From gin labs to micro-distilleries, get your dose of juniper at the best spots to drink gin in Sydney.
It’s one of Sydney’s favourite spirits. From a simple yet refreshing gin and tonic to a complex and creative gin-fuelled cocktail, there’s a lot to love about this juniper-led spirit. Not sure where to start? Check out our beginner’s guide to gin here. Ready to get sipping? Discover the best spots to drink gin in Sydney below!
Bar Planet, Newtown
This new inner-west bar specialises in martinis and bartenders pour them theatrically from beautiful Spanish decanters. If you’re after a well-made gin cocktail, Bar Planet is the place to go.
Frank Mac’s, The Rocks
This bar opened on George Street from the hospitality heavyweights behind whisky bar, The Doss House. Frank Mac’s offers one of the biggest botanical collections available in Sydney with over 8- juniper blends sourced from all over the globe. With seating inside and outside, across two levels and into a back courtyard, this is not a bar, but a dining destination.
Four Pillars, Surry Hills
Four Pillars delivers a multi-level gin experience in the heart of Surry Hills. On one side of the laboratory is the Gin Lab, a place to taste, talk, buy and make gin. On the other side is Eileen’s Bar, named after their resident still. Pull up a stool and try a cocktail that explores the flavours of one of Australia’s best gins.
Hickson House Distilling Co, The Rocks
Hickson House is a brand new addition to The Rocks’ thriving drinking scene. Step inside and notice the distillery sills and barrels that sit alongside the bar and dining space. Undertake a distilling experience and taste your way through the gin-dominated cocktail list. The venue has focused on highlighting Australian-made spirits and the distillery’s very own gin.
Archie Rose, Rosebery
Rubbing shoulders with Archie Rose’s on-site distillery, the Archie Rose bar is the perfect spot to sip some of the best gin in Sydney. Grab a seat and enjoy a classic G&T or go all out with a gin-fuelled cocktail like the Neighbourhood Negroni or Joan Collins. Plus with plenty of bar snacks to enjoy as well, you’ll want to sit, sip and linger over a drink or two.
The Barber Shop, CBD
Tucked away on York Street in the heart of the city, The Barber Shop is one of Sydney’s most awarded gin bars. Since opening in 2013, the venue has been offering a stellar cocktail list and gin “flights” with a gin-inspired food menu to match.
Manly Spirits Co., Brookvale
Manly Spirits Co specialises in craft spirits made with locally sourced ingredients. The bar offers a wide range of cocktails, gin and whisky tastings, and distillery tours for visitors to learn about the distilling process.
The Fernery, Mosman
Head to Mosman and flock to The Fernery rooftop bar for one of the best spots to sip gin in Sydney. While you can order gin-fuelled drinks from the main bar, we suggest heading to the venue’s sleek dedicated gin room to sample gins from locally crafted Australian distillers.
Finders Distillery, St Leonards
Finders Distillery finds its home in an unassuming industrial unit in St Leonards. Headed up by Aussie duo Kyle and Georgia, they sure know a thing or two about Australian-made spirits. Here you can sample the distillery’s top-notch spirits (all infused with botanicals and ingredients local to the Lower North Shore) including classic cocktails, G&Ts and so much more.
Gin Lane, Chippendale
Serving 150+ varieties of hand-selected gin, Gin Lane is Chippendale’s answer to the raft of specialty bars that have taken over Sydney. Located on Kensington Street, the intimate bar welcomes the 18th Century into the present day with an inventive drinks list and sleek ambiance. With radiant lighting and a timber interior, this 18th Century townhouse setting perfectly recreates the simplicity of olden day London.
Moya’s Juniper Lounge, Redfern
Set in the heart of Redfern is Moya’s Juniper Lounge, a local favourite celebrating all things gin. This neighbourhood watering hole has been a stalwart in the suburb for years, known for an inventive gin-focused cocktail list and cosy interiors (perfect for curling up in on a cold winter night).
Poor Tom’s Gin Hall, Marrickville
Head to the inner west and you’ll find one of Sydney’s best gin distilleries and bars, Poor Toms. These small-batch spirits are perfectly sipped as a G&T or as a refreshing cocktail.
