7 Best Gins in Australia for Festive Cocktails

As the festive season approaches with bright and sunny days in Australia, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a refreshing, flavourful, and unique gin cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a big get-together or simply treating yourself to something special, we’ve rounded up the best gins in Australia to add to your drinks collection and bring some extra holiday cheer.

From pairing with your Christmas feast to welcoming the New Year in style, these popular Australian gins are the perfect companions for crafting delicious and creative cocktails that turn simple celebrations into something truly memorable.

Here are the top 7 gins in Australia, each paired with an easy, festive-ready cocktail recipe to add to your holiday menu. With Liquor Loot, you can explore and shop the best Australian gins online at great prices, delivered straight to your door just in time for the festive bells to start ringing.

Types of Gins to Include (and Why They Work for Cocktails)

If there's one spirit that knows how to play well with others, it's gin. Whether you're shaking up a classic martini or experimenting with something more adventurous, gin is the star ingredient to elevate any cocktail. What makes it so special? It's all about variety. From the juniper-forward London Dry styles to the botanical-rich Australian gins making waves internationally, each type brings its own unique flair.

The beauty of gin lies in how it transforms when mixed; those complex botanicals don't just blend in, they come alive, dancing alongside other ingredients to create something truly memorable. So as you stock your bar this festive season, which gins deserve a spot on your shelf? Whether you're drawn to the go-to British classics or curious about what’s new and unique distilling Down Under, here are the types of gin worth pouring when you want your cocktails to shine.

• London Dry Gin – Classic, crisp, and juniper-forward, the go-to for G&Ts, martinis, and festive gin fizzes.

• Citrus Gin – Bright and zesty; perfect for summer and holiday spritzers or gin & tonics with orange peel and rosemary.

• Floral Gin – Light, aromatic, and ideal for elegant cocktails like the French 75 or gin spritz.

• Spiced Gin – Warm botanicals like cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper, great for Christmas Negronis or mulled gin cocktails.

• Pink or Berry Gin – Sweet and fruity; fun for festive cocktails like pink gin spritz or berry gin punch.

• Tropical or Botanical Gin – Inspired by native botanicals; refreshing in cocktails with tonic, soda, or fresh fruit.

• Navy Strength Gin – Higher ABV, bolder flavour, ideal match for spirit-forward cocktails like Negronis or martinis.

7 Popular Gins in Australia to Create Festive Cocktails

The festive season calls for something special in your glass, and Australia's gin scene is ready to deliver. Whether you're hosting a Christmas lunch in the backyard or toasting New Year's Eve under the stars, these 7 gins are everything you need to get flavour, uniqueness, and that extra bit of sparkle that makes celebrations memorable.

From globally acclaimed classics to Australian heroes that capture the essence of the nation’s regional distinctiveness, each of these bottles offers something to elevate your holiday season. Let's explore what makes them stand out and, more importantly, what delicious cocktails you can whip up with them.

1. Sipsmith London Dry Gin

A true benchmark in the craft gin movement, Sipsmith brings this quintessential London dry gin with a modern touch. This is a kind of gin that bartenders reach for when they want a classic and reliable excellence; it's the kind of bottle that never lets you down, whether you're making a simple G&T or something unique of your own.

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Why This Works:

• Classic London Dry style, crisp, balanced, and timeless

• Bold juniper base with subtle citrus and spice notes

• Smooth and versatile, ideal for festive cocktails

• Perfect cocktail base that lets other ingredients shine

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Christmas Martini"

What You'll Need:

• 60ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin

• 15ml dry vermouth

• Fresh rosemary sprig

• Lemon twist

Quick Mix: Mix gin and vermouth with ice until ice-cold, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a rosemary sprig and lemon twist for that festive aroma.

Perfect Pairing: Amazing combo for a charcuterie board loaded with prosciutto, aged cheddar, and olives.

2. Hickson House Wild Rosé Summer Cup

Think of this as summer in a bottle. Hickson House has created something special here, a gin that's infused with the delicate flavours of rosé wine and summer botanicals. It's playful, refreshing, and practically begs to be served at your Christmas dining.

Why This Works:

• Unique rosé wine infusion adds fruity elegance.

• Light, floral botanicals perfect for warm weather

• Lower ABV makes it ideal for daytime celebrations.

• Gorgeous pink hue makes the drink look Instagram-worthy.

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Rosé Spritz Royale"

What You'll Need:

• 45ml Hickson House Wild Rosé Summer Cup

• 90ml Prosecco wine

• 30ml soda water

• Fresh strawberries and mint

Quick Mix: Pour the gin over ice, top with Prosecco and a splash of soda, then garnish with sliced strawberries and mint, it's like a garden party in a glass.

Perfect Pairing: Absolutely great for brunch scenes with fresh prawns or a light seafood platter.

3. Bombay Citron Pressé Gin 

When Bombay Sapphire decides to play with citrus, you know it's going to be good. This expression takes their renowned craftsmanship and adds bright, zesty lemon notes that make it a sunshine-filled sipper. It's sophisticated yet approachable, exactly what you want to keep the festive spirit alive.

