Melbourne’s vibrant gin culture is woven into the city’s laneways, rooftops, and artisan distilleries. Locals have developed a deep appreciation for botanically rich spirits, giving rise to some truly inventive cocktails. Whether you’re exploring a distillery in Melbourne, discovering hidden gems at gin bars in Melbourne, or indulging in hands-on gin experiences, there’s always a new way to enjoy this beloved spirit. Here are five Melbourne-inspired gin cocktails you can try at home or seek out on your next night out.
1. The Laneway Negroni
A fresh twist on the Italian classic, the Laneway Negroni brings together bold local gin with seasonal produce.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Melbourne-distilled gin
- 30ml Australian sweet vermouth
- 30ml bitter orange aperitif
- Blood orange slice, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
This cocktail often features on menus at top gin bars in Melbourne, reflecting the city’s love for bold yet balanced flavour profiles.
2. The Chapel Street Collins
A nod to Melbourne’s bustling southside, this gin cocktail offers a refreshing and botanical-driven twist on the classic Tom Collins.
Ingredients:
- 45ml Melbourne craft gin
- 25ml lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Soda water
- Lemon twist and rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice.
- Strain into a tall glass with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with lemon twist and rosemary.
This cocktail is a regular feature at many gin experiences held across the city.
3. Fitzroy Fizz
Inspired by the bohemian neighbourhood of Fitzroy, this drink is vibrant, complex, and a little bit cheeky.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Melbourne dry gin
- 15ml elderflower liqueur
- 15ml lime juice
- A dash of cucumber bitters
- Sparkling wine
Instructions:
- Shake gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice with ice.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.
You might encounter this cocktail during a Brogans Way gin tasting, a standout gin experience at a leading distillery in Melbourne.
4. Yarra Summer Smash
This cocktail captures the essence of a summer day by the Yarra River—light, fruity, and refreshingly cool.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Melbourne botanical gin
- 20ml lime juice
- 15ml honey syrup
- Handful of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Muddle mint in the bottom of a shaker.
- Add gin, lime juice, and honey syrup with ice.
- Shake well and pour into a julep or rocks glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Perfect for sipping at outdoor events hosted by a local distillery in Melbourne or during seasonal gin experiences.
5. Northside Martini
Sleek, aromatic, and beautifully dry, this cocktail pays homage to Melbourne’s stylish northern suburbs.
Ingredients:
- 60ml dry Melbourne gin
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon.
Popular at upscale gin bars in Melbourne, this martini reflects the city’s modern take on timeless elegance.
Stirring Up Melbourne’s Spirit
From sleek Northside martinis to botanical Collins variations, Melbourne’s cocktail scene continues to set the pace with creativity and craft. Whether you’re exploring a unique distillery in Melbourne, checking out the latest creations at gin bars in Melbourne, or booking into seasonal gin experiences, these cocktails offer a delicious way to connect with the city’s dynamic spirit scene, one sip at a time.
