With Australian summer well and truly upon us, you probably have a calendar full of barbecues, lunches and picnics coming up. If you're looking for delicious beverages to serve, other than wine, you've come to the right place. These three Australian gins are rich in flavour and perfect for sipping neat, drinking with premium tonic, or in classic cocktails.
These gorgeous bottles also make a memorable gift for the gin-lover in your life. The 23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin has layers of rich sweetness and vibrant acidity. Meanwhile the Imbibis Foraged Gin, crafted from local ingredients in south-east Queensland, evokes the wild beauty of the Australian bush. And the Little Juniper Signature Gin, with its classic juniper warmth and soft floral lift, is the perfect versatile gin for enjoying with tonic or in fresh cocktails (they've even provided a Little Juniper recipe for you to try).
Below, we spoke to the distillers about what makes their gin unique, the distilling process, and how best to enjoy them.
Bellarine Distillery Legacy Liqueur
xxxBellarine Distillery say: Created in honour of Lorelle Joy Warren, our beloved founder and Australian Distillers Hall of Fame inductee, this liqueur celebrates her enduring legacy. A unique blend of Teddy & The Fox Gin and Botrytis Semillon dessert wine, it shines with vibrant citrus notes and luscious tropical fruit depth.
Best enjoyed: Serve lightly chilled and neat in a stemmed glass to appreciate its aromatics, or over ice for a more relaxed expression. It also shines as a spritz topped with soda and a twist of citrus, or as a refined cocktail ingredient where its citrus and tropical notes can take centre stage.
A carefully curated cheese and charcuterie platter is the ideal partner for this spirit. Soft, creamy cheeses enhance mouthfeel, while aged and washed-rind varieties amplify depth and complexity whilst dried fruits add gentle sweetness.
RRP $80 | bellarinedistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
Bellarine Distillery Teddy & The Fox
xxxBellarine Distillery say: Teddy & The Fox was our very first gin and remains our most popular. Built on vapour-infused juniper it leads with beautifully lifted citrus from organic Valencia oranges, while lemon myrtle delivers bright lemonade icy-pole and orange fruit tingle nostalgia. It’s a vibrant yet balanced citrus forward contemporary gin perfect for G&T’s on summer days.
Surprise the spirit lover on your list with our exclusive foraged gin – crafted in small batches, never found in major retail outlets, and a true treasure for any artisan spirits collector. Unique, local, and full of festive flavour, it’s the ultimate gift for those who appreciate the art of fine distilling.
Best enjoyed: Signature G&T – Highball, plenty of ice, Fevertree Mediterranean Tonic, garnish with a dehydrated orange slice. Also makes a great White Lady cocktail or as we call it – a ‘Foxy Lady’ with orange liqueur and lemon juice.
Local Bellarine Angasi oysters with a squeeze of fresh lemon. The oysters’ creamy texture mirrors the gin’s rounded palate. Lifted citrus and lemon myrtle amplify natural brine, creating a bright, saline coastal harmony that feels unmistakably at home on the Bellarine Peninsula.
RRP $92 | bellarinedistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
Blackwattle Distillery Co O.P. Sydney Gin
xxxBlackwattle Distillery Co say: Our O.P. Sydney Gin is full of citrus and spice, and it’s strong. The essential oils from 13 botanicals combine in this full flavoured gin, that at 55% ABV will bring your G&T to the next level.
Best enjoyed: Depending on your mood, serve OP in a short or tall glass, filled with ice and a slice of fresh lemon, topped up with light Indian tonic, or half soda and half tonic (which we like to call Sonic). A full flavoured G&T where you can taste our gin right ‘til the end.
The flavours for our OP have been developed with the Sydney Fish Market on Blackwattle Bay in mind. Bay, Black Pepper, Ginger and Lemon amongst 13 botanicals that have been carefully selected to make this Gin the perfect accompaniment to fresh seafood. Oyster shots anyone?
RRP $85 | blackwattledistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin
The burst of raspberries is complemented by the bright finger lime citrus and married together by the light bitterness of the blue juniper base.23rd Street Distillery say: Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is bold in both colour and taste with the sweet and zesty fusion of flavours delivering the perfect refreshing experience. The natural Australian finger lime is enhanced by native botanicals, so you can experience the unique flavours of nature.
Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink this festive season. Whether sipped neat to appreciate its smooth, balanced complexity or mixed into a cocktail as the hero ingredient, this gin is sure to be a favourite this season.
H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
23rd Street. We soak and vapour distil a parcel of blue juniper berries in our pot still to create a spicy fruit gin base to build complexity. This maceration of the raspberry and finger limes is carried out over three weeks, tasting daily, to obtain the perfect balance of spice, colour and flavour extraction.
Best enjoyed: Enjoy with tonic for a twist on a classic G&T or use as an ingredient in a spritz for the perfect light and refreshing summer cocktail.
RRP $75 | 23rdstreetdistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin
The burst of raspberries is complemented by the bright finger lime citrus and married together by the light bitterness of the blue juniper base.23rd Street Distillery say: Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is bold in both colour and taste with the sweet and zesty fusion of flavours delivering the perfect refreshing experience. The natural Australian finger lime is enhanced by native botanicals, so you can experience the unique flavours of nature.
Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink this festive season. Whether sipped neat to appreciate its smooth, balanced complexity or mixed into a cocktail as the hero ingredient, this gin is sure to be a favourite this season.
