Inside World Gin Week: The Global Celebration Bringing Gin Lovers Together Across Five Continents

World Gin Week is obviously a celebration, but why does gin deserve an entire week devoted to it in the first place?

We think gin has reached a tipping point globally, but especially in the U.S., where it never reached the crazy heights of the U.K. or Spain, whereby we can celebrate it all week long, and invite others to, as well.

When you first floated the idea of World Gin Week, did you imagine bars from five continents would sign on in year one?

We could never have dreamed of the width and breadth of positive reaction we have achieved, the support, from everyone including the bar with world’s largest gin selection, Atlas in Singapore, to the temple of martinis, The Connaught in London, to North America’s 50 Best Bars #1 Sip & Guzzle, to bars across the world – we feel humbled, responsible and very, very happy.

If someone still thinks of gin as simply a G&T or a Martini spirit, what are they missing about the category today?

I’d like to quote my friend, fellow gin fanatic and founder of both the Gin Room in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Ginworld Festivals, Natasha Bahrami: gin may not be for everyone, but there is a gin for everyone. The width and breadth of development of gins, for every flavor, just in the last 20 years, dwarfs everything that has ever happened in the preceding three centuries.

Gin has survived centuries of changing drinking habits. What has allowed it to remain relevant while other categories have risen and fallen?

We’re seeing everything from classic London Dry styles to highly localized botanical expressions.

Is gin becoming more diverse than ever, or is it actually returning to its roots?

It’s both, of course, and gin has never really been rigidly confined, evolving as it did from the decidedly whisky-like Dutch genever. The phoenix-like rise of the martini has been a godsend to old-school high-ABV juniper-forward gins but it has also opened the door to those gins with a great phrase from my friend Ryan Magarian, founder of Aviation Gin, a botanical democracy, where juniper doesn’t dominate and new flavors can shine.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions consumers still have about gin?

That it’s heavily juniper-forward, that it dominates whatever drink, that it has to be English….there is an infinite runway for us to help people find the gin they love, and we stand ready to fulfil that mission.

As someone who’s spent years educating people about spirits, what separates a truly great gin from a merely good one?

Very often, what separates a great gin from a good one is restraint: did you know when to stop, when another botanical wouldn’t help? That, to me, sets a great gin on a pedestal; are you confident of your choices?

The Martini is having a major cultural moment right now. Why do you think consumers have become so obsessed with this cocktail again?

It all started with an end-of-COVID story about TikTokers going into the amazing Bemelmans Bar in NY’s Carlyle Hotel and making videos with the bartenders, some of whom, like Luis, have been there for 43 years. It has now spiraled out of all control; as a student of cocktail history, I can assure that in the history of New York, there have never been as many, nor as good, martinis drunk in this city as right now.

You’ve experienced gin culture all over the world. Which city is doing the most exciting things with gin right now, and what makes it stand out?

I really love what Melbourne is doing now, and London remains an epicenter. Tokyo is showing off exceptional Japanese gins and, in fact, gin in the Netherlands – where I lived for 17 years – is at a high point.

Many of the participating brands are smaller, mission-driven producers. Why was it important to create a platform for those voices alongside larger global brands?

Well, today’s small brand is tomorrow’s Tanqueray! My friend Simon Ford’s Fords Gin was a bootstrapped brand its whole existence and is now on the cusp of being a major player, backed by its new owner, Brown-Forman. It’s sensible to share our platform with smaller brands, and it is also the right thing to do.

What’s the most memorable gin cocktail you’ve had in the last year, and what made it unforgettable?

Honestly? It is always and ever a man I am proud to call a friend, Alessandro Palazzi, of Dukes Hotel in London, who made me a martini in his native Italy last year, with his signature Amalfi lemon garnish. He’ll actually be in New York during World Gin Week making martinis, and I will certainly sneak off to have one!

A CONVERSATION WITH WORLD GIN WEEK-CO-FOUNDER KARL FINEGAN

World Gin Week is obviously a celebration, but why does gin deserve an entire week devoted to it in the first place?

As the founder of the bar with the second largest gin selection in the world, I spend each and every day seeing what seduces, interests and intrigues gin drinkers. I felt the opportunity for a whole week, in a path blazed by the marvelous World Gin Day famously spearheaded by Emma Stokes (GinMonkey) in the U.K., was staring us in the face.

