Explore Gin, Tequila & Vodka Venues

Gin, Tequila & Vodka Bars

SPECIALIST GIN, TEQUILA AND VODKA BARS CAN NOW BE SEEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY, FROM 18TH CENTURY THEMED GIN BARS TO TEQUILA COCKTAIL BARS, AND EVEN BARS SERVING UP INFUSED VODKA CONCOCTIONS AS THEIR SPECIALTY. THOSE LOOKING TO TRY SOMETHING UNIQUE, BOUTIQUE, OR PERHAPS EVEN BESPOKE NOW HAVE ACCESSIBLE VENUES WHERE THE BARKEEPS ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PASSIONATE, AND MORE THAN HAPPY TO HAVE A CHAT WITH YOU ABOUT YOUR SPIRIT OF CHOICE. MANY OF THESE VENUES OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SPECIALTY SPIRITS, SOME EVEN BOASTING HUNDREDS OF BOTTLES ON THEIR BACK BAR, MEANING WE’RE DEFINITELY SPOILT FOR CHOICE.

TO GET YOU ON YOUR MERRY WAY, BE IT JUNIPER, AGAVE OR GRAIN, WE HAVE PROFILED SOME OF THE FINEST VENUES – SOME OLD, SOME NEW, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Alquimia Tequila Bar

BRISBANE’S FIRST DEDICATED COCKTAIL TEQUILA BAR.

ALQUIMIA IN BRISBANE’S FORTITUDE VALLEY IS A CLASSY HANGOUT THAT AIMS TO HIGHLIGHT THE FINER SIDE OF TEQUILA THROUGH A BLEND OF premium offerings and tequila-based cocktails. Here, you can sip handpicked brands or fall in love with drinks with names such as Romero y Julia. Over 80 different types of the tequila line the shelves — including 60 from the U.S. alone, with the finest flavours coming from boutique distilleries throughout Mexico - this is the place for serious fans of tequila.

In addition to the carefully selected tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, of particular note is Alquimia’s cocktail tap, which pours a rotating concoction of pre-mixed Herradura-based cocktails. Should you be in need of something not made from agave, Alquimia boasts a selection of other alcoholic options, including vodka, gin, rum, beer and a curated selection of wine.

This cocktail tequila bar is a story of passion and creativeness. Italian-born and worldly-raised Nico Iaia is the leading alchemist and face of Alquimia. Nico and his partner Julie Thompson and business partner Fabio Morganti are endeavouring to remove the stigma surrounding the spirit, proving that it is one of the best and most versatile clear spirits available.

Iaia has accumulated 14 years in the hospitality industry, working in various roles in cocktail bars in Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Paris, London and now Brisbane. With an eye for quality atmosphere and what makes a cocktail bar successful, Nico is bringing his outsider point of view to Brisbane’s entertainment district. Well versed in the qualities of many spirits, Nico has fostered a particular love for tequila – a taste that has informed the aesthetic of Alquimia.

Alquimia pairs its hefty drinks offering with DJ sets and other events. Think sophistication, cool, elegance and style. Whether you’re a tequila fiend, or new to the spirit, take a trip to Alquimia and experience the magic and wonder as Nico and his team create cocktail dreams. ❧

Address: 702 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 T: 0498 638 W: www.alquimia.bar Opening Hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 6pm-1am Friday: 4pm-3am Saturday: 6pm-3am Sunday: 6pm-1am

Archie Rose Bar

SYDNEY HAS LONG BEEN THE PURVEYOR OF GOOD TIMES AND GREAT DRINKS, WHICH IS WHY IT SURPRISED WILL EDWARDS, A SHARP-MINDED ENTREPRENEUR, THAT THE VIBRANT CITY WENT MORE THAN A CENTURY WITHOUT A LOCAL DISTILLERY. THAT IS UNTIL HE POOLED ALL HIS RESOURCES AND OPENED ONE HIMSELF IN 2015.

THE FULLY FUNCTIONAL DISTILLERY IS HOME TO A RANGE OF CUSTOM-MADE EQUIPMENT, MOST OF WHICH WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY WELL-KNOWN copper still builder Peter Bailly. And, this grassroots culture of ‘doing it yourself’ doesn’t stop there, but rather is seen all the way through to the bottling and labelling process of the spirits.

Next door to the distillery is a two-story bar, fitted out with booths that look like whisky barrels. Here, customers can sample the distillery’s portfolio of products, which includes gin, vodka and white rye whisky, followed by a collection of aged whiskies and tailored spirits. Be sure to allow the bar staff to guide you through their Spirit Tasting Flights, where you have the opportunity to taste the full house range.