H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
23rd Street. We soak and vapour distil a parcel of blue juniper berries in our pot still to create a spicy fruit gin base to build complexity. This maceration of the raspberry and finger limes is carried out over three weeks, tasting daily, to obtain the perfect balance of spice, colour and flavour extraction.
Best enjoyed: Enjoy with tonic for a twist on a classic G&T or use as an ingredient in a spritz for the perfect light and refreshing summer cocktail.
RRP $75 | 23rdstreetdistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
Imperial Measures Ounce Gin Bold
xxxImperial Measures say: Ounce Gin Bold is a true gin lover’s gin, bold Juniper, brooding herbs and rich spice delicately spritzed with a hint of citrus. Savoury, weighty, intense and lingering. For all those looking for a real gin.
Best enjoyed: Made for bracingly cold Martinis and refreshing Tom Collins’. Our signature serve G&T with Indian tonic and green olives is highly recommended for a slightly less dangerous ‘Long Martini’ experience. Ounce Gin Bold is equally at home and able to stand true within the intense flavours of a Red Snapper (Gin Bloody Mary).
Ounce Gin Bold is more at home with Steak Entrecote than you might assume. The savoury herbal notes pair with the complex sauce whilst simultaneously cleansing the palate between indulgences. Our go-to special evening dish.
RRP $94 | imdistilling.com.au | Shop this gin
Imperial Measures Ounce Gin Bright
xxxImperial Measures say: Ounce Gin Bright is our ode to fresh, bright, lifted styles of gin. Sunshine, cool drinks and relaxing long afternoons. Elegant fresh herbs at the fore, supported by a pleasing juniper presence, paired with ginger and pink pepper along with a touch of anise to complement the finish. For those chasing exquisite refreshments, balancing delicacy with full flavour.
Best enjoyed: Our Bright Side cocktail, a riff on the South Side, shows you what this gin is all about. Fresh dill (or mint), fresh lime, a touch of sweetness and the perfect botanical profile to complement. Icy cold, short and moreish. Or, G&Ts with Mediterranean tonic, lime and mint will elevate any warm sunny day.
We love freshly made cucumber sandwiches or a watermelon, fresh mint and goat's feta salad really hits the spot with a Bright G&T in hand.
RRP $89 | imdistilling.com.au | Shop this gin
23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin
The burst of raspberries is complemented by the bright finger lime citrus and married together by the light bitterness of the blue juniper base.23rd Street Distillery say: Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is bold in both colour and taste with the sweet and zesty fusion of flavours delivering the perfect refreshing experience. The natural Australian finger lime is enhanced by native botanicals, so you can experience the unique flavours of nature.
Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink this festive season. Whether sipped neat to appreciate its smooth, balanced complexity or mixed into a cocktail as the hero ingredient, this gin is sure to be a favourite this season.
H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
23rd Street. We soak and vapour distil a parcel of blue juniper berries in our pot still to create a spicy fruit gin base to build complexity. This maceration of the raspberry and finger limes is carried out over three weeks, tasting daily, to obtain the perfect balance of spice, colour and flavour extraction.
Best enjoyed: Enjoy with tonic for a twist on a classic G&T or use as an ingredient in a spritz for the perfect light and refreshing summer cocktail.
RRP $75 | 23rdstreetdistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin
The burst of raspberries is complemented by the bright finger lime citrus and married together by the light bitterness of the blue juniper base.23rd Street Distillery say: Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is bold in both colour and taste with the sweet and zesty fusion of flavours delivering the perfect refreshing experience. The natural Australian finger lime is enhanced by native botanicals, so you can experience the unique flavours of nature.
Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink this festive season. Whether sipped neat to appreciate its smooth, balanced complexity or mixed into a cocktail as the hero ingredient, this gin is sure to be a favourite this season.
H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
23rd Street. We soak and vapour distil a parcel of blue juniper berries in our pot still to create a spicy fruit gin base to build complexity. This maceration of the raspberry and finger limes is carried out over three weeks, tasting daily, to obtain the perfect balance of spice, colour and flavour extraction.
Best enjoyed: Enjoy with tonic for a twist on a classic G&T or use as an ingredient in a spritz for the perfect light and refreshing summer cocktail.
RRP $75 | 23rdstreetdistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin
The burst of raspberries is complemented by the bright finger lime citrus and married together by the light bitterness of the blue juniper base.23rd Street Distillery say: Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is bold in both colour and taste with the sweet and zesty fusion of flavours delivering the perfect refreshing experience. The natural Australian finger lime is enhanced by native botanicals, so you can experience the unique flavours of nature.
Raspberry and Finger Lime Gin is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink this festive season. Whether sipped neat to appreciate its smooth, balanced complexity or mixed into a cocktail as the hero ingredient, this gin is sure to be a favourite this season.
H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
23rd Street. We soak and vapour distil a parcel of blue juniper berries in our pot still to create a spicy fruit gin base to build complexity. This maceration of the raspberry and finger limes is carried out over three weeks, tasting daily, to obtain the perfect balance of spice, colour and flavour extraction.
Best enjoyed: Enjoy with tonic for a twist on a classic G&T or use as an ingredient in a spritz for the perfect light and refreshing summer cocktail.
RRP $75 | 23rdstreetdistillery.com.au | Shop this gin