When you first floated the idea of World Gin Week, did you imagine bars from five continents would sign on in year one?

It’s been insane. Of course, I knew Philip was one of the most connected people in the entire world of bars and cocktails, but I could never have predicted we’d literally have the world’s best bars signing up for World Gin Week, from the Connaught to Maybe Sammy to Sip & Guzzle, just in the first week!

The Ivory Peacock reportedly houses around 1,200 different gins. At what point did you realize your passion had become a full-blown obsession?

It got out of hand quick! But we realized that the more we showcased our love for gins, the more we carried, when we appointed the marvelous Danny Benitez our Head of Gin…the more people responded to it, loved it and engaged with it, so we just kept buying new gins!

Building a new event is never easy. What has been the biggest challenge in bringing the inaugural World Gin Week to life?

Honestly? We started way, way too late. That’s it. We are humbled that, despite our often hilarious lateness and lack of organization, that the world’s largest brands, like Tanqueray, Bluecoat and Fords, have blindly put their trust in us, and it is on me and Philip to ensure we over-deliver on all our promises.

You’ve assembled an impressive lineup that ranges from Erik Lorincz and Dale DeGroff to some of the world’s most acclaimed bars. What was the reaction from the industry when you started making calls?

Well, many of the brands know me, because we sell a lot of gin at Ivory Peacock! But nobody, and I mean nobody, knows as many players in this industry as Philip Duff. I mean Philip Duff taught a seminar in the Czech Republic 23 years ago where one of the attendees was Erik Lorincz, before he ever moved to the U.K., learned English, reopened the Connaught and became the Savoy’s Head Bartender. When Philip calls, people pick up, and we hope to not just repay that trust, but pay it forward.

As a bar owner, what are you seeing in terms of how consumers are drinking gin differently today than they were five years ago?

Martini, martini, martini. It is truly wild. They experiment with us, we have amazing cocktails thanks to our beverage director Carlos de Soto, but martinis drive it all now. We even engineered the world’s greatest side, to keep your bonus martini portion cold.

The festival puts boutique, mission-driven gin brands on the same stage as major global players. Why was that important to you?

Everyone deserves a seat at the table, and it is on me and Philip to build the longest table we can. Even Gordon’s and Beefeater were start-ups once, right? We’re also mission-driven; as well as making space for small brand generally, we’ve awarded several scholarships to gin brands by underrepresented groups to participate in our events free of charge.

You interact with gin enthusiasts every day. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about what drinkers are looking for right now?

It’s mostly that they are, as the saying goes, curious, not judgmental. They are very open to suggestion, to having a taste, and have that taste lead into a cocktail. It’s unlike any other category where people come with hard-baked preferences.

The Martini seems to be everywhere at the moment. Is this a trend, or are we witnessing a lasting shift in cocktail culture?

I’ve lived all over the world and had a previous life in finance, so I have seen the martini from all angles…This truly looks like the martini has re-anchored itself in the public consciousness. It might fade, but I feel that will be in 20 or 30 years, if that; for now, the king of cocktails reigns supreme.

Gin and luxury have had an interesting relationship over the years. Today, what separates a truly luxury gin experience from an expensive one?

Luxury is indeed the experience, not the product. Gin started off as a working person’s drink and only became aristocratic when the gin distillers in England began paying so much tax the royals felt they had to approve of it! Gin is always a moment, almost always a mixed drink, and that is an affordable luxury. It is how you end your day, connect with your friends and loved ones, lower your barriers, laugh a little louder and have a second drink…Our greatest luxury is the company of our loved ones, and indeed our time, because our time on Earth is the only thing that’s finite!

Looking beyond the inaugural event, what is your long-term vision for World Gin Week?

Nothing would make me and Philip happier than if every bar around the world offered a World Gin Week cocktail or menu of cocktails and included a charity donation, the inspiration for which is unashamedly the incredible Negroni Week. Drinking for a cause makes cocktails taste better! For us in New York, we’d love to continue to host our events at Ivory Peacock, but we’d love it if there were gin dinners, pop-ups, and all sorts of shenanigans in bars all around New York. We already want to do a gin cruise in 2027…

What’s the most memorable gin cocktail you’ve had in the last year, and what made it unforgettable?

I had a drink with Philip at Bemelmans Bar, and they have a Gibson made with the delicious Kenyan gin, Procera, served with nori-dusted onions. I’ll remember that drink for a long time.

