Built from bar experience, not a boardroom Hoxton Drinks has launched a six-expression spirits portfolio developed by Gerry Calabrese, a second-generation hospitality entrepreneur whose father, Salvatore Calabrese, is an internationally recognized bartender credited with helping redefine modern cocktail culture. Unlike his father's refinement-focused approach, Gerry Calabrese drew inspiration from East London's nightlife scene—its DJs, artists, independent venues, and constantly evolving culture. He began his hospitality career as a teenager and gained prominence within London's bar and nightclub scene, opening The Hoxton Pony in Shoreditch in 2008, which became known as a destination for the capital's creative crowd. He later helped create venues including Baroque at the Playboy Club and INK in Leicester Square. "I learned everything about craft and standards from my dad," Calabrese said, according to The Spirits Business. "I wanted to take that same craftsmanship and bring it into a space that felt younger, rawer and more cultural. Same values, different language."

## The six-bottle range The Hoxton collection comprises: - Tropical Gin — combines traditional gin botanicals with bold tropical flavours
- Pink Gin — a vibrant, fruit-led gin for refreshing long drinks and cocktails
- Dry Gin — a modern London dry-style gin with prominent juniper and grapefruit notes
- London Spritz — inspired by Italian aperitivo culture and British summer, combining gin, fino sherry and summer fruits including blackberry, raspberry, cherry and blueberry
- Spiced Whisky — features vanilla, raisin, cocoa, orange, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg
- Banana Rum — a tropical rum with distinctive banana character, designed for simple mixed serves and cocktails Each bottle uses colourful, embossed square packaging intended to reflect the brand philosophy: premium but unconventional.

Why It Matters

The launch represents a shift toward flavor-forward positioning in premium spirits, positioning Hoxton as an accessible alternative to heritage-focused competitors while leveraging genuine on-premise credibility through Calabrese's venue track record.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors