Menorca’s gin story and the Pomada that stole the show

Bottoms up! Discover Menorca’s love affair with gin and the story behind the refreshing Pomada.

Menorca may be known for its beaches, but there is another side to this Mediterranean island that’s just as refreshing, its long-standing relationship with gin. For most of the 18th century, Menorca was under British rule, a chapter of history that left more than a few lasting influences. Among them, one spirited legacy still flows strong today: gin.

When British sailors and soldiers stationed on the island began to miss their homeland’s favourite drink, they inspired locals to create their own version. The result was a unique gin that combined British tradition with island craftsmanship. By the early 20th century, this homegrown passion had a name, Xoriguer Gin, and a home at its now-iconic distillery in the port of Mahón.

A visit to Xoriguer is a step back in time. The gin is still crafted with wine alcohol instead of grain spirit. It is distilled in old copper stills heated over firewood, and aged in oak barrels before bottling. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few, but it has an aroma of juniper and herbs.

From distillery to glass: The birth of Pomada

Like many great things, Menorca’s signature cocktail, the Pomada, was born by accident. In 1927, a bartender named Magí Camps, working at Mahón’s old maritime station, began mixing Xoriguer Gin with soda water to soften its strong smell. The drink was later patented by the Xoriguer Distillery, cementing its place in Menorcan culture.

Today, Pomada is more than a cocktail; it’s a tradition. In Mahón, it’s called Pomada; in Ciutadella, it’s known as gin amb llimonada; and in other towns, simply ginet. Whatever the name, you’ll find it in every square, street, and beach bar across Menorca, especially during summer festivals.