Melbourne is a city that knows how to celebrate great food and drink. With its buzzing laneways, rooftop bars, and a growing number of distilleries, it’s no surprise that the city hosts some of the best cocktail events in the country. Whether you’re keen to explore a local distillery in Melbourne, check out some of the most creative gin bars in Melbourne, or dive into hands-on gin experiences, there’s a flavourful event waiting for you.
Melbourne Gin Festival
A highlight on the city’s annual calendar, the Melbourne Gin Festival is a must for any gin enthusiast. This multi-day celebration features tastings from more than 50 Australian and international distillers, cocktail-making demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the makers. Whether you’re new to the spirit or a seasoned gin lover, the festival offers one of the most immersive gin experiences in the country. Plus, many local favourites—like a well-known distillery in Melbourne offering fresh and botanical-rich gins—are always a crowd favourite.
Juniperlooza
Held at the iconic Boatbuilders Yard, Juniperlooza is Australia’s original gin festival and a firm favourite among locals. This waterside event is all about fun, flavour, and creativity. Attendees can enjoy G&T’s, signature cocktails, and even try their hand at blending their own botanicals. With several pop-up gin bars in Melbourne taking part and featuring their own unique cocktails, it’s a vibrant celebration of all things gin. Juniperlooza also champions sustainability, with many distilleries focusing on eco-friendly production and ingredients.
Brogans Way Gin Tasting Experience
For those seeking a more intimate event, one of the top gin experiences in the city is the guided gin tasting at a well-loved distillery in Melbourne located just off Chapel Street. Known for its locally inspired botanicals and small-batch craftsmanship, this tasting offers guests a chance to sample a curated lineup of gins while learning about the distillation process, flavour profiles, and cocktail pairing ideas. It’s a brilliant way to support local craft and discover how unique Melbourne-made gin can be.
World Gin Day Events
Each June, Melbourne celebrates World Gin Day with a variety of events across the city. From limited-time menus at popular gin bars in Melbourne to open days at your favourite distillery in Melbourne, it’s a full weekend of tastings, masterclasses, and creative cocktails. Many bars and distilleries offer exclusive blends and themed drinks just for the occasion, making it one of the most flavour-packed weekends for gin lovers.
The Craft & Co Spirit Expo
Combining distillers, brewers, and artisan food producers, The Craft & Co Spirit Expo is a celebration of craft culture in the heart of Collingwood. With multiple gin experiences available, ranging from mixology classes to side-by-side tastings, it’s a playground for the curious and the creative. You’ll also find small-scale producers showcasing limited-edition releases that often aren’t available anywhere else. A few of Melbourne’s finest gin bars in Melbourne often partner with these producers to host pop-ups or collaborate on specialty cocktails for the event.
Your Guide to Tasting Season
Whether you’re chasing rooftop vibes, laneway discoveries, or a deep dive into botanical blends, Melbourne’s cocktail and gin scene has something to offer all year round. To get the most out of your experience:
- Explore a distillery in Melbourne through a tour or tasting.
- Visit the top gin bars in Melbourne known for their inventive cocktail menus.
- Book into one of the many gin experiences offered during festival season or year-round workshops.
Cheers to Melbourne’s Cocktail Culture
Melbourne has firmly established itself as Australia’s cocktail capital with the best gin experiences, and with so many events on offer, it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re tasting a new blend, sipping on a rooftop, or learning how to mix the perfect G&T, Melbourne’s cocktail culture is one worth raising a glass to.
