A Go-To Gin Guide for Spring in Brisbane

in partnership with

As spring emerges once more, fragrant and warm, it's time to shake off the chill, venture out and explore the river city. Full of pent-up post-winter energy and curiosity, we're ready for new hobbies, exciting art, eating, drinking and being merry. The undisputed king of spring is gin. A staple of the garden party, its evocative botanicals sing in harmony with nature. To make sure you don't miss a sight, sound or sip in Brisbane these next few months, we've partnered with Tanqueray to show you the classiest way to get out and about in the city this season and enjoy some gin all at the same time.

Dance rehearsals at QPAC.

CATCH A SHOW AT QPAC

Enjoy a night of theatre or dance, then some post-show tapas and Tanqueray.

QPAC's spring season is springing to life with notable productions like Priscilla Queen of the Desert (from September 26) and Mozart's Don Giovanni (from October 19 to November 3), alongside orchestral and solo performances. Exclusive to Brisbane, La Scala Ballet company will present the classic Spanish tale Don Quixote from November 7–17. Savour the spirit of Spain even further at Ole tapas bar post-show. 

Be transported to a theatre of flavour with a fresh seafood paella or the moreish tarta de Santiago, a traditional almond cake. Pair the fresh citrus notes of a Tanqueray No. Ten in G&T or martini form with famed Spanish specialties like jamon iberico or salty boquerones, pickled white anchovies. With so much to sample, it's worth bringing a companion (or several) to make it an evening.

TAKE A COOKING CLASS

Acquire some new skills then celebrate with cocktails at Cru Bar and Cellar.

If you're keen to cater your own show-stopping garden gatherings, take the leap and immerse yourself in Brisbane's fancy food hub at the James St Cooking School. The three-hour group sessions are led by a professional chef and include demonstrations, hands-on experience, tastings and recipes. Whatever the lesson, the finest ingredients are found at James St Market, a cornucopia of gourmet goods, so you can make your newly learned recipes at home. Following your Fast and Furious Seafood training, you'll want to visit the Fresh Fish Co (the reason why is in the name), while the Standard Market Company Meats is your go-to for quality protein after a Rump Demonstration class.

After class, unwind in the elegant and award-winning Cru Bar and Cellar. Reward yourself for your perseverance and new-found culinary skills with a unique Cru cocktail, like the Old Maid — Tanqueray London Dry Gin, lime juice, cucumber and mint — or the Sweet Fire of London — Tanqueray London Dry Gin, peach liqueur, Aperol, lemon, passionfruit and flamed orange peel.

PERUSE THE WORKS AT GOMA

Match the masterpieces of GOMA with a drink at a bar that treats cocktails like high art.

This spring, envelop yourself in the exquisite art within GOMA's Japanese collection. The free exhibition, A Fleeting Bloom, showcases elegant craftsmanship and aesthetic delicacy in a variety of mediums: screens, ceramics, paintings and photography. Paying homage to cultural tradition and a stylistic heritage spanning hundreds of years.

After savouring the consummate skill on show, the only drink to match is one executed with the highest level of finesse. Like an established gallery, Maker still provides classics — hello, martini — but it's the experimental cocktails that truly set this bar apart. Enjoy creative riffs on flavour through the 'bespoke' option — tell them to start with Tanqueray, then name a flavour, a mood, a dream and the bar team will do the rest.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ARTIST

Let those creative juices flow while you sip a Tanqueray G&T.

Awake your slumbering creative spirit at Cork and Chroma and capture the spring beauty in brushstrokes. Suitable for professional artists and total beginners alike, these classes take you through the technical artmaking process without stifling your unique style. Cork and Chroma holds regular sessions with a guiding theme, as well as tribute nights to style icons. If you'd prefer to push your artistic boundaries, it also has 'Art Jams' with nothing but live music, blank canvases, paint and freedom. In the bohemian spirit, expect to get your hands a bit dirty once inspiration begins to flow.

These Southbank art lessons are BYO. Or, BYO T&T — that's Tanqueray and tonic — for the more sophisticated artists. Sip a chilled bar-quality cocktail, individually bottled and easy to hold, as you show the art world how it's really done.

ENJOY A LUXURIOUS HIGH TEA

A modern twist on the British classic with elevated cucumber sandwiches and, of course, T&Ts.

To paraphrase Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that any gin in possession of a sparkling tonic must be in want of a fine cucumber sandwich. If high tea feels a little passe, you'll adore Darling & Co's bold G&T alternative. This sleek and airy open-plan Paddington venue offers a modern twist on a British classic that's a world away from dusty lace and old-fashioned doilies.

Round up your group, and book into a Tanqueray G&T High Tea ($90 per person) for cocktails and gourmet titbits. Luxury bites include caramelised onion and persian feta quiche, sugar-dusted passionfruit marshmallow and light, chewy assorted macarons. Darling & Co has even elevated the cucumber sandwich with tangy pickled radish and creme fraiche. It also couldn't be high tea without melt-in-your-mouth scones, conserves and silky chantilly cream. Naturally, this refined tasting experience will be paired with only the finest London gin of Charles Tanqueray.

Celebrate the return of warmer, sunnier days with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city.