Make it a Gin Night: Three must-try cocktails featuring Central Coast craft spirits

Friday night deserves a proper ritual – and with so many outstanding Australian gins now on the market, there’s never been a better excuse to make it gin night. On the NSW Central Coast, master distiller Philip Moore from Distillery Botanica is crafting small-batch spirits that are bursting with bright botanicals and vibrant citrus. From a zesty Breakfast Martini to a margarita with a twist – and a refreshing spritz to finish – these cocktails showcase just how versatile gin can be.

Breakfast Martini

Featuring Moore’s Blood Orange Gin and Distillery Botanica Triple Sec

Ingredients

45ml Moore’s Blood Orange Gin

15ml Distillery Botanica Triple Sec

15ml fresh lemon juice

1 bar spoon English Breakfast marmalade

Ice cubes

Orange slice (optional garnish)

Method

Add gin, triple sec, lemon juice and marmalade to a cocktail shaker.

Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the marmalade is fully incorporated.

Double strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a slice of blood or Valencia orange.

Bright, citrusy and just a little indulgent – it’s sunshine in a glass.

Gin Soaked Señorita Margarita

Featuring Moore’s Pearl Crush Gin and Distillery Botanica Triple Sec

Ingredients

50ml Moore’s Pearl Crush Gin

10ml Distillery Botanica Triple Sec

30ml fresh lime juice

15ml agave syrup

Ice cubes

Lime wedge

Salt for rim (optional)

Method

If desired, salt the rim of your glass using a lime wedge.

Add gin, triple sec, lime juice and agave to a shaker with ice.

Shake 30 times until chilled.

Pour unstrained into a glass and garnish with lime.

A botanical twist on a classic margarita – crisp, refreshing and perfect for warm evenings.

Central Coast Gin Spritz

Featuring Moore’s Dry Gin and Distillery Botanica Triple Sec

Ingredients

40ml Moore’s Dry Gin

15ml Distillery Botanica Triple Sec

90ml chilled prosecco

Soda water to top

Orange peel or fresh mint

Ice

Method

Fill a large wine glass with ice.

Add gin and triple sec.

Top with prosecco and a splash of soda.

Stir gently and garnish with orange peel or mint.

Light, sparkling and effortlessly elegant – ideal for long Friday night catch-ups.

Why Gin Night Works

Australian craft gin continues to boom, and with distillers like Distillery Botanica producing small-batch, citrus-driven spirits right here on the Central Coast, we’re spoiled for choice. These cocktails highlight local flavour, simple techniques and quality ingredients – proving you don’t need to leave home for a bar-quality experience.