Melbourne’s nightlife usually involves a hidden staircase, a dimly lit corner, and a cocktail that arrives with its own elaborate backstory. As a city, we’ve built a reputation for being discerning, which is exactly why Never Never Distilling Co. has managed to infiltrate every top-tier backbar in the city.

Hailing from McLaren Vale, these spirit-making renegades have perfected a “Triple Juniper” method. By steeping, distilling, and vapour-infusing their gin with massive amounts of juniper, they’ve created a bold, high-octane spirit that’s basically a love letter to gin purists.

It’s oily, it’s intense, and it’s the darling of every bartender who takes their martinis seriously. Luckily for us, Melbourne’s top-tier bars have taken this liquid gold and run with it with some unique expressions, so it was only right that we invited our plus ones for an evening of gin and exploration to just a handful of these bars, and made sure to document the journey which you can now try for yourselves.

Gimlet, Melbourne
First up on the gin-lovers tour is Gimlet. It’s all high ceilings, marble, and that classic “old-world” Melbourne glamour. While everyone talks about the food, the bar is the real heart of the place.

Expect a perfectly structured G&T amidst martini carts and a room that hums from lunch through late evening. They’ve actually collaborated with Never Never to create the Triple Dry Martini, a liquid feat of engineering designed to be the “driest martini possible” using wood tannin and milk whey instead of vermouth. It’s poured tableside with enough pizazz to make you feel like your front row at a theatre show.

Union Electric, Melbourne
Hidden under a lightning bolt in a Chinatown laneway, Union Electric is the undisputed king of the “loud shirts and old-school hip-hop” vibe. It’s a cheeky, unpretentious spot where the rooftop gin garden feels like a secret club for people who actually enjoy their drinks.

They take their craft seriously but themselves not at all, leaning into “Modern Tiki” flavours and fresh botanicals. Ask the team to give the Never Never Triple Juniper a workout in one of their fresh fruit creations; it’s the perfect way to ease into a sunny Melbourne afternoon while the beats are dropping.

Gin Palace, Melbourne
The OG, the legend, and the place where many a Melbourne hangover was born. Gin Palace has been around since the 90s, offering a subterranean sanctuary filled with velvet nooks and over 330 different gins. It’s famous for its 90mL martinis, served long and strong. Because they have the largest gin selection in the Southern Hemisphere, the staff here are essentially gin encyclopedias; challenge them to a “buoyant and indecorous” version of a Never Never Gin & Tonic, and prepare to be enlightened.

BYRDI, Melbourne
If the other bars are about tradition and grit, BYRDI is about the future. Located (somewhat surprisingly) on the ground level of Melbourne Central, this place is a high-tech lab of seasonal, innovative flavours that celebrate Victorian produce.

They’re known for using things like vacuum infusions and liquid nitrogen to coax out flavours you didn’t know existed. Keep an eye out for their First Frost, a martini-style riff that uses Never Never’s signature vodka, or their creative takes on a Never Never G&T featuring ingredients like distilled Geraldton wax and white chocolate. It’s sophisticated, slightly mad, and utterly delicious.

– The Plus Ones

Never Never is available at all good bottle shops & bars. You can also grab a bottle for home here.

Photo Credit: Supplied.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited to try Never Never thanks to HHPR.