4 min readDo you know your juniper from your geneva? Is ‘gin o’clock’ scheduled firmly into your diary? Never mind the cider, Bristol has several gin distilleries to its name and plenty of places to drink this splendid spirit. If you’re looking for a bit of gin-spiration, get the Bristol gin low down here…
6 O'clock Gin
Made in Thornbury by a family-run business, 6 O’clock Gin stands out on shelves thanks to its Bristol-blue bottle. You can sample their range of gins with a waterside view, or join a gin masterclass, at their very own gin boat, 6 O'clock Gin at The Glassboat.
Image - 6 O'Clock Gin at The Glassboat
Psychopomp Micro-Distillery
Hidden in open view on St Michael’s Hill, Psychopomp produces craft-distilled gin in small batches and limited quantities. Get geeky about gin making in their regular workshops and tasting events, or book a Gin Lovers Masterclass via Yuup. Lessons include a tutored tasting, recipe development and distilling your very own gin.
Image - Psychopomp's bar and shop on St Michael's Hill
The Spirit of Bristol
Ethically crafted and beautifully packaged, you can choose from four varieties of locally-made Spirit of Bristol gin - from the classic, citrusy London Dry, to the navy strength Harbourside gin. Inspired by other Bristol districts are the floral Clifton Royale and the peppery Hotwells Spice. Pick up a bottle from their online shop, or from a range of local retailers, including Spirited in Southville and Corks of Cotham.
Image - The Spirit of Bristol
Spirited
This bottle shop in Southville also allows you to sit in and enjoy a highball cocktail or dram of your favourite tipple. Pair your G&T with a cheeseboard, or keep an eye to their events page for the latest tastings and boozy supper clubs.
Image - Spirited
The Milk Thistle
Housed over four floors in one of Bristol’s finest historic buildings, The Milk Thistle serves some of the best tipples in the city. You’ll find leather chairs to sink into and delicious cocktail concoctions to imbibe within its atmospheric walls. Learn up on your favourite juniper-based spirit with their monthly gin clubs, featuring guest gins from all over the globe.
Image - The Milk Thistle
Racks Bar and Kitchen
Racks in Clifton run regular gin tasting masterclasses, helping you better understand your botanicals. Great for groups, parties or a slightly different team building experience!
Image - Racks
Food and drink tours
Combine a tasty tour of the city with a chance to sample some local gins! Find gin experiences and tours from local businesses on Yuup Bristol.
Image - Yuup Bristol
G & Afternoon Tea at The Bristol Hotel
Enjoy some classic finger sandwiches, scones and cakes with your choice of tea, coffee or special gin cocktails created in collaboration with Bristol Dry Gin, such as the 'Passiflora' with Earl Grey-infused gin, passion fruit purée and vanilla.
Image - The Bristol Hotel
Bristol Dry Gin
An olde-world coaching inn in Bristol’s medieval Old City, The Rummer has an eye-popping collection of spirits, including boutique and craft spirits made in its very own micro-distillery, Bristol Dry Gin, housed in the cellars below. Their full range is available to try on the cocktail menu or buy and take away with you. Pop down on a Friday or Saturday for regular local gin tastings.
The Green Man
This cosy characterful boozer in Kingsdown may not seem like the obvious choice for an evening of sinking several craft gins, but the pub has a whopping 100 gins to get your chops around.
Bravas
If you like your gin accompanied by several sides of heavenly tapas, then head to Bravas on Cotham Hill – an authentic tapas bar serving proper, Spanish measures of gin from their outstanding gin menu. Psychopomp has concocted a bespoke recipe in collaboration with the restaurant – known as ‘Gin Bravas’ with Mediterranean-style green olive, nora pepper and almond botanicals.
Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Get your gin on in the name of Queen and country at Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Behind the red phone box door of this popular bar lies many an inventive and highly quaffable cocktail. The drinks here are served like mini works of art from a British passport-themed menu - for a gin fix, try the Not-so-busy-B – inspired by Big Ben.
Gin and Juice
Choose from over 350 gins, signature cocktails and spirits in the opulent settings of this stunning bar on Park Street.
Box-E
For the ultimate gin consuming experience, head to foodie favourite Box-E. Inside this intimate shipping container, Chef Elliott Lidstone whips up some of the most celebrated food in Bristol. He also uses the spent gin botanicals from Psychopomp (yep, them again) to cure fish and pair it with the gin. Gin-ius!
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