Best gins for summer

With Australian summer well and truly upon us, you probably have a calendar full of barbecues, lunches and picnics coming up. If you're looking for delicious beverages to serve, other than wine, you've come to the right place. These three Australian gins are rich in flavour and perfect for sipping neat, drinking with premium tonic, or in classic cocktails.

These gorgeous bottles also make a memorable gift for the gin-lover in your life. The 23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Fingerlime Gin has layers of rich sweetness and vibrant acidity. Meanwhile the Imbibis Foraged Gin, crafted from local ingredients in south-east Queensland, evokes the wild beauty of the Australian bush. And the Little Juniper Signature Gin, with its classic juniper warmth and soft floral lift, is the perfect versatile gin for enjoying with tonic or in fresh cocktails (they've even provided a Little Juniper recipe for you to try).

Below, we spoke to the distillers about what makes their gin unique, the distilling process, and how best to enjoy them.

23rd Street Distillery Raspberry and Fingerlime Gin

23rd Street Distillery say: Raspberry and Fingerlime Gin is bold in both colour and taste with the sweet and zesty fusion of flavours delivering the perfect refreshing experience. The natural Australian Fingerlime is enhanced by native botanicals, so you can experience the unique flavours of nature. 

Raspberry and Fingerlime Gin is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink this festive season. Whether sipped neat to appreciate its smooth, balanced complexity or mixed into a cocktail as the hero ingredient, this gin is sure to be a favourite this season.

H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
23rd Street. We soak and vapour distill a parcel of blue juniper berries in our pot still to create a spicy fruit gin base to build complexity. This highly aromatic gin base is then poured gently over the carefully selected ripe fruit. This maceration of the raspberry and finger limes is carried out over three weeks, tasting daily, to obtain the perfect balance of spice, colour and flavour extraction. 

Best enjoyed: Enjoy with tonic for a twist on a classic G&T or use as an ingredient in a spritz for the perfect light and refreshing summer cocktail.

RRP $75 | 23rdstreetdistillery.com.au | Shop this gin

Imbibis Foraged Gin

Imbibis say: Foraged Gin is a harmonious blend of native and traditional botanicals, delivering a captivatingly smooth and earthy profile. Bright citrus notes from lemon peel dance alongside the subtle spice of Dorrigo pepperleaf and bay leaf, grounded by the delicate resinous character of wild foraged Illawarra plum. Evoking the wild beauty of the Australian bush, this gin balances bold flavours with an elegant finish.

Surprise the spirit lover on your list with our exclusive foraged gin – crafted in small batches, never found in major retail outlets, and a true treasure for any artisan spirits collector. Unique, local, and full of festive flavour, it’s the ultimate gift for those who appreciate the art of fine distilling.

H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
Imbibis. This gin is crafted using fresh, local ingredients from south-east Queensland to create perfectly balanced, seasonal flavours with true artisan flair. Each small batch is handcrafted with care, ensuring a unique spirit that’s as exceptional as the region itself.

Best enjoyed: This gin shines best when paired simply and elegantly. Serve it on ice, topped with Long Rays Original Tonic or Soda, and a garnish of fresh bay leaf or a twist of lemon peel to elevate its bold flavours. Perfect for those moments when you crave just one flawless gin and tonic – no frills, just exceptional flavour.

RRP $89 | imbibis.com.au | Shop this gin

Little Juniper Signature Gin

Little Juniper say: Distilled in small batches in the Adelaide Hills, this award-winning organic gin uses carefully selected botanicals to achieve its perfectly balanced flavour. Its crisp, smooth finish and South Australian craftsmanship make it an exceptional choice for gin lovers.

Beautifully packaged and handcrafted, Little Juniper Signature Gin's versatile flavour profile makes it perfect for festive gatherings, whether enjoyed in classic cocktails or paired with a premium tonic.

H. Tell us about the process for making your gin?
LJ. Little Juniper Signature Gin is distilled using a custom-built column still, combining traditional techniques with modern efficiency to produce an exceptionally clean spirit. Made with locally sourced, organic botanicals, each ingredient is hand-selected and steeped to achieve the perfect infusion, creating a gin that’s both elegant and uniquely South Australian.

Best enjoyed:

Little Juniper Negroni

Instructions:
Combine the gin, vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for a bold and refreshing cocktail.

RRP $89.99 | littlejuniper.com.au | Shop this gin