Get ready to raise your glass as we celebrate the top gin bars around Australia!
Gin is in. Whether you love it in a good martini, a gin and tonic, swirled in a negroni or mixed in a tom collins, gin is the perfect solution for any occasion. So where do we be-gin?
From floral botanicals to savoury solutions, distilleries to hidden underground speakeasies, we’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best gin bars in Australia that you must visit in 2024!
The Best Gin Bars in Sydney:
Image supplied.
Archie Rose Distillery
The Archie Rose Distillery in Rosebery houses a functional and very aesthetically pleasing distillery with a fully stocked bar just a wall away. Inside the venue guests are able to experience one of their legendary distillery tours to learn how their vodkas, gins and whiskies are created all followed by a tasting of their core spirits. Even better, you can join in one of their masterclasses and try your hand at cocktail making, gin-blending and more right on site. If you can’t make it there in person, you can always join in a masterclass virtually as well!
Photographed by Boomtown Pictures. Image via Destination NSW.
The Barber Shop
The Barber Shop on York Street is a step back in time to say the least. With their parlour-styled venue alongside their steaming, functional bar – The Barber Shop is a hidden treasure tucked within Sydney’s bustling streets. Both ladies and gents are welcome for a traditional barber service or simply just a drink over at the bar. Also found in Barangaroo, The Barber Shop has an overwhelming liquor menu to read through. So even though you can book yourself in for a hot towel shave, we recommend heading straight for the gin!
Photographed by Trent Van Der Jagt. Image supplied.
Gin Lane
One of Sydney’s most renowned and equally unique bars, Gin Lane, is an intimate venue housing about as many varieties of gin as you could want. An 18th century terraced town house with a historic edge, guests will surely feel like they’ve travelled back in time once entering. On top of an extensive selection of spirits, Gin Lane houses over 25 specially curated cocktails and 75 hand selected gins. This is the one Sydney bar where cocktail theatrics come alive!
Sip through more of a selection with this guide to the Best Gin Bars in Sydney.
The Best Gin Bars in Hobart:
Photographed by Rosie Hastie. Image supplied via Tourism Tasmania.
Society Salamanca
Sitting in Hobart’s Battery Point, Society Salamanca is a haven for any lover of gin, whisky, wine and everything in between. Specialising in a range of intricately curated cocktails, this is definitely the place to be on World Gin Day – or any day of the year. In addition to their charming, modern décor; Society Salamanca boasts a growing gin collection of over 80 bottles that’s perfectly fit for any gin connoisseur or lover. One of the best gin bars around Australia!
The Best Gin Bars in Melbourne:
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Four Pillars Distillery
Found just over an hour’s drive north-east out of Melbourne’s CBD is a locally produced but internationally renowned distillery – Four Pillars. Here, they make it their mission to celebrate Victoria’s best ingredients from the region. Everything from the water within the copper tanks to the infused botanicals hail from the Yarra Ranges region. With intimate tastings available, guests will be able to endeavour on the journey creators have embarked on throughout the creation of each bottle – each as unique as each other. Join one of their Gin Masterclasses where you’ll learn about the distillation process, the history of gin or have a go at making cocktails yourself.
Image supplied.
Gin Palace
Nestled between one of Melbourne’s many laneways, Gin Palace is an oasis for any gin lover out there. Named after the 19th century term to describe the infamously disreputable drinking houses, Gin Palace is definitely far from that. Since its formal opening in 1997, Gin Palace has been famed for stocking some of the best gin and, using experienced bartenders, turns the liquor into an extravaganza for your tastebuds. Known for their perfectly shaken or stirred martinis, dimly lit interior and friendly staff, after one visit you’ll realise why they’ve made this list as one of the best Melbourne gin bars.
Image supplied via @bar1806 Instagram.
1806
Stretching out over two floors, 1806 is more than just your standard cocktail bar in Melbourne. We’re talking intricate cocktails, a mouth-watering food menu and, of course, their range of masterclasses – all of which make 1806 one of Melbourne’s best gin bars. Highly reputable in Australia’s cocktail community, stepping into the dim-lit venue guests will find velvet covered furniture and a world where gin is taken seriously. In addition to their meticulous cocktails, be sure to get your hands on the Roasted Jalapeno Corn or the 1806 Cheese Toastie.
For more creative cocktail bars, check out this list of the Best Gin Bars in Melbourne.
The Best Gin Bars in Adelaide:
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Hains & Co
Hains & Co are here to lift your spirits with spirits – something which they’re very good at doing, especially when it comes to gin, rum and whisky. But, it’s their curation of gin that has landed them on the Australian Bartender’s Best Australian Gin Bar List in 2019. The team at Hains & Co scour the four corners of the globe for the best gin, from Launceston to London and everywhere in between. With friendly staff and a great cocktail list, what more could you want!
