There’s something about a hot Australian summer afternoon that just begs for a crisp gin & tonic. The clink of ice, the citrus flourish, the breeze off the coast – it all calls for something bright, refreshing and a little local.
As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home bar with standout bottles that capture the flavours of summer, the coast and the Australian landscape itself.
Here are five Australian gins that deserve a spot in your Christmas collection this year – including how much they roughly cost right now.
King Island Coastal Gin – (Tasmania / Bass Strait)
Price: $90 – $105 for 700 ml.
Why it makes the list: Recently awarded Highly Commended in both the Coastal Gin and Martini categories at The Gin Guide Awards 2025. Crafted on a remote island between Tasmania and mainland Australia, using pure rainwater and native botanicals including bull kelp and rock salt to capture the essence of the coast.
Serve it: Over ice with a light tonic and a twist of lime or grapefruit – ideal for long summer evenings by the water.
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin – (Yarra Valley, VIC)
Price: $80–90 for 700 ml.
Why it makes the list: A creative Australian twist on gin: Shiraz grapes from the Yarra Valley steeped in gin, giving a rich colour and berry-forward profile. Great for families or friends who like something a little different.
Serve it: Mix with a light tonic and orange slice, or even try chilled neat with berry garnish – perfect for warm afternoons.
Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin – (Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW)
Price: $75–85 for 700 ml.
Why it makes the list: Hand-crafted with 26 botanicals (18 native to the Northern Rivers region), distilled with spring water in the Byron Bay hinterland. It embodies the relaxed, coastal-rainforest vibe of summer.
Serve it: Use plenty of ice, a slice of finger lime or native raspberry garnish, and soda or tonic – think laid-back summer day.
Never Never Triple Juniper Gin – (McLaren Vale, SA)
Price: $65–70 (500 ml); scaled to about $90-plus for 700 ml equivalent.
Why it makes the list: Bold and juniper-heavy, this is for gin purists who want something crisp and classic. It delivers strong character and stands up well to tonic or cocktails.
Serve it: A tall G&T with premium tonic, lemon twist and ice — ideal when you want something stylish yet simple.
Applewood Coral Gin – (Adelaide Hills / inspired by Great Barrier Reef)
Price: $75 for 500 ml.
Why it makes the list: Light, citrusy and subtly salty, this pink-hued gin has native botanicals like strawberry gum and karkalla inspired by Australia’s tropical coast. It’s festive, fun and perfect for summer.
Serve it: Chilled, with pink-grapefruit slice and soda or tonic. A gorgeous looking bottle and pour for a sunset drink.
A Toast to Australian Summer
From the wild coastline of King Island to the rainforest hinterland of Byron and the vineyards of McLaren Vale, the Australian gin scene offers so much variety and flavour. This Christmas, celebrate with a drink that reflects the season – refreshing, creative and proudly local.
Here’s to long afternoons, good company and the perfect summer pouring.