Whether you drink your gin in a martini, negroni, neat, on the rocks or with tonic or soda (or maybe you prefer a sonic (a mix of the two)), below you'll find six gins to serve all summer long.
Each distiller tells us why gin is the perfect summer drink, how best to serve the spirit and, most importantly, what to eat with it. Add these gins to your list.
23rd Street Distillery Tropical Gin
Luxurious passionfruit and mango aromas mingle with the herbaceous lift of red juniper. On the palate, sweet and juicy pineapple and mango layer with zesty citrus notes from the finger lime and lingering juniper pine-spice warmth. Sip neat or mix with soda, tonic or fresh pineapple juice, plenty of ice and a mint garnish.23rd Street Distillery say: Bright, juicy tropical fruit flavours burst forth over a background hum of sophisticated botanicals. Flavours of radiant Australian summer sun, and refreshing leafy shade. Real mango, pineapple, passionfruit and finger lime in every bottle evoke decadent holiday vibes. Splash some sunshine around.
H. What makes this gin such a great summer drink?
23rd. 23rd Street Tropical Gin is the epitome of summer refreshment. With the fruits of the Australian tropics, each sip transports you to a sun-soaked paradise, making it an ideal companion for warm days and balmy nights. The addition of finger lime imparts a refreshing and zesty twist that complements the summer fruits flawlessly.
How to serve this gin: The 23rd Street Tropical Gin is best served on ice, topped with soda and garnished with fresh lime. If you'd like to kick it up a notch and get your cocktail making kit out – our 23rd Street Tropical Punch Spritz is the perfect way to enjoy this gin.
Ultimate food pairing: Fresh fish tacos topped with guacamole or chargrilled chicken paired with mango salsa.
RRP $80 | Shop this gin
HHH KLC Gin
Juniper forward gin with makrut lime flashing up front, followed by the cumquat citrus middle with a lingering cassia tail.HHH say: KLC is a happy, fresh, summery, citrus-forward, full-flavoured gin that will go down well at any picnic or lunch. The botanicals that will delight your palate are juniper berries, coriander, cassia bark, angelica root, licorice root, makrut lime, whole cumquats and almond meal. If you’re looking for a gin that tastes like gin – this is for you.
H. What makes this gin such a great summer drink?
HHH. The makrut lime and cumquats fill this gin with a refreshing tone that will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. Smell the aroma before you add your mixer. Start your journey and elevate your mood – swirl it in the glass and breathe deeply. Time will slow and summer will never be the same.
How to serve this gin: Ideally, keep the KLC in the freezer and drink with your favourite tonic or soda water over a fair chunk of ice. Or, try a cocktail with 30ml KLC, 30ml lime juice, 30ml sugar syrup, four basil leaves, and shake like crazy. Double strain and garnish with a basil leaf and Spanish thyme.
Ultimate food pairing: KLC is a seriously versatile gin that will pair with any Thai curry, a juicy steak and salad, or an assorted cheese board.
RRP $65 | Shop this gin
Little Lon Distilling Co Miss Yoko Gin
Distilled with fresh seasonal lychees, Miss Yoko tempts you at first with vanilla and a subtle lychee sweetness. On second pass, the fragrance of suppressed juniper and citrus tantalise the taste buds, with a hint of lemongrass and sweet lingering lychee fruit rounding out the finish.Little Lon say: This luscious lychee-infused gin is a little bit sweet, yet with layer of complexity – much like the strong-willed woman Tie Come Ah Chung (Aka Yokohama) who inspired this delicious drop and who resided in our cottage-turned-distillery in early 1920s Melbourne. With mountains of freshly peeled and pitted lychee fruit distilled in every batch, we’re confident she would have embraced this exquisitely balanced spirit concocted in her honour.
H. What makes this gin such a great summer drink?
LL. Miss Yoko Lychee Infused Gin evokes memories of summers travelling through the tropical regions of Asia. The fresh, juicy lychee fruit with a hint of lemongrass lends itself to a variety of tantalising cocktails and refreshing warm-weather mixers.
How to serve this gin: Like all of our housemade gins, sip Miss Yoko neat or over ice to fully appreciate the citrus, juniper and lychee fruit finish of this divine double distillate. Miss Yoko also pairs perfectly with Fever-Tree’s Elderflower tonic which brings out notes of strawberry and freeze-dried raspberries, or enjoy it shaken into an Elderflower Sour. Simply stunning summer drinking.
Ultimate food pairing: Pair the floral lychee flavours of an Elderflower Sour with the Thai spices and coconut flavour of a mouthwatering red duck curry.
