view (and who wouldn’t?) then make a beeline for this three-floor, glass-fronted eatery. Set overlooking pretty Portixol bay on the eastern outskirts of Palma, this chic-though-unpretentious Italian restaurant features a veritable brochure of gins. Choose from a range of international and locally-produced brands, including the rather exotic grapefruit and coconut Hoxton Gin. Generously-poured measures served in fishbowl glasses means a second can be perilous. Soak it up with their excellent stone-baked pizza, or their cracking octopus salad.
For bay views on a more expansive scale head to the other side of the island, and the resort of Puerto Pollensa. And for the best G&Ts in town take a waterfront seat at the bar attached to the upscale Hotel Illa D’Or, positioned on pretty Pine Walk at the north end of the port’s sweeping bay. With a name like Gin & Tonic Corner it’ll come as no surprise they take the drink very seriously, with not only an impressive range of premium gins, but a wide choice of tonic mixers. While purist might baulk at the notion, you can even get your drink flavored with the likes of cardamom, cinnamon, or cucumber. Oh and you’ll also have front-row seats for the bay’s stunning nightly transformation at sunset.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out this spot’s twin specialities. Set in a sunny corner of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina neighbourhood, this young, fresh, and friendly restaurant combines the two hipster-fuelled trends of burgers and gin with aplomb. You can choose from around a dozen mouth-watering burgers, all made in-house and served with freshly fried or oven-baked chips. But it’s the 35 gins from around the world that steal the show, plus you get to mix them with a choice of five botanical tonics. Prices are also refreshingly reasonable.
Not only considered one of the best restaurants in the laid-back Port Soller, the Kingfisher features a gin menu that would put most bars to shame. Highlights include the saffron-infused gin that comes with sliced orange and cinnamon sticks, as well as the popular Menorcan combo of gin with lemonade — known locally as pomada. Drinks are mixed at the table by friendly and knowledgeable staff, while the alfresco terrace provides fine views across the picturesque bay and lush hillside beyond.