Why This Works:

• Vibrant citrus profile that gives summer vibes

• Handpicked botanicals using vapour infusion

• Natural lemon essence without artificial sweetness

• Refreshing and classic flavour

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Citron Fizz"

What You'll Need:

• 50ml Bombay Citron Pressé Gin

• 20ml elderflower liqueur

• 15ml fresh lemon juice

• Tonic water

• Lemon wheel

Quick Mix: Shake gin, elderflower, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, top with tonic, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Perfect Pairing: An ultimate festive combo with a cheese board featuring soft, creamy varieties like brie or camembert.

4. Barossa Distilling Co. Budburst Gin 

Here's where Australian terroir really shines. Budburst captures the essence of the Barossa Valley's grape-growing heritage with botanicals harvested at the perfect moment of spring. It's  one of the most popular Australian gins that tells a story of place and season, something truly special for those who appreciate regional qualities.

Why This Works:

• Unique Australian botanicals and local Barossa grapes

• Fresh, vibrant spring-inspired flavour profile

• Beautiful balance of floral and herbaceous

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Barossa Garden Collins"

What You'll Need:

• 50ml Budburst Gin

• 25ml fresh lemon juice

• 15ml honey syrup

• Soda water

• Fresh basil leaves

Quick Mix: Muddle basil gently, shake with gin, lemon, and honey syrup, strain into an ice-filled glass, top with soda, and garnish with a basil sprig.

Perfect Pairing: Shines the best with roasted ham glazed with honey or a board of Australian cheeses.

5. Farmer's Wife Summer Spritz Gin

This gin knows exactly what it wants to be: your go-to for an effortless summer cocktail base. Pre-infused with all the flavours you'd add to a spritz anyway, it's the ultimate shortcut to impressive cocktails without doing too much. Smart, delicious, and perfect for when you'd rather be with your guests than behind the bar.

Why This Works:

• Ready-to-spritz formula

• Balanced botanical blend designed for mixing

• Lower alcohol content for casual drinking

• Instantly festive with no fuss

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Lazy Summer Spritz"

What You'll Need:

• 60ml Farmer's Wife Summer Spritz Gin

• 90ml sparkling wine

• Orange slice

• Ice

Quick Mix: Pour gin over ice, top with a Chardonnay sparkling wine, add an orange slice, and you’re done! Sometimes the best cocktails need no maths.

Perfect Pairing: Brilliant with antipasto or a grazing board.

6. Never Never Distilling Co. Southern Strength Gin 

Adelaide's Never Never doesn't do things by halves. One of the best Australian gins, this Southern Strength expression comes with botanicals and the alcohol content, creating a gin with serious character and presence. It's bold, it's confident, and it makes cocktails that people remember.

Why This Works:

• Higher proof (50% ABV) delivers intense flavour.

• Rich, complex botanical profile with native ingredients

• Award-winning quality from respected Australian distillers

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Southern Negroni"

What You'll Need:

• 30ml Never Never Southern Strength Gin

• 30ml Campari

• 30ml sweet vermouth

• Orange peel

Quick Mix: Stir all ingredients with ice until properly chilled, strain over a large ice cube, and place the orange peel over the glass. Classic, sophisticated, and  perfect.

Perfect Pairing: The perfect combo to dark chocolate desserts and fruity Christmas cakes.

7. Esperance Shiraz Gin

Now here's something you don't see every day. This Western Australian gem takes premium shiraz grapes and transforms them into a gin that's both familiar and wonderfully unexpected. It's for the adventurous drinker who wants something that will make you go from small talk to more deep and interesting.

Why This Works:

• Unique shiraz grape infusion creates depth and colour.

• Beautiful ruby hue adds visual drama to cocktails.

• Combines gin's botanical complexity with wine's richness

Festive Cocktail to Try: "Ruby Sunset"

What You'll Need:

• 50ml Esperance Shiraz Gin

• 20ml fresh lime juice

• 15ml simple syrup

• Tonic water

• Fresh berries

Quick Mix: Shake gin, lime, and syrup with ice, strain into a glass with fresh ice, top with tonic, and garnish with mixed berries for a stunning festive serve.

Perfect Pairing: Best with Christmas pavlova, fruity tarts, or berry desserts.

FrequentlyAsked Questions

1. What are the most popular gin brands in Australia?

Global favourites like Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, and Hendrick's lead the market, while Australian craft brands Four Pillars, The West Winds, Never Never Distilling Co., and Archie Rose have been rising in demand. Hickson House and Farmer's Wife are all-time favourites, especially in Summer.

2. What is the best Australian gin?

With multiple World's Best Gin awards, Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin often ranks at the top of the list. The West Winds Sabre, Archie Rose Signature Dry, and Never Never Southern Strength are some other fantastic picks. Whether you like traditional juniper styles or botanical expressions made with local Australian ingredients, the "best" will depend on your preferences.

3. What are the Top 10 most popular gin cocktails?

The top 10 most popular gin cocktails are Gin & Tonic, Martini, Negroni, Tom Collins, Gin Fizz, French 75, Bramble, Aviation, Clover Club, and Southside. Each cocktail here showcases gin's versatility, from refreshing highballs to sophisticated serves, ensuring there's something for every palate and occasion.

4. What is the award-winning gin in Australia?

At international levels, Four Pillars' Rare Dry Gin has won "World's Leading Gin Producer" and "World's Best Contemporary Style Gin" several times. The West Winds, Barossa Distilling Co., and Never Never Distilling Co. have all won major awards in global spirits events.