Gin, three ways

Finding it difficult to secure a booking at your favourite watering hole? You're not alone. Make the wait that bit more bearable with a cocktail whipped up in the comfort of your own home. First stop, gin. There's an abundance of it out there. Every man and his distillery dog seem to be experimenting with gin these days. Fortunately, this means a vibrant landscape of exploration and flavour. Give these tasty spirits a whirl.

Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin

Sydney, NSW, $79

If ever a gin begged to be served as a gimlet, this is it. The 1920s cocktail is dangerously simple to make. Half dry gin, half fresh lime juice. Hey presto. This is a contemporary take on the classic dry gin; it was cold-distilled with sunrise lime (from WA), Geraldton waxflower and Dorrigo pepperleaf. The botanicals leap from the glass. Stunning. 42 per cent alcohol.

Find it at archierose.com.au

Oliver's Taranga Quince Gin

McLaren Vale, SA, $100

Winemaker Corrina Wright isn't one to rest on her laurels. The McLaren Vale-based team added small-batch gin to their offering when their orchard produced an abundance of quinces and oranges. Unsurprisingly, this small-batch gem bursts with dried quince flavours and finishes smooth. Add tonic and fresh thyme and you're good to go. The voluptuous bottle is a keeper (it'd make a great vase). Price includes delivery within Australia. 45 per cent alcohol.

Find it at oliverstaranga.com

Brogan's Way Royal Blood Gin

Richmond, Vic, $99

A gin for the savoury at heart. There's plenty of cardamom heat to this punchy, navy-strength banger. The palate explodes with rosemary, saltbush and pepper. It's not for the fainthearted, and delightfully so. Bang it in a martini glass with some dry vermouth and channel 1960s Mad Men vibes. Don't forget the olives. 57.2 per cent alcohol.

Find it at brogansway.com.au