This long weekend the worlds Gin lovers can rejoice because not only is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II having her official 90th Birthday but she is sharing the honours with World Gin Day so long live the 11th of June!
Now you may think there is nothing left to do in the world of gin, except drink more of it (and i am not going to disagree with you there!) but this World Gin Day bars across the world are raising their glasses and giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in every thats great about this much love tipple.
The event started seven years ago in the UK, but as our passion for gin has developed, it has expanded to include numerous bars and venues across Australia.
Head to the Joint…
In Sydney, popular distillery and bar Archie Rose will be taking part in the event for the first time this year.
“Last World Gin Day, we had only been open for three months,” says Archie Rose founder, Will Edwards. “I think we celebrated by just serving lots and lots and lots of gin.”
This year, the distillery and bar is making things personal and is letting you create your own one of a kind Gin! “People can come in and our Archie Rose ambassadors will help them select and balance the botanical distillates to create a personalised spirit,” Edwards says.
“They can then enjoy a drink at the bar while their bottle of gin is being made in around 30 minutes.”
Gin lovers can choose from four sessions: 12pm, 2pm , 4pm and 6pm. Each session costs $120, including the bottle of gin and complimentary drink.
Speakeasy…
Slide in Darlinghurst, is hosting a Gin Mill social 1920s dinner party on Friday night with a banquet menu, gin cocktails, and live swing musicians.
Enjoy a fine dining setting with a banquet style menu, plus a welcome drink of Hendricks gin. The fun never stops as live swing musicians play all night long and vaudeville performers pop up to entertain when you least expect it. The 1920’s is living and breathing. Tickets cost $109, Dress code is guys in ties, girls in pearls.
Made in Britain…
In celebration of all things British, The Barber Shop Team will take you on a journey of Cocktails that were created and served in Britain over the last few Centuries.
Hosted by Barbershop Owner Mikey Enright and Barbershop General Manager David Nguyen-Luu along with Special Guest Geraint “Gee” David.
The event costs $69, and includes 4 cocktails and Charcuterie and Cheese Boards.
Nip of Courage
Gin & It will be hosting an Australian Gin Masterclass with the largest selection of Australian Gins ever shown in Sydney this World Gin Day.
Gin expert Petr Dvoracek and Distiller Ian Glen will take you on a journey through the history of Gin and the Australian Craft Gin industry.
On offer is a choice of 50 Australian Gins and you have the opportunity to select 8 for your own for an Australian Gin Flight.
Tickets cost $69, tickets are limited kicks of 2pm at Wulugul Pop Up Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo.
Bathtub revolution ..
But if the though of mixing with all the other Gin Crazy’s has you seeing visions of mothers ruin, why not stay in and drink what Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be drinking.
The Classic Dubonnet Gin Cocktail or The Queen Mother.
Make your own queen mother
Serves 1
1 part gin
2 parts Dubonnet
Orange or lemon twist to garnish (optional)
Pour one part gin and two parts Dubonnet over lots of ice and stir. I like it ungarnished but many people have a lemon or orange twist (or both). Dubonnet, incidentally, was originally designed in the 19th century as a way for French legionnaires to drink quinine to protect against malaria – in the same way that tonic was. I have found this a useful counter to people who have been outraged at my mixing an alcoholic spirit with a fortified wine.
So however you spend this coming June 11, stay safe and drink responsibly.
