For decades, gin in Georgia was a forgotten spirit—overshadowed by the South’s historic preference for bourbon, moonshine, and sweet tea. But over the past ten years, that narrative has changed. An emerging community of distillers, mixologists, and heritage farmers is reviving Georgia’s relationship with gin, infusing it with local botanicals and Southern flair. This article offers an in-depth look at the surprising resurgence of gin in Georgia: from historical roots to modern distilleries, from native ingredients to the cultural reawakening of craft spirits in the Deep South.
A Historical Note on Gin and Georgia
Gin has European origins, particularly rooted in the Netherlands and Britain, but it arrived in the American colonies as early as the 1700s. Georgia, founded in 1733, was part of this early colonial era. However, unlike New England or mid-Atlantic states, Georgia developed a stronger affinity for whiskey, brandy, and later, bourbon.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, gin was rarely distilled in Georgia. The hot climate wasn’t favorable to its traditional production methods, and Prohibition in the South was both stricter and more culturally entrenched than in other parts of the U.S. It wasn’t until the 21st century—and specifically the last decade—that gin began to make an authentic and local comeback in the state.
The Post-Prohibition Landscape: Why Gin Was Long Ignored
Even after national Prohibition ended in 1933, Georgia maintained tight control over alcohol sales through “dry counties,” state-controlled distribution, and licensing restrictions that made it difficult for small-scale distillers to operate. For years, liquor production was dominated by out-of-state giants. Gin, being a less “Southern” spirit in the traditional sense, simply didn’t fit the cultural or economic mold.
That began to change in 2011, when a series of regulatory reforms eased the process for craft distilleries to operate in Georgia. These laws didn’t just permit small-batch operations—they encouraged them, especially as part of a larger effort to boost agritourism and local entrepreneurship.
What Makes Georgia Gin Unique?
The rebirth of gin in Georgia is not just about distilling the same old London Dry style with a new label. It’s about redefining what gin means in a Southern context.
1. Local Botanicals
Georgia gin often incorporates ingredients grown within the state—think:
- Peach blossoms
- Muscadine grape skins
- Pine needles from the North Georgia mountains
- Wild honeysuckle
- Spicebush berries
These local botanicals allow distillers to create flavor profiles that are floral, herbaceous, or even slightly smoky, reflecting the diversity of Georgia’s landscape.
2. Water Source
Much like bourbon in Kentucky, the water used in gin distillation impacts its purity and mouthfeel. Several Georgia gins use water sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains, prized for its minerality and softness.
3. Southern Identity
Rather than emulate London or even West Coast gin traditions, Georgia distillers are building something uniquely regional. This can be seen in branding (with names referencing antebellum architecture, Civil War history, or local flora) and in how the gin is consumed—often in iced cocktails that suit the Southern heat.
Meet the Makers: Key Distilleries Defining Gin in Georgia
1. Old Fourth Distillery (Atlanta)
Established in 2014, Old Fourth was the first legal distillery in Atlanta since Prohibition. Its Lawn Dart Gin is bright, citrusy, and incorporates lemongrass and ginger—perfect for summer drinking.
2. Richland Distilling Company (Richland)
While primarily known for its rum, Richland recently introduced a limited-run gin using sugarcane base spirits and native Georgian juniper. The gin is smooth with vanilla undertones—a rare feature in a juniper-forward spirit.
3. 13th Colony Distilleries (Americus)
One of the few distilleries in southern Georgia, 13th Colony’s gin is deeply aromatic and features wild Georgia herbs. Their tasting room offers insights into how climate and soil affect botanical expression.
4. Independent Distilling Company (Decatur)
A staple in the Atlanta suburbs, Independent Distilling offers small-batch gin using locally foraged ingredients, including sassafras root and magnolia petals.
5. Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery (Dawsonville)
Famed for moonshine, this North Georgia distillery now crafts a limited-edition Appalachian gin, steeped with mountain juniper and wild mint.
The Role of Agriculture in Crafting Georgia Gin
One of the defining features of Georgia gin is its farm-to-bottle ethos. Many distilleries collaborate directly with local farms to source seasonal botanicals. In some cases, entire crop cycles are planned around a distillery’s seasonal batch.
Botanical farming is also experiencing a boom in Georgia, particularly among sustainable agriculture initiatives. Crops like angelica root, coriander, and citrus peels—which are all core to gin making—are now being grown with the craft distilling market in mind.
Georgia Organics, a nonprofit advocating sustainable agriculture, has even launched a pilot program linking distillers with regenerative farms, helping build a closed-loop system for botanical production.
The Mixology Revival: Gin Cocktails and Southern Bars
While the revival of gin production is exciting, it is equally important to note how gin is being embraced on the consumer side—especially in Georgia’s fast-evolving bar and restaurant scene.
Signature Gin Cocktails in Georgia:
- Peach & Pine Gin Fizz: Made with gin, peach puree, pine simple syrup, and soda water.
