Raise your glass and discover award-winning spirits in the best gin bars in Adelaide
As an Australian, I take pride in knowing what differentiates good alcohol from generic ones. After all, my city is home to some world-renowned ones, especially from the glorious vineyards of the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley.
I can proudly say that the locally produced gins were the ones that got the most approvals from my international friends. There’s just something different about the way we handle our juniper berries here!
If you’re seeking an exceptional gin-tasting experience or simply a good time, explore the top gin restaurants and pubs in our city.
Ambleside Distillers
Photo by aricer7
Website: https://amblesidedistillers.com/
Address: Cnr of Ambleside Rd &, Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf
Contact details: 61 408 834 010
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday-Friday: 12 PM-6 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM-6 PM
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Closed
Ambleside Distillers brings three heavyweight gin selections brought to life by Adelaide Hills’ produce: the citrusy No. 8 Gin, the bold and complex Small Acre Gin, and the strong Big Dry Gin.
These award-winning spirits are handcrafted with copper still and homegrown ingredients. Every sip feels like South Australian hospitality: warm, strong, and passionate.
Pro tips:
- Their signature gins are best purchased as a trio pack that gives you 200 ml of each.
- The strong flavor of their gins makes them amazing to add to cocktails.
Never Never Distilling Co.
Website: https://neverneverdistilling.com.au/
Address: 56 Field St, McLaren Vale SA
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday, Sunday: 11 AM-5 PM
- Friday: 11 AM-8 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM-5:30 PM
You can never go wrong with trying the Never Never’s 2019 World Gin Award-winning Signature gin! Made with a triple-juniper distillation process, the spirit tastes fresh and floral, perfect for a sip with a view of the magnificent McLaren Vale.
Another intriguing choice is the Oyster Shell Gin which has a breezy mineral and sea taste mellowed with waxflower, making it a perfect partner to seafood.
Pro tips:
- If you’re looking for ways to enhance your gin-drinking experience further, check out their cocktail recipes here.
- My personal favorite is the Espresso Martini because its coffee and cacao infusion gives it a buttery and smooth taste.
- Looking for other award-winning spirits from them? Try the Southern Strength Gin (oily and viscous texture with earthy flavor) and the Dark Series Med Gin (light vermouth taste with Chinese tea smell).
Prohibition Liquor Co
Website: https://prohibitionliquor.co/
Address: 22 Gilbert St
Contact details: 61 8 8339 1151
Operating hours:
- Wednesday-Thursday: 11:30 AM-10 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM-11:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM-7 PM
- Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Prohibition Liquor Co brings the charms of the 1920’s American era but without the bootlegger’s quality. They take their gin seriously, stocking them in special oak barrels that mix 11 special botanicals like green tea and peppercorns for a smooth flavor.
Their tasting room experience is a must-try for me not only because it’s conveniently held in the CBD but also because of the fantastic garnishes they add.
Pro tips:
- Their space is a bit limited, so it’s best to reserve a table if you’re bringing a group with you.
- The bar’s acoustics and layout make it perfect for hosting events with a small crowd.
The Howling Owl
Website: https://www.thehowlingowl.com.au/
Address: 10 Vaughan Pl
Contact details: 61 416 025 550
Operating hours:
- Monday-Tuesday: 2:30 PM-9 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday: 2:30 PM-10 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12 PM-1 AM
- Sunday: Closed
The Howling Owl is a CBD-based oasis for gins, having over 220 varieties of small-batch gins sourced worldwide. They skillfully pair each one with seasonal garnish and mixers that further enhance the flavors.
The best part is their nibbling offerings, like Cheesy Sanga (tomato and cheese), Cubano (salami, pickles, and mustard), and Hot and Spicy (butter, Gouda, and jalapeno).
Pro tips:
- Howling Owl has plenty of nooks and corners filled with quirky decor. Explore the place to get the most out of your experience.
- The bar becomes a performance space during the Adelaide Fringe! Check out their performers and schedules here.
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers
Website: https://seppeltsfieldroaddistillers.com.au/
Address: 436 Seppeltsfield Rd, Marananga
Contact details: 61 8 7081 2000
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM-5 PM
- Friday: 11 AM-7 PM
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers is an irresistible venue; its contemporary-designed outdoor area invites you to come in and enjoy its delights. It has a radiant view of Marananga, which enhances the experience of tasting their self-crafted gins.
Their standout spirit, the Barossa Shiraz Gin, won the 2022 International Wine and Spirits Competition for its juicy and velvety smoothness. Just a sip reveals notes of fruits and spices, perfectly embodying the essence of “gin and juice.”
