Gin has come a long way from dusty bottles behind the bar. Once seen as old-fashioned, it’s now at the heart of the modern cocktail scene. From hidden speakeasies to stylish rooftop bars, gin is back—and bigger than ever. Australia’s gin scene is booming. According to the Australian Distillers Association, over 600 distilleries are now operating nationwide, with many focused on craft gin. A local gin distillery isn’t just a place where spirits are made—it’s often the centre of a community, hosting gin-tasting events, special occasions, and supporting local growers. At the same time, the rise of the gin bar in Melbourne has been nothing short of remarkable. From tucked-away laneways to skyline lounges, these bars are making gin cool again. But how did we get here?
The Comeback of a Classic
Gin was once the star of the show during the roaring 1920s. Think jazz clubs, art deco, and prohibition-era speakeasies. People sipped gin martinis in hidden bars, and cocktails became a way to dress up an illicit night out.
Fast forward to the 2000s and vodka had taken over. Gin was pushed aside, seen as something your grandparents drank. But bartenders never forgot its depth. It just needed the right moment to return.
That moment came with the craft spirits movement. Small batch distilling, exotic botanicals, and a hunger for authenticity brought gin back into the spotlight. Now, it’s the spirit of choice for bartenders who want to create bold, balanced drinks with layers of flavour.
Rooftop Bars, Gin Menus, and Instagram
Modern gin culture is all about experience. Rooftop bars and chic cocktail lounges are crafting gin menus that read like wine lists. You’ll find options sorted by style—London dry, new wave, barrel-aged—or by region.
In Melbourne, this trend is especially strong. A gin bar in Melbourne isn’t just about the drinks. It’s about storytelling. Every bottle has a local touch. From native pepper berries and wattle seed to finger lime, Australian botanicals are making our gin scene unique.
People want more than a drink—they want an experience. That’s where gin-tasting events come in. These sessions let guests explore new flavour profiles, learn about distillation, and discover their new favourite pour. For many, this begins at a gin distillery where they can see, smell, and taste the journey from botanical to bottle.
Classic Cocktails, Reinvented
As gin regains popularity, so do the classics. The gin martini, Negroni, Tom Collins, and French 75 are back on menus everywhere. But they’re rarely served the old way.
Today’s bartenders are reworking these recipes with modern techniques and ingredients. A Negroni might use a barrel-aged gin. A martini could be infused with rosemary or citrus. Each twist adds a new dimension.
Why the return to the classics? Simplicity, balance, and the ability to showcase the gin itself. These drinks aren’t masked by mixers—they highlight the craft behind the spirit.
Local Distillers Leading the Charge
Australia is home to some of the world’s best gin producers. Four Pillars in Victoria, Never Never in South Australia, Archie Rose in Sydney, and Brogan’s Way in Melbourne are now globally recognised. Many win major awards and consistently set new standards in craft gin.
Their success has inspired dozens of new players. From Tasmania to Queensland, you can now visit a gin distillery in almost any state. Each one tells a different story. And many open their doors to the public with tastings, cocktail classes, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Why Gin Works in Today’s Culture
Gin is versatile. It works in both simple highballs and complex signature cocktails. Its clean base and botanical flavours make it ideal for innovation.
It also fits with the modern love of local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Distillers can work with farmers, foragers, and growers to create gins that reflect the landscape around them. For example, several distilleries now use bush tomato, saltbush, or lemon myrtle to build flavour.
This fits perfectly with the way people want to drink today. We want to know where our drinks come from. We want depth, meaning, and taste.
The Spirit That Keeps Evolving
Gin isn’t a trend. It’s a movement—and it’s reshaping how we drink. Whether you’re sipping a martini in a speakeasy or enjoying a spritz at a gin bar in Melbourne, one thing is clear: gin is here to stay, craft gin included. From the rise of the modern gin distillery to the growing love of gin-tasting events, this botanical spirit continues to surprise us. It blends old-world charm with modern flair. It offers something fresh while honouring tradition. So next time you’re out, ask for a gin cocktail. You might just discover your new favourite drink.
