The Best Gin Bars in Sydney for a Top-Notch Tipple

Have a penchant for gin that you can’t quite fill? Enjoy a tipple with the people who know the juniper berry juice through and through. The best gin bars in Sydney are a diverse bunch so we recommend embarking on a tour of sorts to sample each one. From the Coastal Citrus Gin of Manly Spirits Co. to Four Pillars' cult Bloody Shiraz gin, there is no shortage of flavours to sample. 

Whether you fancy light and bright gin halls or speakeasy-style underground bars, these are our picks for the best gin bars in Sydney. 

Ester Distillery 

Ester Distillery has been designed less to reflect a gin production lab and more as an artist's studio. The space is quirky, inventive and packed with intriguing gin production equipment and curios. Pop by for a gin experience you won't forget anytime soon. Enjoy a gin flight or sip on one of the finest gimlets, martinis or negronis you'll find in Sydney. 

31 Chalder Street, Marrickville 

Moya’s Juniper Lounge

Redfern is home to some of Sydney’s most hyped specialty drinking dens, including the intimate Moya’s Juniper Lounge. The bar focuses on historically sourced cocktails, such as ‘Ward Eight’, which was poached from a 1936 French print. The bar favours variety as much as it does a history lesson, supplying a range of artisanal gins sourced from the world over.

101 Regent Street, Redfern

Manly Spirits Co.

Combining a relaxed beachside location with the industrial vibe of a working gin distillery, Manly Spirits Co. is undoubtedly one of the best gin bars in Sydney. They're dog-friendly, serve up exquisite cocktails with their very own gin and offer toasties and antipasto grazing boards to enjoy with your beverage of choice. Wins on wins! They even offer a gin-making class should you like to get involved. On top of their world-class gins, you'll be able to taste their vodka, whiskey, liqueurs and non-alcoholic gin should you fancy. 

4a 9-13 Winbourne Road, Brookvale 

Four Pillars Laboratory 

Perhaps the best-known gin brand in Australia, Four Pillars is a must on your gin tour of Sydney. The Lab in Surry Hills is a creative haven for drink enthusiasts and Four Pillars fans alike. Sit in for an experimental cocktail and bar snacks or go all out with one of their cocktail or gin workshops. 

406-410 Crown Street, Surry Hills

The Good Bar 

For those serious about their spirits, The Good Bar is a must-visit. In an Australian first, the talented people at Goodradigbee Distillers have been maturing their spirits in native hardwood cubes, crafting an innovative new category in drinks - Australian hardwood malt spirits. Swing by the bar to taste the likes of wood-infused gins, Grey Gum vodka and a selection of malts. 

Their spirits are also infused with unique Australian botanical sourced by 100% Aboriginal-owned social enterprises and span Davidson plums, quandong, native currents and finger limes. 

41 Orchard Road, Brookvale 

Gin Lane 

Gin Lane, in Chippendale’s foodie precinct, is another winning concept from Grant Collins. Set in a dark navy townhouse, the 1750s London-style bar features a collection of over 75 gins, many of which are homegrown. Grant is constantly experimenting with exciting cocktail techniques so you can always expect something wacky and wonderful on the menu. 

16 Kensington Street, Sydney 

Poor Toms 

Poor Toms was one of the first new-wave craft distillers in the area and they've built up a loyal following. They offer regular gin distillery tours if you're interested in the process. If you're keen to sample the goods, you can swing by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday to indulge in a selection of their range. The industrial space is light and bright and decked out with greenery, lending a relaxed vibe to an afternoon of catching up with friends. 

6 Chalder Avenue, Marrickville 

Archie Rose Distillery Co.

This Rosebery-based distillery is first and foremost a working production line, but its attached bar is continuing to allure Sydney residents. Sitting just three metres from the distillery, the drinking den offers a chance to trial the full range of Archie Rose spirits, as well as discuss what has gone into the creation of the drink and its ingredients.

85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery

Hickson House 

Located in the historic The Rocks, Hickson House's low-lit bar is the perfect place to while away an evening. They've got over 600 spirits lining their cellar, including their own Hickson Road Gin. Indulge in a cocktail alongside some decadent share plates and we guarantee you a good night. The inquisitive can also enjoy a distillery tour available Tuesday through to Sunday. 

6 Hickson Road, Dawes Point 

The Rook

A self-described ‘lobster, burger and liquor’ space, The Rook is an inner-city establishment that tends to be visited by the peckish. But to neglect the gin offerings on hand here is to be missing out on some of the city’s most inventive cocktails. Gin is incorporated into most of the drinks available on the cocktail menu.

7, 56-58 York Street, Sydney

The Barber Shop

Inspired by traditional European drinking venues, the bar space is a dimly lit parlour that is intentionally difficult to find but well worth the effort. The Barbershop continues to wine awards as one of the best gin bars in Australia so don't miss it! They have an impeccable collection of gins the world over - the perfect place to enjoy a flight. 

89 York Street, Sydney

Loved this edit of the best gin bars in Sydney and ready to continue discovering more gems within the city? Be sure to check out our edit of the best wine bars in Sydney as well as the best new bars.