World Gin Week 2026: Events, Experiences & Celebrations

Photo Credit: Grant Svarre

If there’s one thing that becomes clear after speaking with Philip Duff and Karl Finegan, it’s that World Gin Week was never intended to be just another cocktail festival.

Instead, the inaugural celebration was designed to showcase the extraordinary breadth of modern gin culture—from historic Martini traditions and world-class guest shifts to educational seminars, boutique tasting experiences and opportunities to discover emerging producers alongside some of the most recognizable names in the category.

Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or simply curious about the spirit’s remarkable versatility, World Gin Week offers a packed calendar of events throughout New York City from June 13-20.

World Gin Day Celebration & Kick-Off Party

Saturday, June 13 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Ivory Peacock
38 West 26th Street, New York City

World Gin Week officially begins with a celebration of World Gin Day and a kickoff party designed to immerse guests in the category from the very first sip.

The event will feature unlimited gin tastings from a wide range of participating brands, offering attendees the opportunity to meet brand founders, distillers and industry experts while sampling expressions from around the world. Guests can also enjoy unlimited Martinis, Gin & Tonics, Negronis and French 75s, providing a chance to experience gin through some of its most iconic serves.

Substantial passed appetizers will be served throughout the event, creating a festive atmosphere that blends education with celebration. In keeping with World Gin Week’s commitment to supporting the hospitality industry. For newcomers, it’s an ideal introduction to the world of gin. For enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to taste broadly, meet producers and kick off a week devoted entirely to the juniper spirit.

A Night With Alessandro Palazzi & No.3 Gin At Little Ned

Saturday, June 13 | 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Little Ned
10 West 28th Street, New York City

Few names are more synonymous with the Martini than Alessandro Palazzi.

Best known for his legendary tableside Martini service at London’s iconic Dukes Bar, Palazzi has spent decades perfecting what many consider one of the world’s greatest cocktails. During World Gin Week, New Yorkers will have the rare opportunity to experience his signature hospitality firsthand during an intimate one-night-only edition of Little Ned & Friends.

Using No.3 Gin, Palazzi will prepare his famed Dukes Martini tableside, bringing a piece of one of London’s most revered drinking traditions across the Atlantic. The experience is expected to be one of the most sought-after events of the week and offers guests a chance to witness one of the industry’s true masters at work.

Kwãnt Mayfair Residency

Sunday, June 14 & Monday, June 15
The Ivory Peacock

One of the most anticipated events of the inaugural World Gin Week is the first-ever New York City pop-up from London’s acclaimed Kwãnt Mayfair.

Led by Erik Lorincz—former Head Bartender at The Savoy and recipient of the prestigious World Class Bartender of the Year title—and Francesco Cercato, the residency brings one of London’s most respected cocktail destinations to Manhattan for two nights only.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive menu of cocktails created specifically for the residency, including:

Mineral
Bluecoat Gin, Olive Oil, White Chocolate, Apple and Verjus

Sea
Bluecoat Gin, Langoustine Distillate, Fino Sherry, Cocchi Americano and Sea Oil

Piney
Bluecoat Gin, Douglas Fir Resin, Vermouth and seasonal ingredients

Additional cocktails include Ashy and Smoky, showcasing the creative, boundary-pushing style that has helped make Kwãnt one of the world’s most admired bars.

The experience also includes substantial passed appetizers, including Kwãnt’s celebrated Japanese Waffle, Broccoli Taco and Beef Cheek Taco, along with unlimited cocktails throughout each session.

For cocktail aficionados, this residency alone is reason enough to mark World Gin Week on the calendar.

No.3 Gin Martini Fitting Boutique

Wednesday, June 17 – Friday, June 19
Salon Madeleine at Maison BARNES
100 East 63rd Street, New York City

Luxury today is increasingly about personalization, and the No.3 Gin Martini Fitting Boutique embraces that philosophy through an immersive experience devoted entirely to finding the perfect Martini.

Hosted inside Salon Madeleine at Maison BARNES, the experience invites guests to explore a range of Martini styles—from classic dry expressions to dirty variations and contemporary interpretations—while learning how subtle adjustments in ingredients, dilution and preparation can dramatically transform the cocktail.

Guided by experts from No.3 Gin, participants will discover which style best suits their palate while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s most enduring drinks.

