Sydney’s Best Gin Bars

It’s on again. World Gin Day returns on Saturday 14 June and what better way to celebrate than by partaking in the spirit at Sydney’s best gin bars.

The Barber Shop, Sydney

The Barber Shop Gin Tap

Like your gin on tap? Head over to The Barber Shop in York street, famous for the Plymouth Gin tap and one of the largest selections of gins in Sydney. The menu currently boasts over 35 different gins, 7 genevers and 6 from the Vintage Gin Collection such as Kennaway’s Finest London Dry Gin from the 1950’s and Seagers London Dry Gin from the 1960’s and .

Order a Gin and Tonic and it will come served in a goblet glass as you would get in a traditional pub or ask for a Martini to your taste, made from one of the 35 gins on offer. And gentlemen, you can always order a Shave & Tonic  cocktail while having a close shave at the barber’s below.

The Barber Shop 89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

The Rook, Sydney

Werewolves of London

Perched above York Street, the popular rooftop bar has made a name for itself for all things juniper. You’ll find 65 gins on the back bar, 3 genever and some unusual brands such as Monkey 47, Gabriel Boudier Saffron gin, Peruvian Dry Gin, Colombian rum barrel-aged gin, Marton’s Italian Gin and Pierde Almas Mezcal gin.

Four gin cocktails currently feature on the menu including the popular and very easy-drinking Werewolves of London.

The Rook also hosts Juniper Society meetings on the second Monday of every month at 6pm.
Level R, 56-58 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

Clock Hotel, Surry Hills

Gin & Tonic Menu at the Clock Hotel

Taking inspiration from Spain’s tonica bars, the Clock Hotel in Surry Hills offers a Gin & Tonic Menu like no other. There are 14 brands to choose from but novices need not be concerned. The menu has tasting notes and recommended garnishes. For something a little different, try Hayman’s Old Tom gin with Quina Fina tonic water and capsicum. Or you could ask the knowledgeable bartenders to match a gin to your taste.

The bar stocks 24 gins at the moment with numbers and variety on the increase. You’ll find among them a sloe gin and Prairie Organic, a certified organic gin made from corn harvested from family farms in Minnesota, and The Botanist, a small batch gin made in Islay using 22 native island botanicals. Four gin cocktails currently feature on the menu but if you’re into gin classics, all you need to do is ask.

Clock Hotel, 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Brooklyn Social, Surry Hills

Gin Collection at Brooklyn Social

With over 40 gins on the back bar, Brooklyn Social is a dive bar with a retro 70s theme where you can enjoy several gin-based cocktails named after popular New York districts.

17 Randle Street, Surry Hills

Stillery, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

Stillery is a new gin concept bar located on the first floor of the luxurious InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. Craft your own Martini from a selection of 60 gins or choose from the tempting cocktail list

33 Cross Street, Double Bay

The Powder Keg

The Powder Keg in Potts Point boasts a collection of over 120 gins from around the globe with a list of cocktail specialties by Grant Collins such as the Nettle Gimlet made with gin and homemade nettle cordial.

7 Kellett St, Potts Point

Check out our gin articles in particular Top 10 Gins, Three Australian Craft Gins, Four Pillars Gin and more.

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Do you have a favourite gin bar in Sydney? Let us know in the comments below.

Other Guides in this series: Sydney’s Best Romantic Restaurants, Sydney’s Best Brunch Spots, Sydney’s Best Bloody Marys, Sydney’s Best Rum Bars, Sydney’s Best Whisky Bars, Sydney’s Best Tequila Bars, Sydney’s Best Wine Bars, Top Ten Sydney Small Bars, Another Top Ten Sydney Bars (2013)