Pro tips:
- Summer and spring are the best times to visit, as Marananga’s views are especially vibrant during these seasons.
- If you see Chase, their dog, be sure to say hi. He’ll happily come over to greet you.
Malt & Juniper
Website: https://maltandjuniper.com.au/
Address: 18 Peel St
Contact details: +61 8 8295 3966
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 4 PM-12 AM
- Friday-Saturday: 4 PM-2 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Malt & Juniper brings a classic atmosphere perfect for trying different gin labels both local and international. With moody lighting, classic furniture, and jazzy music, the gin restaurant is perfect for a laid-back experience.
They’re masters of timeless cocktail recipes, from the refreshingly cool Cucumber Pepper gin to the grapefruit and ginger-infused Pink Lane.
Pro tips:
- As their name suggests, they’re also pros when it comes to whiskey. Order away if you want a second drink that’s more complex and rich-tasting.
- The best seat is always by the bartender, where you can watch them craft cocktails while engaging in lively banter with the guests.
Barossa Distilling Co.
Website: https://barossadistilling.com/
Address: 18-28 Tanunda Rd, Nuriootpa
Operating hours:
- Thursday: 1 PM-5 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM-5 PM
Barossa Distilling Co. tells us a story with each bottle of gin, as they are lovingly prepared using homegrown botanicals. Their standout one is the 2024 World Gin Awards winner Barossa Shiraz made silky smooth and with a bold aroma.
I definitely felt the Adelaide Hills hospitality in their distillery when I had a tasting tour. They’re very creative with their offerings, having gin mustards and gin pickles for adventurous eaters (myself included!).
Pro tips:
- It’s a great idea to visit at night, as the place becomes more charming and cozy.
- They usually have limited edition gins that quickly sell out. Ask their friendly staff about the latest ones!
Imperial Measures Distilling
Website: https://imdistilling.com/
Address: 31 W Thebarton Rd, Thebarton
Contact details: +61 418 896 720
Operating hours:
- Thursday: 3 PM-9 PM
- Friday: 3 PM-10 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM-10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM-9 PM
I felt at home when I visited Imperial Measures Distilling. It’s set up like an actual distillery, from the bare barrel cases to its warehouse-like spaciousness.
Their gin is straightforward and classic, incorporating local recipes and ingredients.
The best one for me is the Honey Gin which blends sweet honey, coriander, nutmeg, and lemon for a cheerful and luxurious taste. For those with a taste for dark spirits, the Shiraz Ounce Gin (cacao nib, black pepper, cinnamon) is a great choice.
Pro tips:
- If you’re skilled in tickling the ivories, try playing the acoustic piano they have.
- To ensure you don’t get woozy after a few sips of gin, start with one of their burgers. They’re incredibly meaty and delicious!
Hains & Co
Website: https://www.hainsco.com.au/
Address: 23 Gilbert Pl
Contact details: +61 8 8410 7088
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday: 4 PM-2 AM
- Friday: 3 PM-2 AM
Hains & Co is a nautical-themed shop offering an outdoor dining space with a view of the rushing CBD. It charms both locals and tourists alike with its irresistible offerings of cigars, whiskeys, rum, and of course, gin.
They source their gins both locally and internationally, offering spirits like Amalfi Con Lemon and Never Never Distilling’s Triple Juniper. With their three-cheese toastie and some sausage rolls, my friends and I had a blast here.
Pro tips:
- If you’re a fan of cigars, check out their collection sourced as far as Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
- Looking for filling grubs to eat with your gin? Try their fried halloumi and fries!
Ginny Pig Distillery
Website: https://www.ginnypigdistillery.com.au/
Address: 796 Main Rd, McLaren Vale
Contact details: 61 414 605 099
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday-Friday: 12-4 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM-4 PM
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Closed
Ginny Pig Distillery is owned and managed by husband-and-wife duo Bec and Craig who handcrafts every bottle of gin they sell. The skill and passion they pour are seen in every flavor of their artisan gins (Classic, Spiced Fig, Botanic, and Blueberry).
My favorite is the Blueberry because of how darn irresistible it is to empty when mixed into a Gin Jam cocktail! Its infusion of vanilla bean makes it very smooth and light.
Pro tips:
- Their indoor dining area is small, so it’s best to take your drink to their spacious outdoor area. Don’t forget to bring a picnic mat!
- When visiting, avail of their Ginny Pig Full Flight, as they provide plenty of garnishes that make it worth the price.