Part tasting, part masterclass and part luxury experience, the Martini Fitting Boutique offers a thoughtful exploration of cocktail craftsmanship and personal taste.

Photo Credit: Eric Medsker

World Martini Day Seminars

Saturday, June 20 | Noon – 4 p.m.
The Ivory Peacock

World Gin Week concludes with an afternoon of educational programming led by some of the most respected voices in cocktails and spirits.

The seminar lineup includes:

Dale DeGroff
The Evolution of the Martini

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern cocktail culture, DeGroff will explore the history and evolution of one of the world’s most iconic drinks.

Cory Fitzsimmons
The Truth About Vermouth

An in-depth look at one of the Martini’s most misunderstood ingredients and the critical role it plays in the cocktail’s balance and complexity.

Steve Schneider
Long Way To The Top: Building North America’s No. 1 Bar

The Sip & Guzzle co-founder shares insights into building one of the most acclaimed bar programs in the world.

Dave Arnold
The Science of Icy Cold Tasty Martinis

The renowned drinks innovator examines the science behind temperature, dilution and texture.

Natasha Bahrami
A Curated Tasting of Gins

A guided exploration of the category led by one of gin’s most passionate advocates.

William Codman
The Inside Story Of How You Make Gin

A behind-the-scenes look at the production process and artistry behind the spirit.

Throughout the afternoon, guests will enjoy passed appetizers and Red Snappers while learning from some of the industry’s foremost experts.

World Martini Day Celebration

Saturday, June 20 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Ivory Peacock & Ploume

Following the educational sessions, the festivities continue with a large-scale Martini celebration featuring guest bartenders and pop-up bars from some of the industry’s most respected establishments.

Participating bars include:

• Sip & Guzzle
• Bar Madonna
• Sugar Monk
• Dante Aperitivo
• Sunken Harbor Club
• The Gin Room
• Additional guest venues

Each participating bar will offer its own interpretation of the Martini, giving guests the opportunity to sample a remarkable range of styles and approaches in a single afternoon.

Unlimited Martinis and substantial passed appetizers round out what promises to be a fitting finale for the inaugural World Gin Week.

Participating Bars Around The World

Photo Credit: Liz Clayman

While New York City serves as the epicenter of the inaugural World Gin Week, the festival’s reach extends far beyond the five boroughs.

In total, 41 bars across 10 countries and five continents are participating in the first edition of the celebration, underscoring both gin’s global appeal and the remarkable enthusiasm the event has generated throughout the international bar community. From some of the world’s most decorated cocktail destinations to beloved neighborhood institutions, participating venues will showcase special gin menus, cocktails and activations throughout the week.

United States

New York City

The largest concentration of participating venues can be found in New York City, where World Gin Week’s founders are based and where many of the festival’s headline events will take place.

Participating venues include:

• New York City

  Sip & Guzzle
  Dante Aperitivo
  The Gin Room
  The Ivory Peacock
  Room 207
  Valerie
  Chin Up
  Sunken Harbor Club
  Bar Madonna
  Bufón
  Kidilum

Together, these venues represent a cross-section of New York’s vibrant cocktail culture, from award-winning cocktail bars and luxury hospitality destinations to neighborhood favorites and globally recognized culinary institutions.

Houston

• Concrete Rose

Miami

• 1986 Steakhouse

San Francisco

• Trick Dog

St. Louis

• The Gin Room

Amsterdam

The Netherlands holds a special place in gin’s history thanks to genever, the spirit widely considered gin’s predecessor. Representing Amsterdam during World Gin Week is:

• Shakerato

Cape Town

South Africa’s cocktail scene continues to gain international recognition, with Cape Town represented by:

• Cause Effect

Hong Kong

Home to one of the world’s most dynamic bar scenes, Hong Kong joins the festivities through one of the industry’s most celebrated venues:

• Bar Leone

Recently named the World’s Best Bar, Bar Leone’s participation underscores the caliber of establishments supporting the inaugural event.

Kyoto

Japan’s appreciation for craftsmanship and attention to detail has made it an exciting market for gin innovation in recent years.

Participating venue:

• YOI

London

Few cities have shaped modern gin culture more profoundly than London, making its participation especially meaningful.

Representing the British capital are:

• Connaught Bar
• Scarfes Bar
• The Gin Bar at Holborn Dining Room

Together, these venues represent some of the most respected names in international hospitality and cocktail culture.