RRP $80 | Shop this gin
Square 1 Unrind. Citrus Gin
Our signature handcrafted Unrind Citrus Gin rewards the palate with an explosion of citrus, layered with subtle spices and tempered with savoury finishing notes.Square 1 say: Unrind Gin is an artisanal creation featuring over 20 botanicals. It skilfully blends Riverland citrus – blood orange, Valencia orange, tangelo, and mandarin – with rich spiced undertones and a savoury finish. This fusion of fruits and spices culminates in a lively burst of citrus essence, creating a uniquely crafted and flavourful gin.
H. What makes this gin such a great summer drink?
S1. The Citrus Gin captures the essence of a summer elixir, featuring a harmonious blend of citrus and spices that delights. With its fresh and versatile character, this gin is effortlessly sessionable, which makes it the perfect companion for pool parties and warm days. The easy-drinking nature of the gin ensures a delightful experience in every sip.
How to serve this gin: The Unrind Citrus Gin can be served chilled and neat for a pronounced citrus experience. Alternatively, elevate its citrus notes by mixing with a crisp tonic (in a highball or balloon glass) with an orange or mandarin slice. For a sparkling twist, enjoy it in a spritz with dry prosecco and soda to enhance the refreshing and vibrant character of this zesty gin.
Ultimate food pairing: This gin is an ideal culinary companion for both a charcuterie platter and fresh seafood. The lively citrus notes beautifully enhance dishes such as citrus-infused shrimp, ceviche, and grilled fish tacos.
RRP $74.99 | Shop this gin
Strange Nature Gin
Strange Nature bears all the quintessential natural flavours of its New Zealand sauvignon blanc origins. It's aromatic and fruity – part tropical and zesty, and part herbaceous. Enjoy sweet notes and savoury hits in every sip. Sweet notes of fresh pineapple, candied grapefruit, and a touch of makrut lime and blood orange. Savoury hits of piney juniper, blackcurrant leaf and fresh green pepper.Strange Nature say: Strange Nature finds its origins in (or rather out of) zero per cent alcohol New Zealand sauvignon blanc wine. Using innovative spinning cone technology, the alcohol is gently extracted from the wine while preserving the natural aromas and flavours. This clean white spirit is then distilled with the only botanical Strange Nature needs – the one that defines gin – juniper.
H. What makes this gin such a great summer drink?
SN. The refreshing character of the gin stems from its unique process – preserving the aromatic, fruity essence of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. The resulting spirit, combined with classic juniper, offers a cool, crisp sip with juicy texture. It's perfect for a summer refreshment.
How to serve this gin: Less is more with gin! To really maximise your appreciation of all the unique flavours of Strange Nature, taste it neat over ice. For the classic G&T, enjoy 45ml of Strange Nature with plenty of ice, pair it with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, a wedge of lime and a sprig of thyme.
Ultimate food pairing: Pair Strange Nature with bruschetta, topped with ripe tomatoes and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Or choose some fresh shellfish, such as mussels or clams, steam in a simple broth of tomato, garlic, fresh herbs and a touch of chilli.
RRP $89.99 | Shop this gin | Dan Murphy's
Wise Wine Mandarin Gin Liqueur
Crafted using premium grapes from the south-west of Western Australia, Mandarin Gin is triple-distilled with a range of native Australian botanicals. Viscous, with a lingering sweet finish of Mandarin flavours and complexity reminiscent of Cointreau.Wise Wine say: We created this sweet gin liqueur for use in cocktails, to be enjoyed as a refreshing stand-alone summer beverage, or as an after dinner digestif. However, its versatility means it's also a great addition to various dessert dishes.
H. What makes this gin such a great summer drink?
WW. The mandarin gin liqueur is incredibly refreshing and versatile. It pairs well with many botanicals, mixers and garnishes – making it the ideal summer drop.
How to serve this gin: This gin can be served with tonic, soda water, neat, or on the rocks. It also makes a great spritz when served with with a dry sparkling wine. For a sweet summer cocktail – serve it with a handful of strawberries, ice and soda, before garnishing with orange rind. It's also a welcome addition to margaritas – in place of triple sec or Grand Marnier – and eliminates the need for sugar syrup.
Ultimate food pairing: Pair the Mandarin Gin with lighter seafood dishes. We serve it with oysters (we suggest Akoya) seared scallops, ceviche, a light linguini or salmon dish. You can also use the gin to soak fruits to top an iconic Australian pavlova.
RRP $75 | Shop this gin
