🏆 2025 Gin Bar of the Year Finalists: Australia’s Best Spots to Sip
A gin-fuelled round of applause for the Top 12 finalists of the 24th Annual Bar Awards’ Gin Bar of the Year, proudly sponsored by Fever‑Tree! Whether you’re hunting for the next best gin-tastic experience or want to support your state’s finest, we’ve got the low-down. First spotted in Australian Bartender Magazine, this list is your guide to stellar sips—and yes, that original reveal credit goes where it’s due.
New South Wales
Bar Planet (Newtown)
Why it stands out: A psychedelic martini bar with a cosmic twist—literally. Known for its collaborative “Infinite Spirit” martini base made with Poor Tom’s gin, a resin-and-gemstone bar top, and complimentary spicy popcorn .
Vibe check: Stylish but relaxed; a few martinis here and you’ll swear you’ve seen stars.
Don’t miss: Martini Mondays and the rotating “Scorpino” prosecco-sorbet cocktail.
Moya’s Juniper Lounge (Redfern)
Why it stands out: An intimate, old-world gin palace tucked behind curtains, with over 200 gins, a stellar classic cocktail list, Sunday jazz, and $10 Negronis .
Vibe check: Plush velvet lounges, refined yet unpretentious—“cosy but plush” .
Don’t miss: Try lesser-known gems like the Charlie Chaplin or Florodora, and swing by on a Sunday for live jazz and a Negroni deal.
The Barber Shop (Sydney area)
Why it stands out: Hidden behind a fully operational barbershop in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, The Barber Shop is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with serious gin credentials. With a list of over 700 gins, it’s one of Australia’s most extensive gin collections — and it’s been internationally awarded for it.
Vibe check: Classic London charm with a modern Sydney twist. Expect navy leather booths, vintage barber chairs, dim lighting, and impeccable service.
Don’t miss: The Barber Shop G&T, made with house tonic and your choice of gin, or their Martini Service — served tableside, with the drama dialled up to 10.
Queensland
Covent Garden (Brisbane area)
Why it stands out: A West End favourite, Covent Garden is a botanical gin bar and restaurant boasting over 400 gins — one of the largest selections in the Southern Hemisphere. With an open-air courtyard, lush greenery, and a passion for local Aussie distillers, it’s a true gin lover’s paradise.
Vibe check: Bright, leafy, and effortlessly cool. It’s like sipping cocktails inside a secret garden.
Don’t miss: The famous Ginteresting Gin Tasting Paddles, their rotating Gin of the Month, and the build-your-own G&T menu for a fully custom sip experience.
Dr Gimlette (Brisbane area)
Why it stands out: Housed in a stunning heritage-listed building on Edward Street, Dr Gimlette combines old-world sophistication with contemporary cocktail mastery. With a bar lined with hundreds of spirits (and a soft spot for gin), it’s a refined yet welcoming spot for serious sips.
Vibe check: Think moody lighting, marble counters, rich timber, and leather finishes. It feels like a Victorian apothecary designed for cocktail connoisseurs.
Don’t miss: The signature Gimlette cocktail (of course), their seasonal gin-based creations, and their knowledgeable bartenders who’ll happily guide you to your new favourite drop.
Victoria
Gin Palace
Why it stands out: A true Melbourne institution, Gin Palace has been slinging martinis since 1997 and remains a temple to all things gin. Hidden down Russell Place and open every night until 3am, it’s famous for its decadent drinks, plush velvet lounges, and unmatched dedication to the spirit of juniper.
Vibe check: Opulent, cheeky, and oh-so-Melbourne. Candlelit corners, antique glassware, and a wink of mischief in the air.
Don’t miss: Their classic Dirty Gin Martini, the extensive gin list, and legendary late-night service. Ask for the house G&T and enjoy the perfect balance of gin, tonic, and drama.
The Blacksmith Bar
Why it stands out: Tucked away on Chapel Street in South Yarra, The Blacksmith Bar brings together old-world charm and modern mixology. With a curated list of gins, signature cocktails, and a focus on warm hospitality, it’s become a go-to for late-night sips and weekend celebrations.
