image

Must Try Autumn Cocktails That Capture the Spirit of Melbourne

As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crisp edge, Melbourne’s bars and distilleries embrace the flavours of the season with warming, botanical-rich cocktails. Whether you’re settling in at a cosy bar in Richmond, exploring new flavours from Australian gin distilleries, or sampling the latest concoctions at a trendy gin bar in Melbourne, autumn is the perfect time to experiment with seasonal sips. Here are five must-try cocktails that embody Melbourne’s autumn spirit.

1. Smoked Citrus Negroni

A bold take on a classic, this smoky Negroni draws on seasonal citrus and wood-fired elements for depth.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml locally made gin (look to Australian gin distilleries for unique botanical blends)
  • 30ml sweet vermouth
  • 30ml Campari
  • Slice of charred orange

Instructions:

  1. Stir all ingredients with ice until well chilled.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  3. Garnish with a charred orange slice.

You’ll likely encounter this cocktail at a stylish gin bar in Melbourne where creativity meets tradition.

2. Autumn Spice Gin Sour

Warm spices and citrus come together in this comforting yet zesty drink.

Ingredients:

  • 45ml Melbourne-distilled gin
  • 25ml lemon juice
  • 20ml spiced honey syrup (infused with cinnamon and cloves)
  • Egg white (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Shake all ingredients without ice to emulsify.
  2. Add ice and shake again.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with grated nutmeg.

Often served at an intimate bar in Richmond, this is the kind of drink that brings the warmth of the season to your glass.

3. Fig & Thyme Gin Fizz

Fresh figs and thyme add a luxurious autumnal twist to a light and refreshing fizz.

Ingredients:

  • 40ml Australian gin
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 10ml thyme simple syrup
  • 1 muddled fig
  • Soda water

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the fig in a shaker.
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice. Shake well.
  3. Strain into a tall glass and top with soda.
  4. Garnish with a fig slice and thyme sprig.

This cocktail is a favourite during seasonal menus at a popular gin bar in Melbourne, especially those showcasing produce from local markets.

4. Barrel-Aged Boulevardier

This robust drink features barrel-aged gin, a speciality of many Australian gin distilleries, offering rich, oaky undertones.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml barrel-aged gin
  • 30ml sweet vermouth
  • 30ml bitter liqueur

Instructions:

  1. Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass.
  2. Garnish with a twist of orange.

Some bar in Richmond venues even age their spirits in-house, adding another level of depth to your drinking experience.

5. Melbourne Garden Martini

An ode to Melbourne’s love of native herbs and earthy garnishes.

Ingredients:

  • 50ml local botanical gin
  • 10ml dry vermouth
  • Dash of olive brine (optional)
  • Native herb garnish (like lemon myrtle or river mint)

Instructions:

  1. Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  2. Garnish with a fresh herb sprig.

You may come across variations of this at a Brogans Way gin tasting, where seasonal botanicals are celebrated and experimented with.

Celebrate Autumn with a Melbourne Twist

There’s no better time to explore the flavours of the season than autumn in Melbourne. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in a bustling bar in Richmond, exploring small-batch releases from Australian gin distilleries, or indulging in a curated gin tasting at a leading gin bar in Melbourne, you’ll find the perfect cocktail to match the city’s moody skies and golden foliage. Embrace the spirit of the season, one glass at a time.