An interesting selection of beers and wines are also on offer, curated by one of Australia’s best young sommeliers, James Audas. Archie Rose is also managed by one of Australia’s top bartenders, Harriet Leigh.

The bartenders share a passion for crafted spirits and are among the best in the business, so come and say hello while they fix you a cocktail and get the lowdown on what goes into your favourite drink. ❧

Address: 85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018 T: (02) 8458 2300 W: archierose.com.au Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12pm-late

Dutch Courage

GET YOUR GIN FIX AT THIS BRISBANE COCKTAIL AND TAPAS BAR.

MODELLED AFTER BRITISH COLONIAL OUTPOSTS FROM THE LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY, THE DUTCH COURAGE OFFICERS’ MESS IS AN inspired cocktail and gin bar that deserves your attention should you find yourself in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Upon arrival, one is greeted by plantation-style decor, complete with hessian curtains and broad-blade fans.

A sophisticated yet relaxed vibe sweeps over the room: the patrons are all here to soak in the weekend over a few select cocktails. There are 18 in-house cocktails, including the Mediterranean Muse - made with Gin Mare, rosemary, basil, grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime. Gin is the hero here, with 120 plus gins on the list, which is sure to turn heads and get tongues wagging. Dutch Courage showcases top-of-therange tipples from distillers in Australia, Europe and the U.S. Guests can discover and exciting range of contemporary gins across the flavour spectrum, from Hoxton (grapefruit-coconut,) to Gin Mare (olive, basil, and rosemary) and everything in-between. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, Dutch Courage also offers seven different tonic waters to accompany its gins.

The food consists of smaller plates, boards, appetisers and mains with an original menu that boasts a vast range of dishes from house-made duck confit empanadas, to wild boar papardelle, and even beetroot and gin-cured gravlax.

At Dutch Courage, the bartenders have a strong pedigree of delivering quality drinks minus the arrogance. Whether it be a dry gin martini, old-fashioned or something custom-made just the way you like it, nothing is too much hassle for the friendly bar team. ❧

Address: 51 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4000 T: (07) 3852 4838 W: www.dutchcourage.com.au Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm-12am Friday-Saturday: 4pm-3am Sunday: 4pm-12am

Food Society

HOW COULD YOU NOT LOVE A PLACE CALLED FOOD SOCIETY… A RUSTIC CHIC RESTAURANT WITH A MODERN, EASTERN EUROPEAN MENU AND CREATIVE COCKTAIL LIST.

THE MOODY SPACE IS FILLED WITH TREASURES AND IS REMINISCENT OF A GRANDMOTHER’S BEACH HOUSE, overcome by comfort and warmth with dimly lit tables in nooks and crannies.

The food offered at Food Society is a modern European sharing menu, with European dumplings its specialty. The most unique selling point here is the Saturday afternoon Vodka High Tea. With arguably Australia’s largest range of vodka on pour, including many that have been infused in-house, Food Society’s cocktail menu features a selection of 70 different types of vodka, completing fragrance and flavours that are carefully selected to match the seasons and produce.

Gather your friends, put on your best frock, and get ready to enjoy some uniquely crafted cocktails, handmade savouries and sweets as well a vodka infused ice tea. ❧

Address: Lower Ground Floor, 91 Riley St. Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 T: (02) 8090 3462 W: www.foodsociety.com.au Opening Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 6pm-late Vodka High Tea Saturday: 12:30pm-4:30pm (bookings essential)

Frisk Small Bar

LOCATED JUST OFF FRANCIS STREET CLOSE TO RUSSELL SQUARE IN PERTH, FRISK SMALL BAR IS ONE OF THE BEST GIN JOINTS IN ALL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

WALK THROUGH ITS DOORS AND EMBRACE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF GIN. WHETHER IT’S SHAKEN OR STIRRED, the staff will make a martini suited to your taste. Looking for something else? Frisk also offers a range of cocktails, beer on tap, ciders and an impressive wine list.

Much of the venue’s interior is constructed from recycled materials. The bar itself is made from old doors, the artwork on the walls is by customers and the bathroom hall is adorned with pages from comic books.

As it is a small bar, room inside can get tricky, but seating is also available outside, giving the venue enough spaceto host casual drinks after work or your next function.

