If you’re a gin lover, chances are you probably live in Sydney. If you don’t, you can rest easy knowing that on any visit to Sydney, you’ll be walking (or sipping) alongside a community of serious (serious) gin lovers.
Long story short: Sydney is a gin lover's paradise.
And if you need a little proof, look no further. Sydney has a neat collection of dedicated gin bars with impressive gin collections where you can sample some of the best gin made right here in Australia, as well as gins from all around the world. Whether you prefer a martini, a Negroni, a straight-up G&T, or something refreshing and new—you'll absolutely find what you're looking for here.
Behold, Sydney's best gin bars.
Poor Toms Gin Hall
Marrickville, NSW
Launched by housemates and co-founders Jesse Kennedy and Griff Blumer, this Marrickville distillery and bar is open three nights a week and is 100 percent dog-friendly. The sunlit warehouse-style space features hanging plants, a custom-built marble-topped bar and custom bar tables and stools. Every Sunday, the bar hosts "Scat Sundays" with DJs on decks and a sausage sizzle.
Gin Lane
Chippendale, NSW
If 75 hand-selected speciality gins from around the world sounds good to you, you'll want to check out Gin Lane. They're also known for their totally outrageous and theatrical cocktails—an actual treasure chest filled with gin punch, a fish bowl, or a smoking skull inspired by Game of Thrones. They're also known for their boozy gin soft serve.
Archie Rose Distilling Co.
Rosebery, NSW
Archie Rose is one of Australia's most exciting gin labels, and their Rosebery distillery door lives up to the hype. The stunning copper bar glows gold, surrounded by whisky barrels and oak booths. You'll be able to sip the full suite of Archie Rose spirits (they also make vodka and whisky), graze on cheese and charcuterie, all while gin distills and whisky ages nearby.
The Barber Shop
South Barangaroo, NSW
The Barber Shop has two award-winning outposts in Sydney—one in the heart of the CBD, and another in Barangaroo. They specialise in two things: men's haircuts and gin, which is a pretty slick combo according to us. The cocktail bar is hidden at the back of the salon, and it's here that you'll find over 700 varieties, as well as a vintage collection dating back to the 60s and 70s.
Moya’s Juniper Lounge
Redfern, NSW
Hidden behind a curtain on Redfern's busy Regent Street, this gin haunt is lined with vintage couches, art and lamps. Local distillers like Poor Toms, Archie Rose and Hippocampus are the heroes of the cocktail menu, and every Sunday there is a free jazz band and $10 Negronis.
Coming Soon: Four Pillars Gin And Drinks Lab
Surry Hills , NSW
Set to open in early 2020, Four Pillars Gin And Drinks Lab will be the distillery's first home away from home for the Yarra Valley-based gin label. For now, precise details are scarce, but we do know that co-founders Stuart Gregor, Cameron Mackenzie and Matt Jones intend to transport the character and charm of their Healesville distillery door to Crown Street, along with a 70L still nicknamed Eileen.
Stillery
Double Bay, NSW
Stillery, located in the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, focusses on local and imported craft, vintage and rare gin. Led by bar manager, Aaron Gaulke, the talented bartenders prepare some of the best gin and tonics you'll find in this fair city. In addition to the impressive drinks menu, a seasonal menu is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Fernery
Mosman, NSW
As well as having a lush garden terrace dedicated to rosé, The Fernery in Mosman has its very own gin room that's been packed out with locally made gins.
While you're here, check out our cut of the best restaurants in Surry Hills.
Image credit: Four Pillars