The Go-To Gin Guide to Summer in Brisbane

in partnership with

Okay, so perhaps there's not such a marked shift between seasons in the Sunshine State as there is in other parts of Australia. Brissie gets that perfect balmy weather almost all year round. But that means we certainly know how to make the most of warm days. And with a spate of new venues and outdoor activities popping up on the scene, Brisbanites are spoiled for choice when it comes to summertime adventures.

To make sure you don't miss a sight, sound or sip this sunny season, we've partnered with Tanqueray to pull together a lineup of activities that'll see you enjoying the best of the Brisbane with, of course, a refreshing gin beverage in hand. From a virtual jacaranda garden to $1 oysters and a rooftop pool, we've got your summer well and truly sorted.

SEE A FLICK AT BRISBANE'S MOONLIGHT CINEMA

To catch the latest and greatest films in the great outdoors this summer, head along to the Moonlight Cinema at The Amphitheatre in Parkland till March 31. The openair cinema's program shows both recent releases and cult classics on the silver screen; from Crazy Rich Asians to Dirty Dancing, there's a film for any kind of movie buff. Once the flick has finished, meander down to the water's edge and grab a drink at upscale wine and cocktail bar Mr and Mrs G. To really get into the summer spirit, order a Bartender's Punch with Tanqueray gin, Fernando De Castilla brandy, spices and lemon. Or, grab a bottle of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla and opt for your own Seville orange spritz at home. Cheers, cinephiles.

TUCK INTO $1 OYSTERS AT THE TERRACE BY E'CCO

It may be one of the newer bars on Brisbane's wining and dining scene, but what it lacks in experience, it makes up for with top-notch cocktails. Oh, and $1 oysters. That's right, The Terrace by E'cco has a 4–6pm happy hour (Tuesday through Sunday) that promises $1 oysters with any drink purchase. We suggest ordering the pretty Cherry Blossom featuring Tanqueray, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, violette liqueur, rose syrup and lime juice. And if the shellfish just isn't your thing, there are also a few other reasonably priced snacks available, including barbecue buns, milk buns, prawn toast and, for the super hungry, pork ribs.

WANDER THROUGH A VIRTUAL JACARANDA GARDEN AT GOMA

The only bad thing about jacarandas is the fact that they last for such a short time; it feels as though you could blink and miss these lavender blooms. Well, now, jacaranda season can last forever (or a couple of months, at least) as the trees have been immortalised in digital form. Gary Carsley's Purple Reign exhibition is now blooming inside the Gallery of Modern Art until April 28. Spend the day getting lost in this idyllic installation, then head across the river to Treasury Casino for a post-exhibition tipple — a Tanqueray and tonic, perhaps?

Image: Gerwyn Davies, Prawn. 2016. Archival inkjet print. Image courtesy the artist.

CHECK OUT THE 'DRESS CODE' EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM

If you've ever wondered whether or not we are what we wear — we like your existential thinking, friend — head along to the Dress Code at the Museum of Brisbane to find out. Running till January 28, the exhibition is a deep dive into our relationship with clothes, highlighting the impact fashion has on culture, gender and identity. It'll certainly make you question the very shirt on your back. Entry to the exhibition is free, which means more money for post-exhibition cocktails. Take yourself, and your clothes, over the river to Stokebar Q and grab a Short Stack cocktail. The delightfully fruity concoction features Tanqueray, Mandarine Napoleon, falernum, quince syrup, lime juice and grapefruit powder.

COOL OFF AT SOLEIL POOL BAR

Since it's summer, we have to include a pool. But this isn't your run of the mill, kids screaming, public pool-style affair. No, we've found a chic poolside hang-out, fit for you summertime revellers. Soleil Pool Bar is set on a sprawling inner-city rooftop and boasts incredible panoramic views of Brissie, as well as an elegant pool and deck area. As sister venue to Brisbane culinary gem Bacchus, Soleil, unsurprisingly, serves up stellar cocktails and tasty eats. In the warm weather, don't go past a Tanqueray No. Ten with a splash of tonic and a plate of the porcini arancini.

Celebrate the return of summer with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city.

Top image: Terrace by E'cco.