Over the past few years the number of gins appearing on the market has rapidly increased with bottle shop shelves sagging under the weight of options now available. From trusted old favourites to inventive flavoured varieties from small batch distilleries, there appears to be no quenching Australia’s thirst to find the best gin.
Even celebrities are getting in on the action with Aussie babe, Margot Robbie launching her own product, Papa Salt Coastal Gin just last year.
But not all gins are created equal, and whether you’re looking to make a simple G&T on a balmy evening or host an extravagant cocktail party, finding the best gin for the occasion is not always easy.
Read on to find our roundup of the best gins to shop in Australia right now.
The best gins to buy in Australia 2024
2024’s TOP GINS
- Edinburgh Gin Classic, $76, BWS (here’s why)
- Never Never Triple Juniper Gin, $59, Liquorland (here’s why)
- Hendricks Grand Cabaret, $78.90, Barrell & Batch (here’s why)
The best gins in Australia 2024
01
Edinburgh Gin Classic
$76 at BWS
This is a classic, juniper-forward London Dry style gin with a nod to the flavours of its homeland of Scotland. Among the recipe’s thirteen botanicals are native cobnuts and black mulberry. It is clean and fresh on the nose, while the palate offers juniper, pine and lavender. Bright, effervescent citrus gives away to a soft, round finish and lends itself to a twist of orange when serving in a classic G & T.
Key features:
- Alcohol content: 43% ABV
- Country of origin: Scotland
- Tasting notes: Rounded juniper, pine, floral lavender, with hints of soft spice and aromatic citrus
- Perfect for: A classic G&T
- Won a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020
Also available at:
- $76 from BWS
This is Never Never’s signature London Dry style gin. It uses a triple-concentrated production process to deliver a gin bursting with classic juniper flavour perfect for a G&T. Juniper berries are first steeped in Australian wheat spirit for 24 hours (that’s the first), then this steep, along with fresh juniper is then added to the still (that’s the second), before finally, more juniper is added to the vapour basket to capture the fresh and floral juniper character (and that’s the third).
Key features:
- Alcohol content: 43% ABV
- Country of origin: Australia
- Botanicals include coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, lemon peel, lime peel, liquorice root, cinnamon, and Australian pepper berry
- Tasting notes: bright citrus character up front, intense, prominent juniper, with earthy undertones..
- Perfect for: a Negroni
Also available at:
- $59 from First Choice Liquor
03
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin
$78.90 (usually $91.90) at Barrel & Batch
From Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities comes its latest extravagant release – Grand Cabaret Gin. This new limited release gin is for dreamers, artists and free-spirited souls, and is inspired by a historic fruit-based libation that was in vogue in Paris in the early 20th Century. It is bright and bold – like the beautiful bottle it comes in – with a classic juniper aroma and sweet hints of stone fruit to complement the freshness of the signature cucumber notes.
Key features:
- Alcohol content: 43.4% ABV
- Country of origin: England
- Tasting notes: stone fruit flavours swith waves of light, fruitiness, rounded out by sweet aromatic herbs.
- Perfect for: a decadent cocktail
04
Bombay Sapphire
$66 at BWS
With its distincitive blue bottle, Bombay Sapphire is a truly iconic gin which has earned its place on the shelves of the best bars around the world. Ten hand-selected botanicals from around the world, including Moroccan coriander seeds, are used in the unique distillation process to give it its unique flavour. There’s a reason this London dry gin has long history and stands up against the new gins on the block..
Key features:
- Alcohol content: 40% ABV
- Country of origin: England
- Tasting notes: light juniper, lemon zest and coriander
- Perfect for: a classic martini
Also available at:
- $57 (usually $66) from Liquorland
05
Papa Salt
$79 (usually $88) at Liquorland
We’re a fan of Margot Robbie’s movies and now we are a fan of her gin too. Think slow and salty summer days, this gin celebrates the subtle taste of native Australian botanicals. Wattle seed, wax flower, pink peppercorn, hibiscus, zesty wax flower and oyster shell are among the flavours to delight your palate in this easy-drinking, perfect for sharing. And it’s made using 100 per cent renewable energy and zero-waste practices.
Key features:
- Alcohol content: 42% ABV
- Country of origin: Australia
- Tasting notes: zesty wax flower, hibiscus and citrus, with subtle hints of nutty wattleseed, the mild pink peppercorn
- Perfect for: Gin & soda with a wedge of grapfruit
- Made from 100 per cent renewable energey and zero-waste practices
Also available at:
- $79 (usually $88) from First Choice
- $87 from BWS
Does Australia Make Good Gins?
Yes, Australia makes great gins! While we’ve featured a few international brands here, Aussie gins stand out from the pack with their use of native botanicals and innovative flavours. And thanks to the boom in the market, there’s no shortage of them.
What is the best way to make a gin and tonic?
WHO spoke with George Bekarian, head mixologist at Cardea in Sydney’s Barangaroo and spirit specialist for the Garden Street Gin Club for his expert tips on making the best G&T.
- Always start by adding plenty of ice first. This ensures the drink stays cold longer without diluting it. Next, pour in the gin, allowing it to chill before slowly adding tonic.
- The tonic is crucial in making or breaking your G&T. Choose one that complements your gin’s botanicals rather than overpowering them. For example, a delicate floral gin pairs beautifully with a light or elderflower tonic,
- Don’t forget the garnish. It should enhance, not dominate, your G&T. Looking at the flavours mentioned on the label. Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit work well with most gins. For a more adventurous twist, try herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a sprig of mint.
- Traditionally, a highball or Collins glass works well as it allows enough room for plenty of ice and tonic. However, a large balloon glass (copa de balon) is becoming increasingly popular,
What is the correct ratio of gin to tonic?
The classic ratio is 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic. This strikes the perfect balance between highlighting the botanicals in the gin and keeping the drink refreshing. However, feel free to adjust based on your taste – newcomers might prefer a 1:4 ratio for a milder experience, while seasoned gin drinkers can opt for a stronger 1:2 ratio.
Please remember to drink responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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