Australia’s best Gin & Tonic has officially been crowned, with Daylesford Spirit Distillery taking out the inaugural Fever-Tree G&T Cup.
Daylesford Spirit Distillery, based in Daylesford, Victoria, took out first place with its Daylesford Spirit Miners Gin paired with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Light Tonic. Its Cellar Door is a relaxed and welcoming space that feels more like a hidden cocktail bar than a traditional tasting room.
Announced at The Barber Shop Sydney on the opening night of Fever-Tree G&T Week, the Fever-Tree G&T Cup recognised the best gin and tonic pairing from hundreds of entries submitted by distilleries across Australia and New Zealand—all judged in the search for the ultimate G&T experience.
Judged blind by a panel of industry experts, the competition assessed each gin alongside its recommended Fever-Tree mixer, with pairings evaluated on balance, flavour, presentation and overall drinking experience.
Australia’s top 5 G&Ts
- Daylesford Spirit Distillery—Daylesford Spirit Miners Gin paired with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Light Tonic
- Headlands Distilling Company—Mt. & Sea Gin paired with Fever-Tree Indian Dry Tonic
- Phoenix Distilling Co—Scarlet Nights gin paired with Fever-Tree Raspberry Tonic
- Old Young—Juniper Society Nonsense gin paired with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Light Tonic
- Phoenix Distilling Co—Island Daydream gin paired with Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic.
CEO and Founder of Gin Events Judith Kennedy AM (above) said: “The standard of submissions this year was incredibly high. What really separated the finalists was balance—how well the gin and tonic worked together as a pairing. The winning entries showed just how much the right tonic can elevate and enhance a gin.”
Fever-Tree Australia National Sales & Trade Marketing Manager Darren Dalzell said: “The G&T is one of the most ordered drinks in the country, but it’s often underestimated. This competition was about recognising the venues and distillers elevating the serve and showing just how good a gin and tonic can be when every element is considered.”
Now underway nationwide, Fever-Tree G&T Week is bringing together bars, restaurants, cellar doors and distilleries across Australia for a week of curated G&T menus, premium pairings and in-venue activations—giving gin lovers the chance to taste some of the country’s best serves for themselves.
Participating venues across the country—from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi to Hains & Co in Adelaide, White Rabbit Cocktail Room in Canberra and Frisk Bar in Perth—are showcasing exclusive serves and special menus designed to encourage consumers to rediscover the modern G&T.
Consumers can explore participating venues, discover featured distilleries and follow the G&T trail via www.ginandtonicweek.com.
For more information visit www.ginandtonicweek.com