Vibe check: Industrial elegance with a splash of luxe. Think exposed brick, leather booths, wrought iron finishes, and a buzzing dance floor by night.
Don’t miss: Their Gin Garden cocktails, inspired by botanicals and fresh herbs, or pop in on a Thursday for live music and happy hour specials.
Union Electric
Why it stands out: Hidden in Melbourne’s Chinatown, Union Electric is a laneway bar known for its vibrant cocktails, killer rooftop, and serious love for gin. They feature a rotating list of over 100 gins, many sourced locally, and their bartenders are equal parts mixologist and entertainer.
Vibe check: Lively, eclectic, and totally unpretentious. The downstairs bar hums with energy, while the upstairs rooftop gin garden is all laid-back laneway charm with a splash of tiki.
Don’t miss: The bartender’s choice G&T, made to your palate, or try one of their seasonal gin cocktails under the stars.
South Australia
Hains & Co
Why it stands out: A nautical-themed gin and rum bar in the heart of Adelaide’s laneway scene, Hains & Co is a local legend. With 100+ gins, boutique rums, fine cigars, and old-school service, it’s a place where quality pours and good times are the only rules.
Vibe check: Think sailor-chic meets speakeasy. Cosy and intimate inside, with laneway tables under festoon lights and a whisky barrel bar. It’s the kind of place you accidentally close down on a Tuesday.
Don’t miss: Their iconic G&T Trees, cigar pairings, and late-night martinis. The bartenders are walking encyclopaedias of botanicals — just ask and they’ll match a gin to your mood.
Malt & Juniper
Why it stands out: Nestled in Adelaide’s buzzing west end, Malt & Juniper is a love letter to the spirits that built the modern cocktail scene — whisky and gin. With 100+ gins from around the globe and an equally impressive whisky selection, it’s a haven for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike.
Vibe check: Warm, low-lit and heritage-inspired. Exposed brick, a classic back bar, and a cosy mezzanine make it the kind of place where one G&T turns into three — in the best way.
Don’t miss: The Bartender’s Choice G&T, tailored to your taste, or dive into a gin and whisky flight for the full flavour experience. Their seasonal cocktail menu rotates with local produce and always includes a house twist.
Western Australia
Frisk. Small Bar (Perth)
Why it stands out: Boasts one of Perth’s largest gin collections (~200), with boutique pours and a laid-back European-style atmosphere .
Vibe check: DIY-chic interior, friendly staff, perfect for sampling gin flights on Wednesdays.
Don’t miss: Wednesday gin flights and exclusive Yuzu Gin on tap .
Tasmania
Why it stands out: Located in the heart of Hobart’s iconic Salamanca precinct, Society boasts one of Tasmania’s largest gin selections — over 200 local, Australian and international gins. It’s a destination for the curious drinker and a celebration of botanical creativity.
Vibe check: Moody and modern with a sophisticated edge. Think leather lounges, candlelight, and a gin lover’s dream wall.
Don’t miss: Their signature gin tasting flights, featuring rotating distilleries, and expert staff who love guiding you through your gin journey. The Society G&T, made with seasonal garnishes and premium tonics, is a local favourite.
Join the Conversation
Have you had a standout experience at any of these finalists? Tell us in the comments below:
- Which bar’s vibe had you raising your glass?
- What cocktail stole the show?
- Any hidden gems we should spotlight in our next round-up?
- Inside Scoop
Bookmark this post—it’ll be your go-to guide as we add:
- In-depth bar stories
- Signature cocktail highlights
- Bartender quotes & photos
- And maybe even a gin trail you can follow
Remember: This list originally went live on Australian Bartender Magazine—big thanks and respect for their reporting.
Let’s cheer on these bars—and help each other find the best gin stops around the country. Comment below and share your favourites!
Keywords:
2025 gin bar finalists, best gin bars Australia, Bar Awards 2025, gin bars Sydney, gin bars Melbourne, cocktail culture Australia