On June 10, we’re celebrating the botanic-packed spirit that’s inspired more cocktails than any other spirit. So swap your typical G&T for a Salted Watermelon Martini, a gin-based Pina Colada or a Pepperbery Fizz for World Gin Day. These drinks are also highly Insta worth, so don’t forget to take a snap because pics… or it didn’t happen.
Our favourite Instagramable Melbourne Gins
Mr. Miyagi
We know Melbourne is obsessed with a good martini –especially ones spiked with a healthy dose of coffee. But Mr. Miyagi is giving us a good reason to leave our caffeine addiction at the door. Serving up a Salted Watermelon Martini made from gin, apple, watermelon and Midori watermelon ball, it’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty. And trust us when we say, it’ll taste amazing with a serving (or two) of their infamous Nori Tacos.
Photography by: Holly Engelhardt
Eau De Vie
Eau De Vie is a Melbourne institution with a dizzying 22-page drink list. They boast 14 unique gin cocktails alone as well as customizable gin martinis served with liquid nitrogen. To help take the guesswork out, we’ve discovered Eau De Vie’s perfect cocktail to celebrate World Gin Day. It’s pink, Instagram-worthy and delicious. Melbourne meet Aviation. It’s made with Beefeater gin, lemon juice, rhubarb and juniper puree and maraschino liqueur then topped with a fluffy cloud and paper plane.
Rice Queen
Rice Queen is pouring up gin cocktails with an Asian-inspired twist. Our personal favourite is their bright green South East Side cocktail. Made with West Winds Sabre gin, lime, elderflower and Vietnamese mint, it’ll transport you to the Land of the Dragon. Looking for a stronger drink? They also make a killer Singapore Sling.
Union Electric
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you combined a Pina Colada with premium small batch gin, Union Electric has your answer. Their cheeky Lola Colada is crafted with Star of Bombay, curacao, ginger syrup, lemon juice and Coco Lopez cream of coconut, then garnished with fresh flowers, orange peel and cracked pepper. We bet you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Bad Frankie
Bad Frankie easily snags a spot with their extensive 4-page long gin list –and get this all of them are local. Every state in Australia is represented with a whopping 25 from VIC, 25 from NSW, 16 from SA, 15 from TAS, 11 from WA, 2 from QLD and even 1 from ACT. Their cocktails are top-notch and use native ingredients like pepperberry and cinnamon shrub. Looking for a bite to eat? Bad Frankie keeps up with the patriotic theme serving up jaffles of every kind. Hot tip: they just changed their menu last week and added A Brothers Love, Jez & Jackie Shrub, Married Martini and Pepperberry Fizz. All delicious sounding gin cocktails, yum!
Official World Gin Day Events
Looking for a more official way to celebrate all things gin? Check out these special World Gin Day events:
Four Pillars World Gin Day (On The Go)
Four Pillars weekend-long party is the only reason you need to make the hour-long drive to Healesville. Kick off the day with a scone breakfast with Four Pillars orange marmalade made from the by-products of oranges used to make gin. If you’re after something more savoury, you can also grab a pulled pork gin burger from the Blue Bonnet BBQ guys. And the best reason to go? Free gin tastings (including the highly sought after Bloody Shiraz gin that literally just got released and has probably already run out the door!). The bar will also be serving up gin cocktails all day long.
Taxi Kitchen x Artemis Gin
Taxi Kitchen and Artemis Gin are joining forces for a one-off 5-course degustation with matched drinks. Indulge in Taxi Kitchen’s most iconic dishes as you sip on Artemis cocktails inspired by gin botanicals. Plus you’ll even get to bring home your very own bottle of specially distilled Artemis x Taxi Kitchen gin.
Looking for something to do in Melbourne this weekend? Here’s everything that made it On The List.
Written By:
Nadine is a freelance writer and PR girl. In her spare time, you’ll typically catch her reading a good book, hitting up Melbourne’s coolest restaurants and bars, or finding her next adrenaline rush. She also can’t say no to a good scoop of gelato or pizza slice. See what else she gets up to on her Instagram.