Mexico City

Mexico City’s cocktail renaissance continues to capture global attention.

Participating venue:

• Handshake Speakeasy

Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier cocktail destinations, Handshake’s inclusion further highlights the international prestige of the festival.

Nairobi

Representing Kenya are:

• Hero Bar
• Jiko Restaurant

The participation of Nairobi venues reflects World Gin Week’s commitment to showcasing emerging cocktail markets alongside more established destinations.

Singapore

Singapore has long been one of Asia’s great cocktail capitals.

Representing the city-state is:

• Atlas

Home to one of the world’s largest gin collections, Atlas is a fitting participant in a global celebration of the category.

Sydney

Australia’s thriving cocktail culture will be represented by:

• Maybe Sammy
• The Barber Shop

Both venues have earned international acclaim and continue to help shape contemporary cocktail culture throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Spotlight On Mission-Driven Gin Brands

Photo Credit: The Ivory Peacock

One of the more distinctive aspects of World Gin Week is its commitment to supporting smaller, mission-driven producers alongside established global brands.

To help foster greater visibility within the category, World Gin Week waived sponsorship fees for select producers and created opportunities for emerging brands to participate alongside some of the industry’s largest names.

Highlighted brands include:

Fundy Gin

Imported and distributed by Northern Rose Selections, Fundy Gin is supported by a queer- and woman-owned company and reflects the growing diversity of today’s spirits industry.

Bootlegger Gin

Produced by Do Good Spirits, Bootlegger Gin is part of a company that donates a portion of proceeds to support military veterans, combining craftsmanship with a philanthropic mission.

As Finegan notes in his interview, today’s small brand may very well become tomorrow’s industry leader. By creating space for emerging voices, World Gin Week aims to support the future of the category while celebrating its present.

World Gin Week Sponsors

Supporting the inaugural edition of World Gin Week is an impressive collection of brands representing both established industry leaders and emerging innovators.

Flagship Sponsors

• Australian Bitters Co. (Innovation Beverage Group)
• Bluecoat Gin (Heaven Hill)
• Farmer’s Gin (Chatham Imports)
• Fords Gin (Brown-Forman)
• Gin Mare (Brown-Forman)
• Mermaid Gin (The Isle of Wight Distillery)
• Tanqueray Gin (Diageo)

Additional Sponsors

• Bombay Sapphire (Bacardi)
• Bootlegger Gin (Do Good Spirits)
• Campari (Gruppo Campari)
• Castle Freke Gin (Castle Freke Distillery)
• Citadelle Gin (Maison Ferrand)
• Cygnet Gin (Katherine Jenkins OBE)
• Dorothy Parker Gin (New York Distilling Co.)
• Drumshanbo Gin (PJ Rigney)
• Fundy Gin (Still Fired Distilleries)
• G’Vine (Maison Villevert)
• Himbrimi Pure Icelandic Gin (Brunnur Distillery)
• January Spirits Five Flower Botanical Gin (January Spirits)
• Julia Gin (Glen Defreitas)
• Monk’s Gin West and Monk’s Gin East (Atheras Spirits)
• Method Spirits (Cory Fitzsimmons)
• Muff Gin (The Muff Liquor Co.)
• New York Cocktail Co. (Linden Pride & Rodrigo Leme)
• Warner’s Gin (Tom Warner)

Raising A Glass To Gin

What began as an idea discussed in a meeting just a few years ago has evolved into a truly global celebration of one of the world’s most versatile spirits.

For Duff and Finegan, the goal extends beyond a single successful week. Their vision is to create an annual tradition that brings together bartenders, distillers, brands and consumers while supporting charitable causes and encouraging greater exploration of the category.

Whether you’re attending a seminar at The Ivory Peacock, enjoying a Martini crafted by Alessandro Palazzi, discovering a new boutique producer or simply ordering a gin cocktail at one of the participating bars around the world, World Gin Week offers an invitation to look at a familiar spirit through a new lens.

And if the enthusiasm surrounding its inaugural edition is any indication, this global celebration may be just getting started.

Photo Credit: Glowing Studios

In keeping with World Gin Week’s commitment to supporting the hospitality industry, 10 percent of ticket proceeds from events at The Ivory Peacock will be donated to the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild National Charity Foundation. Tickets are available for purchase at https://wgw.ticketspice.com/worldginweekcom.