- Savannah Collins: A Southern twist on the Tom Collins using lemon verbena and sweet tea reduction.
- Southern Negroni: Gin, muscadine vermouth, and pecan bitters—a uniquely Georgian take on the Italian classic.
From upscale cocktail lounges in Midtown Atlanta to speakeasy bars in Savannah and Athens, gin is increasingly a go-to spirit for mixologists looking to create fresh, aromatic, and locally inspired drinks.
Challenges in the Georgia Gin Movement
Despite growing popularity, distilling gin in Georgia isn’t without challenges:
- Climatic Sensitivity: Botanical flavors can shift with even minor changes in temperature and humidity.
- Distribution Laws: Georgia’s three-tier alcohol system makes it hard for small distilleries to reach broad audiences.
- Consumer Education: Many Georgians are still unfamiliar with craft gin, often associating it with harsh London Dry styles.
However, ongoing outreach, tasting events, and social media campaigns have helped reshape public perception, especially among younger consumers eager for unique, local experiences.
Gin Tourism: A New Frontier for Georgia
One of the unexpected but welcome outcomes of the gin renaissance is the rise of gin tourism in Georgia. Similar to the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, Georgia’s distilleries are beginning to offer:
- Tasting Room Experiences
- Gin-Making Classes
- Botanical Garden Tours
- Distillery Hikes and Retreats
Cities like Dahlonega, Savannah, and Blue Ridge are becoming hotspots for spirit-focused weekend getaways, combining the state’s natural beauty with artisan beverages.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development is currently exploring partnerships with distilleries to launch an official Georgia Spirits Trail, which would include gin as a flagship attraction.
Cultural Significance: Redefining Southern Hospitality
Gin is more than just a drink in Georgia—it’s becoming part of a broader cultural shift. As the South continues to modernize, younger generations are redefining traditions, and gin offers a canvas for that redefinition.
Unlike whiskey, which carries with it decades of entrenched gender roles and class symbolism in Southern culture, gin feels lighter, both literally and symbolically. It’s inclusive, experimental, and versatile—values that resonate with a changing South.
Furthermore, gin’s adaptability with herbs and botanicals mirrors Georgia’s increasing emphasis on locally grown food, sustainability, and holistic experiences.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Gin in Georgia
As of 2025, Georgia’s gin industry is still in its adolescence, but its trajectory is strong. Here’s what the future likely holds:
- New Distilleries: Expect a surge in boutique operations, especially in North Georgia and coastal regions.
- Botanical Innovation: With advancements in hydroponics and vertical farming, more exotic ingredients could find their way into Georgia gins.
- National Recognition: Several Georgia distilleries are now medaling in international spirit competitions, putting them on the map beyond the Southeast.
Most importantly, gin is becoming an integral part of Georgia’s culinary and cultural identity—not as an imported idea, but as something the state is reshaping in its own image.
Final Thought
Gin in Georgia is no longer a novelty or trend. It is a movement—rooted in tradition, nurtured by innovation, and blossoming into something uniquely Southern. Whether you’re sipping a citrus-forward G&T on a porch in Savannah or exploring wild botanicals in the hills of North Georgia, one thing is clear: gin has finally found its home in the Peach State.
FAQs
1. Is gin traditionally made in Georgia?
No, gin does not have deep historical roots in Georgia. Unlike bourbon or moonshine, which have long-standing Southern ties, gin was traditionally more popular in Europe and Northern U.S. states. However, in recent years, Georgia has seen a revival of gin, with local distilleries producing unique versions using native botanicals and Southern influences.
2. What makes Georgia-made gin different from other gins?
Georgia gin stands out for its use of local botanicals—such as peach blossoms, pine, and wild herbs—along with mountain spring water and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. The result is a gin that reflects the state’s climate, agriculture, and culture, often featuring softer, more floral or herbal profiles than traditional London Dry gins.
3. Where can I try or buy Georgia-made gin?
You can find Georgia gins at local distilleries, specialty liquor stores, high-end restaurants, and cocktail bars throughout the state. Many distilleries, such as Old Fourth, Independent Distilling, and 13th Colony, offer tastings and on-site purchases. Some also ship directly within Georgia and to other states where permitted.
4. What are some popular cocktails made with Georgia gin?
Georgia gin is featured in cocktails that highlight Southern flavors, including:
- Peach & Pine Gin Fizz
- Savannah Collins (with lemon verbena and sweet tea)
- Southern Negroni (with muscadine vermouth)
These cocktails often use local fruit, herbs, and syrups to enhance the gin’s botanicals.
5. Can I tour distilleries that make gin in Georgia?
Yes. Many Georgia distilleries offer guided tours, gin tastings, mixology classes, and even farm visits where botanicals are grown. Destinations like Atlanta, Savannah, and the North Georgia mountains are becoming hubs for gin tourism, blending artisan spirits with regional hospitality and scenic beauty.
