Sydney’s thriving bar scene is complemented by the countless distilleries found within the city centre, and further in the outer suburbs. Aussies love a drink and Sydney-siders are no exception. The best distilleries coming out of Sydney have produced products that thrive city-wide, and sometimes cross state lines to enter the bars and personal collections of spirit lovers across the nation.
Poor Tom’s in Marrickville is a home-experiment turned successful gin brand. They have three craft gins on offer, with the classic Sydney Dry and Strawberry bestsellers (though you have to get your hands on the Pina Colada flavour while there’s stock). Their Marrickville home is celebrated on their bottles, and for good reason—this neighbourhood is full of popular street eats, and the Factory Theatre is just round the corner if you’d like to see some live music. If you’re still after a drink after Poor Tom’s, Ester Sprits is a couple blocks away.
One of Rosebery’s most popular and awarded residents is the Archie Rose cocktail bar. The best part is that they use their own spirits in their cocktails. They have multiple varieties of all the major spirits, some of which have won awards year after year. Take their Single Malt Whisky for example, which has won Australia’s Best Whisky eight times. If you’re shopping for a bottle, they offer custom labels on their spirits to make your gift extra special, but their tasting experiences on location are what it’s all about. Themed masterclasses and whisky-making workshops see you try your hand at mixology and distilling for a fun evening out.
Further out in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is Manly Spirits Co. Their gin is distilled with native botanicals, sustainably foraged from the marine environment found in Manly’s waters. The laid-back vibe is unmatched by urban distilleries, and the sprits craftily reflect the landscape. Their Marine Botanical Vodka is something interesting to try, distilled with sea parsley and beach-cast kelp, with a sea air aroma.