Since opening in 2011, Frisk has created a welcoming atmosphere that accommodates all punters, with a special offering for those who love gin that will have you coming back time and time again. ❧

Address: 103 Francis Street, Northbridge, Perth, WA 6003 W: www.frisksmallbar.com.au Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 3pm-12am Sunday: 2pm-11pm

Gin Palace

BARS DON’T COME MUCH MORE SWANKY THAN THIS.

AN INSTITUTION OF THE MELBOURNE BAR SCENE, THIS BASEMENT-LEVEL COCKTAIL LOUNGE HAS BEEN SERVING UP GREAT DRINKS just shy of 20 years. Capturing the heritage of old Melbourne and the Victorian era, Gin Palace features draping fabrics and art deco furniture. The venue is a prominent drinking spot with everyone from the city’s post-shift bartenders to tie-loosened office workers and huddles of tourists slinking into the couches for a tipple.

The drinks menu features both classics and variations on the classics, and there is a touch of creativity in every glass. The gin list consists of classic London Dry gins, original Dutch genevers and boutique Australian examples made using native botanicals, plus artisanal Americans and fruity sloe gins from the Netherlands. Each listing is accompanied by tasting notes and historical references. In fact, Four Pillars owner Stuart Gregor credits Gin Palace with the birth of their heavy-hitting Navy Strength distillation, when ex-head bartender Shaun Byrne requested something stronger for his patrons.

At Gin Palace, you’ll find friendly staff that know their stuff and love some banter and tongue-in-cheek. So venture through the heavy doors and you’ll be made to feel welcome, well looked after, and even a little glamourous. ❧

Address: 10 Russell Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 T: (03) 9654 0533 W: www.ginpalace.com.au Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 4pm-3am

Hippocampus Distillery and Cellar Door

INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERY HIPPOCAMPUS WAS FOUNDED IN 2014 BY A GROUP OF WEST AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT ENTHUSIASTS WHO SHARE A PASSION FOR HANDCRAFTED, QUALITY SPIRITS. CRAFTING SUPERB AUSTRALIAN SPIRITS USING TRADITIONAL METHODS AND QUALITY INGREDIENTS, HIPPOCAMPUS TASTES AND BOTTLES EACH SMALL BATCH BY HAND.

CURRENTLY PRODUCING VODKA AND GIN, HIPPOCAMPUS OPENED THE DISTILLERY BAR AND CELLAR DOOR IN MARCH 2016 IN WEST PERTH, swinging open its iron gates to the public. Head in for a tasting, or enjoy the fully stocked bar. And for those who aren’t fans on drinking spirits neat, the bartenders here can mix you up cocktail - martinis and the classic G & T feature prominently at Hippocampus.

Pop in to gain an insider understanding of the hand-crafted distillation process (you may even see head distiller Alex in action), have a tasting or purchase a bottle direct from the source and learn how Hippocampus creates spirits from the ground up.

The Hippocampus distillery bar and cellar door is the perfect place to sip on classic cocktails, craft beers or local wine and enjoy a selection of antipasto. ❧

Address: 19 Gordon Street, West Perth 6005 T: (08) 9212 6209 W: www.hippocampusmd.com.au Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 1pm-9pm Friday-Saturday: 1pm-10pm Private functions: by appointment

Méjico

AT MÉJICO, THE MUSIC IS UP, THE LIGHTS ARE DOWN AND THE STAFF ARE PROUDLY DELIVERING MEXICAN BEERS AND TEQUILA-BASED DRINKS FROM AN EXPERTLY COLLATED TEQUILA LIST.

IF THE ONLY EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD WITH TEQUILA IS THROUGH A SHOT GLASS, SALT & LEMON, YOU’VE BEEN DOING IT ALL WRONG. TEQUILA CAN HOLD just as much interest and complexity as fine Single Malt Scotch. The Tequila at Mejico is all 100 per cent Blue Weber Agave, with none of the nasty additives that give you a headache, but choosing from over 230 tequila options available is a daunting task. In response, Méjico has introduced an ingenious invention: the Tequila Wheel. This clever wooden apparatus provides customised tequila counsel as you turn the wheel to your preference for price, intensity and flavour and are rewarded with an ideal tequila recommendation.

From Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsula, regional flavours and techniques are united in the dishes at Méjico. What exactly does market-to-table mean? It’s the grounding philosophy of Méjico. The kitchen creates dishes from the inside out by sourcing the freshest ingredients directly from producers. Whether it’s the tableside guacamole, tacos, market fresh ceviches, or mouth-watering margaritas and tequilas, the menu is dependent upon the seasonal availability of produce.

