Not so long ago, a gin and tonic was a drink ordered largely by middle aged women, a relic of the 1th century, when gin drinking was apparently so prevalent it almost caused British society to collapse (true story). We can see why it fell out of favour.
But this botanical spirit is coming back with a flourish, with boutique distillers popping up everywhere and gin cocktails getting more and more creative. So when you just can’t gin and bear a vodka soda anymore, here’s a list of just a few (we couldn’t list them all) of Brisbane’s best spots for gin cocktails.
Libertine | Paddington
Whether you pair it with bites from the street food menu or not (2 for 1 dishes from 5-6pm, hint hint), Libertine’s Cherry Bombshell is one feisty babe you want to get acquainted with. Haymans, quandong liqueur, lime juice, berry jam and cherry bitters will have you feeling gin-appropriately flirty in no time.
Canvas | Woolloongabba
It’s hard to pick just one cocktail from Canvas’ impressive list – every one of their conconctions is seriously gin-toxicating. If we had to choose, we’d have to say the Great Escape. There’s a reason this mix of gin, grape, mint, elderflower and apple juice has always been on the menu – order it and you’ll soon find out what it is.
Bosc | West End
How could you go wrong at a bar that specializes in gin cocktails? With boutique gins from across Australia and around the world, the gin toting bartenders at Bosc will get you gin-ebriated on creative drinks no matter what your flavour preference.
Hop & Pickle | South Bank
You may have thought Hop & Pickle was just a relaxed beer garden, but let us tell you, they do a gin-dulgent cocktail or two as well. Their Clockwork Orange is all sorts of summer afternoon-inspired deliciousness, with Beefeater gin, Aperol, peach liqueur, lemon and passionfruit.
The Laneway | CBD
You’ll find no less than 13 gins on the menu at The Laneway, but if the classic gin and tonic isn’t gin-ventive enough for you, the cocktail list might just be. Props for their pun work too – the Ginception, with passionfruit, grapefruit and served in an ice sphere no less, is our perfect drink.
Stephen’s Lane | CBD
If you thought G&Ts were boring, let us gin-form you that Stephen’s Lane’s Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic carafes will change your mind. Infused with seasonal flavours lemon thyme and juniper or grapefruit, pineapple and sage, they come with DIY garnishes for extra fun.
Darling & Co | Paddington
Time Flies when you’re having a tipple at Paddington’s new Darling & Co., especially if you’re sipping on a sweet blend of Tanqueray Gin, apricot brandy, honey and thyme. If you need more of a gin-centive to find the new bar and eatery, the Pink Lady Sangria a gin-spiked sangria that will match your summer outfit perfectly.
Sorry vodka, we’re just not that gin to you any more.
Words by Ranyhyn Akui
Hop & Pickle | South Bank
You may have thought Hop & Pickle was just a relaxed beer garden, but let us tell you, they do a gin-dulgent cocktail or two as well. Their Clockwork Orange is all sorts of summer afternoon-inspired deliciousness, with Beefeater gin, Aperol, peach liqueur, lemon and passionfruit.
The Laneway | CBD
You’ll find no less than 13 gins on the menu at The Laneway, but if the classic gin and tonic isn’t gin-ventive enough for you, the cocktail list might just be. Props for their pun work too – the Ginception, with passionfruit, grapefruit and served in an ice sphere no less, is our perfect drink.
Stephen’s Lane | CBD
If you thought G&Ts were boring, let us gin-form you that Stephen’s Lane’s Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic carafes will change your mind. Infused with seasonal flavours lemon thyme and juniper or grapefruit, pineapple and sage, they come with DIY garnishes for extra fun.
Darling & Co | Paddington
Time Flies when you’re having a tipple at Paddington’s new Darling & Co., especially if you’re sipping on a sweet blend of Tanqueray Gin, apricot brandy, honey and thyme. If you need more of a gin-centive to find the new bar and eatery, the Pink Lady Sangria a gin-spiked sangria that will match your summer outfit perfectly.
Sorry vodka, we’re just not that gin to you any more.
Words by Ranyhyn Akui
