IWSC Mixer Awards: From G&T to Paloma, the serves that stood out

The art of the perfect mixed serve was in the spotlight at this year’s IWSC, with spirits judged not only neat, but also in the context of how drinkers most often enjoy them – as part of a classic mixer. Thanks to our partnership with Franklin & Sons, who supplied the range of premium mixers used throughout judging, each serve was assessed in a consistent and professional context.

It was no surprise to see Gin & Tonic leading the pack, with a total of 38 medals awarded. Three entries rose to Gold: Gravity Gin (Germany), Patience Spring Gin (UK), and Toji Gin (Germany). Silvers and Bronze medals went to entries such as Dekadens Gin (Sweden) and Aloe Ferox Dry Gin (South Africa), Chi Gin (Germany) demonstrated the international depth of the field.

The Whisky Highball continues to grow in international relevance, with 21 medals awarded this year, including five Golds. These included Finest Blended Whiskey (Japan), Hav Single Malt Whisky (Sweden), Loch Lomond Signature Blended Scotch Whisky (UK), Royal Circle Blended Whisky (India), and Tourbillon Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Japan). Together they highlighted the global reach of the Highball, from traditional Scotch to bold new world styles.

Whisky & Ginger Ale adds spice
Alongside the Highball, the Whisky & Ginger Ale serve saw standout results. Hav Single Malt Whisky (Sweden) and Loch Lomond Signature Blended Scotch Whisky (UK) both earned Gold, with other medals spread across Japan and the UK. This showed how whisky’s versatility extends into warmer, spicier mixers as well as refreshing long serves.

Another serve gaining traction was Rum & Cola, which secured eight medals. The standout was Timon with a gold. Strong Silvers included Rom Rincon Premium (Cadushy Distillery, Netherlands) and Immoral® Spiced Rum (USA). Bronze medals went to V Spiced Rum (UK), Coconut Rum (USA), Doubled Spiced Dos Destiladores Rum (Sweden), Spice Drop Rum (UK), and Come Hell Or High Water Spiced Vanilla & Cola Rum (Finland).

The Paloma, a tequila and grapefruit soda serve long beloved in Mexico, also made its mark. Artesanal Blanco Tequila took Gold, while Artesanal Blanco Tequila and Florcita Blanco earned Silver, with the latter scoring a gold in the Tequila/Mezcal & Tonic category. These results reflect the increasing role of agave spirits in global mixed drinks.

Vodka stood out in mixed serves, with the Vodka & Tonic category delivering some of the competition’s strongest results. Four entries took Gold: Gustav Dill Vodka (Finland), Killvo Vodka (Sweden), Vintage Vodka (Jersey), and XO Vodka (Australia). A wave of Silvers across Europe further reinforced vodka’s versatility in the glass.

As judge Ivan Dixon noted: “Vodka and tonics were surprisingly enjoyable to sample. Some characterful bases made for interesting flavour experiences.”


Low & No shows it's strengths
Reflecting the fast-growing no- and low-alcohol movement, this year’s awards also featured a dedicated Low/No mixer category. Melluna (Hong Kong) took Gold with its Soda Water serve, while Everleaf’s Forest and Mountain aperitifs (UK) impressed with Silvers alongside Nonsuch’s Caramelised Pineapple & Ginger Shrub. Bronze medals for Herb All Drinks’ Botanical Spirit and Tropic All reinforced the diversity and creativity in this space.

In terms of country performance, the United Kingdom led with 23 medals, followed by Sweden (12), Finland (8), and Germany (8). Japan’s seven medals were largely driven by its strength in the Highball, while the USA (5) and producers from Australia, Croatia, Denmark, and South Africa also made their presence felt.

From gin to whisky, rum to tequila, the IWSC Mixer Awards demonstrated not just the popularity of these classic serves, but also the craftsmanship and creativity with which producers are elevating them – supported by Franklin & Sons’ world-class mixers to ensure a fair and authentic evaluation.

See the full medal breakdown below.