The fresh, seasonal ingredients and contemporary yet authentic dishes will test your expectations of Mexican food, and after experiencing tequila like a connoisseur, you might reassess its wicked reputation. ❧

Address: 105 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 9230 0119 W: www.mejico.com.au Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 12pm-12am Saturday: 5:30pm-12am

Middlebar

MIDDLEBAR, LOCATED IN THE BUSTLING TAYLOR SQUARE, IS ALL ABOUT STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION IN A RUSTIC SMALL BAR SETTING. WITH A WIDE SELECTION OF MODERN COCKTAILS AND DJS FRIDAY TO SUNDAY MIDDLEBAR IS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR MIDWEEK CATCH-UPS TO WEEKEND SHENANIGANS... AND ANYTHING ELSE IN BETWEEN.

THE VENUE BOASTS AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF GINS AND COLOURFUL BOTANICALS. SELECT YOUR DESIRED GIN FROM THE VARIED range on offer, complement it with your tonic of choice and top it off with a garnish or two. They also offer a large selection of fine whisky, rum, tequila and craft beer, handpicked by bartenders to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

So, stop in for a drink at Middlebar where the cocktails are based around fresh produce, good booze, good banter and a relaxed atmosphere. ❧

Address: 2/383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010 T: (02) 9331 3100 W: www.middlebar.sydney Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 5:00pm-late

The Barber Shop

SLICK HAIRSTYLES, SHARP BLADES AND HIGH-PROOF ALCOHOL WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE SYDNEY CBD, THE BARBER SHOP’S COCKTAIL BAR OFFERS A SUPERIOR SELECTION OF WINE, Champagnes, cocktails, and beverages in a relaxing and sophisticated setting.

The Barber Shop is dimly lit, with a parlour entrance for ladies and gentleman to venture past the partition door and discover a hidden treasure – reminiscent of a small, classic European bar that extends a nod to a vintage British history.

Gin is the order of the day at The Barber Shop, with the cocktail bar specialising in the famed juniper spirit, so much so they even have gin on tap! With an ever-expanding and extensive range of new and old gins currently on the back bar, The Barber Shop house 250 plus gins, including some of the rarest gins in the country. Genever, specially crafted cocktails, boutique bottled beers and artisanal spirits are all on offer, as well as a great selection of Australian and European wines. And for those wanting something stronger, The Barber Shop also has a staple selection of whiskey, rum, tequila and Cognac.

You’ll be immersed in the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era as you sit back, relax and let the subtle rhythmic sounds of cocktail shakers take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. ❧

Address: 89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia T: (02) 9299 9699 W: thisisthebarbershop.com Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 4pm-12am Thursday-Friday: 3pm-12am Saturday: 4pm-12am Sunday: Closed

The Powder Keg

THE POWDER KEG SERVES A UNIQUE BLEND OF HANDCRAFTED GIN-BASED COCKTAILS AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY INSPIRED FARE FOR A BESPOKE SMALL BAR & RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF SYDNEY’S POTTS POINT. HERE, THEY KNOW GIN, HOUSING ONE OF THE LARGEST BOUTIQUE GIN COLLECTIONS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE.

THE NAME DERIVES FROM THE EARLY ORIGINS OF GIN AND IS INSPIRED BY ENGLISHMAN GUY FAWKES. THE POWDER KEG IS also a euphemism for a ‘Potent Mix or Blend’ and the bar provides exactly that: a potent blend of great food, unique cocktails, quality beers and wine offerings in a warm, friendly environment.

The Gunpowder Plot, one of the venue’s signature cocktails, pays homage to Fawkes, using smoking gunpowder tea, twigs, citrus, aromatic bitters, spiced syrup and gin to create a cocktail bonfire.

The kitchen here offers up a menu full of quality offerings, from starters such as oysters with a gin and tonic sorbet to rib-eye steak, and juniper and thyme smoked chicken, as well as sides and a cheese board with accompaniments to share. Food is served in an approachable casual dining setting that caters to a variety of tastes and budgets, and includes a late night menu with service until closing. With quirky cocktails, boutique beers, great wines, and of course, an extensive selection of gin, at The Powder Keg you’ll be treated to one of the best restaurants and bars in all of Sydney. ❧

Address: 7 Kellett St, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW 2011 T: (02) 8354 0980 W: www.thepowderkeg.com.au Opening Hours: Wednesday: 5pm-1am Thursday: 5pm-1:30am Friday-Saturday: 4pm-2:30am Sunday: 1pm-12am

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$19.99 AUD