Pink Gin Beach

Ever wonder how a beach gets its name? Pink Gin Beach, here in St. George’s, Grenada, has a particularly curious story. It’s a story of cocktails, mistaken penguins, and the evolution of language. Pink Gin Beach is a haven of soft white sand and calm, crystal-blue water. The gentle waves lap at the shore, protected by a breakwater that makes this beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all sorts of water activities. Sandals Grenada, the only resort gracing this stretch of paradise, offers guests direct access to this idyllic spot. The beach itself is public, but you’re more likely to find fellow vacationers than local Grenadians here. They tend to prefer the bustling Grand Anse or Morne Rouge beaches further north. Pink Gin Beach’s current name, evocative of a refreshing cocktail, is actually a linguistic corruption of its original name, Pingouin Beach. When the French governed Grenada in the late 17th century, they named the beach Pingouin, French for “penguin.” Ironically, penguins have never called Grenada home. The reason behind the French name remains a mystery. Later, when the British took over the island in the 18th century, the name evolved. The British, with their penchant for gin, transformed Pingouin into Pink Gin, a nod to the popular cocktail made with gin and a dash of Angostura bitters. The pinkish hue of the sand might have also played a part in solidifying the new name. So, as you relax on the soft sands of Pink Gin Beach, sip on a cocktail perhaps, and gaze at the clear turquoise water, remember the curious journey of its name. From mistaken penguins to a beloved British cocktail, the name Pink Gin Beach embodies the island’s rich history and its transition through different cultures.