Ginius (noun) – someone with an exceptional knowledge of gin.
Step aside coffee…this is a job for gin! Gin and tonic has been the British drink of choice for the longest time – even King Charles enjoys a tipple.
Gordon’s Gin has held a Royal Warrant since 1925, when King George awarded it to the alcohol company; while beyond a wet martini, King Charles is also understood to adore a classic gin and tonic, with an unnamed source close to him saying he can be quite fussy when it comes to food and alcohol.
Enjoying gin certainly runs in the Royal Family as late Queen Elizabeth’s favourite cocktail was a gin and Dubonnet, enjoyed with a lemon wedge and two ice cubes.
It’s not just Royalty who enjoy this spirit…get ready to say cheers to International G & T Day on Thursday, October 19 at these five locations:
Drink where the locals drink at Sydney spirit and cocktail bar, Grain by Four Seasons Hotel on George Street in the heart of the city. Grain Bar celebrates the fine craft of drinking in a neighbourhood vibe - showcasing passion, produce and people in moody surrounds of subtle lighting, a glowing aqua bar and embossed walls, setting the scene for lingering over cocktails and share plates.
Drop in on Thursday and let the mixologists concoct a classic G and T or be adventurous and order an In Like Flynn – Widges wheat gin, Amaro Montenegro, eucalyptus, lemon, egg white and a koala print on top – or a Fox with the Key, made from Ki No Bi rice gin, yuzushu, Sakura honey and sparkling Toji sake.
Be prepared to be surprised and discover a rich combination of wining and dining experiences at Whistling Kite on Oasis Drive in Secret Harbour. The social hub of this WA region, this elegant suburban restaurant and bar combines natural tones and contemporary aesthetics with great service to deliver relaxed, casual dining from a Modern Australian menu.
Pair your gin and tonic with dishes such as seared scallops, prosciutto, pea shoots and apple vinaigrette, or devour pork belly with sweet potato purée and ginger glaze; pizza lovers pick up a slice topped with braised lamb, caramelised onion and feta.
Born of drought, fire, flood and ice over millennia, Australia’s native hardwoods give Goodradigbee Distillers’ gin its unique taste. Located on Orchard Road in Brookvale, this distillery ages its spirits in hardwood cubes for single malts and gins like you have never tasted before; the flaming desire to create these spirits began while burning hardwood on a campfire beside the Goodradigbee River in the Snowy Mountains.
Think delectable drops like Sweetwater Gin, with notes of native anise myrtle, Highland pepper berries, juniper, Batlow apples and the distinct taste of Australia; or Freshwater Blush, with Davidson plum, desert lime and strawberry gum – for a party on your tongue.
The first distillery on the Bellarine Peninsula, locals and visitors alike drop by The Whiskery/Bellarine Distillery on Portarlington Road in Drysdale for a tipple and treat to eat. Growing a range of botanicals on the property to make unique gins, along with nicely maturing whisky, this is the place to satisfy the urge for a wee dram or shot; while The Whiskery cellar door appeases hunger with a slice of pizza or cheese platter.
Expect to sample drops like Teddy & the Fox gin, with an aromatic blend of six botanicals - juniper, coriander, orange, lemon myrtle, orris root and star anise – garnish with a slice of orange for the ultimate drink; or Rosey & the Rabbits with aromas of butterscotch, caramel and sun-dried apricots.
At Glenbosch Wine Estate on Beechworth-Wangaratta Road in Beechworth, it’s all about sharing the experience of fine food, wine and crafted spirits. Feel right at home among the vines while relaxing with a glass of estate wine such as 2020 Sangiovese Blush, or Glenbosch Craft Original Gin – made from favourite botanicals for the smoothest gin you'll taste.
This sipping gin is best enjoyed over ice with a sprig of thyme, or with any type of tonic; it is also a great complement to all kinds of cocktails. Cheers!