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
The Howling Owl
Since opening in 2012, The Howling Owl is renowned as one of Adelaide’s go-to bars for gin. With over 130 small batch gin varieties available, guests will be surprised by the fact that almost a third are sourced from South Australia. For The Howling Owl locally sourced produce is a prime factor throughout each aspect of the dining and drinking experience. Apart from the gin, there are of course a wide array of whisky, craft beers, boutique wine and a decadent sharing menu available.
Photographed by Josie Withers.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Udaberri
With dim lighting, friendly service and exposed rough brick walls, despite its resemblance to an underground bunker, Udaberri is one of the best gin bars in Adelaide. And, trust us when we say, after your first visit, we guarantee you’ll definitely want to be stuck here. With a heavy northern Spanish and Portuguese influence, combining the gin-infused drinks with the orgasmic food available – you’ll want to lock yourself in. Along with your gin of choice, try the Lamb Ribs ($24) with apricot salsa verde and dried tomato. Yum!
Get ready to raise your glass at the 5 Best Gin Bars in Adelaide!
The Best Gin Bars in Perth:
Photographed by Adam Jaime. Image via Unsplash.
ARARA
Taking over from The Flour Factory in a 100-year-old converted flour mill, ARARA brings the exciting and vibrant flavours of South America to Perth’s CBD. Bright colours, bootylicious music and phenomenal gins are spread across two floors for a truly unique experience. With plenty of gin varieties and gin-infused cocktails, there’s few more exciting gin bars in Perth. A must visit in 2024!
Image supplied.
Frisk. Small Bar
Nominated as Perth’s Best Gin Bar 8 years in a row, Frisk. Small Bar is an approachable, unpretentious joint with concrete flooring and street art covering the walls, offering a plethora of gin-based beverages. With over 240 varieties of gin, there is sure to be something that matches your palette, including boutique and creative cocktails such as the Brekkie at Midnight that show just how great gin can be. Feel a little intimidated? Then let the impeccable staff and bartenders recommend a drink satisfy your preferences. An ideal spot for after-work drinks with awesome staff, drinks and bar snacks, get a little frisky at Frisk. Small Bar in 2024!
Image via Tourism Western Australia.
The Standard
A stunning venue with great ambience, The Standard is a well-loved gin bar in the heart of Perth’s CBD. The drinks list is extensive and well-priced, boasting an impressive selection of gin-based cocktails. Overlooking the Perth CBD skyline, on the rooftop you’ll also find converted shipping containers housing the outdoor bar and seating. For your visit we recommend trying the Our Way Rosé made with Dandelion Pink Berry Gin, Aperol, rhubarb bitters, prosecco and lemon. Yum!
Pair your next night out with a visit to one of Perth’s Best Gin Bars!
The Best Gin Bars in Darwin:
Photographed by Greg Elms. Image supplied via Tourism NT.
The Trader Bar
Dowsed in white washed decor, The Trader Bar is far from plain and ordinary. With their vibrant, luscious cocktails paired with a cheese platter that’s an art in itself – this little bar will soon seem like a home to those who visit. The contemporary cocktail bar is surprisingly housed within an old Darwin home – the residence alone providing an intimate, comfortable and outgoing feel to the staff and guests, as all products at The Trader Bar are made with love.
The Best Gin Bars in Brisbane:
Image by Edward Howell via Unsplash.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is the ultimate place for gin lovers in south-east Queensland. This dash of heaven takes plenty of inspiration from the Covent Garden in London’s West End, but with a sharp focus on Australian-made gin concoctions. We recommend you tickle your palate with a cocktail like Clockwork Orange ($20) that sees Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Aperol, peach, passionfruit and lemon unite. If you’d rather be spontaneous, you can take your taste buds on a journey through 200+ gins, matched with a gluten friendly dining menu.
Image by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.
Dutch Courage Officers' Mess
Welcome to Queensland’s first ever gin bar! At Dutch Courage you’ll find good food, amazing drinks and the perfect spot to celebrate – it’s simple. Stretched out over two levels, expect eclecticism – everything has found a home here, from vintage furniture, safari touches, over 150 gins and even an impressive spirit collection boasting over 250 bottles. That being said, naturally gin is their pride and joy, and comes directly from distillers across Australia, the United States and Europe.
If you’re still dreaming of gin after you’ve visited the best gin bars around Australia, why not check out our guide to the Top 8 Australian Gin Brands to Support. Infuse your tastebuds with these Boozy Gin and Tonic Homemade Chocolate Truffles or why not try making these 5 Creative, Quirky and Easy Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipes at home!
