Earlier in 2021, Wildflower Gin grabbed everyone's attention in a very tasty way: by releasing a limited-edition lamington-flavoured tipple. Now, the Gold Coast distillery has launched something else that'll tempt fans of a stiff drink, opening a bar at its Varsity Lakes base.
Originally, the Scottsdale Drive spot operated as a cellar door; however, now you can do more than just pick up a bottle. Since Saturday, March 13, it has been pouring cocktails to eager drinkers, who can sip its regular range and try its one-off specials while sitting on antique leather chairs.
Heading the menu is Wildflower Gin's lineup of cocktails, including the 'Honeycomb' and a pink gin sour — both of which use honey from the distillery's bees. The venue's version of a negroni uses barrel-aged oaked gin, as well as dehydrated honey-soaked orange, while the lamington espresso martini heroes the aforementioned lamington vodka, alongside coffee liqueur, fresh coffee and honey.
You can also build your own G&T, if that's the type of cocktail you prefer. Just pick from three kinds of gin, four tonics and seven garnishes — and four different types of glass.
Decor-wise, vintage collectibles including a piano, typewriters and antique phones are a feature, as is a chandelier made from the old rim of a Ford Model T. The latter has personal significance for Wildflower Gin founder James Greig, as it used to hang in the house he grew up in.
Wildflower's gin-making and gin-tasting classes will continue, too. If you're feeling peckish over a drink, though, it's strictly a bring-your-own-food affair — or you can order in while you're there. Booking a table is recommended, and can also bring your pooch in with you.
Find Wildflower Gin at 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes — open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm, and on Sundays from 2pm.