Naught Cocktail Bar

Overview

Enter the enchanting speakeasy-style cocktail lounge adjacent to Naught's gin distillery, and you'd be forgiven for assuming you're deep within the inner-city reaches.

The brainchild of former teacher Chris Cameron, Naught has been quick to make a splash in the gin world, having scooped a swag of local and international awards since its first gin release in 2020 — including two major trophies in the 2021 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Now, the label is proving itself as a serious player in Melbourne's cocktail bar scene, with this sultry drinking den kitted out by Studio Y (Lumé, Nick & Nora's and Pearl Diver).

Designed to transport you well beyond its pocket of suburbia, the moodily-lit space is glamorous, featuring dramatic wallpaper, touches of velvet and an imposing sculptural work of dried native botanicals suspended from the ceiling.

Signature cocktails are crafted on either Naught's Australian Dry, Sangiovese or Overproof Gin, with the much-hyped Classic Dry also set to join the menu upon its release. There's a focus on the classics, backed by a lineup of subtle reworkings and new creations. Venture back in time with an Aviation ($22), or re-energise with Naught's take on the espresso martini featuring macadamia and toasted wattleseed liqueur ($22).

Also earning buzz is the HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A, starring orgeat, fresh pineapple and bitters ($22). Elsewhere, you'll find a three-gin tasting flight, a top-notch martini offering, and a crop of hyper-local beers and wines.

Meanwhile, a share-friendly food menu features the likes of loaded grazing boards ($35–45); buffalo mozzarella with Pedro Ximénez balsamic and red-gum-smoked sea salt ($14); and tins of caviar paired with crème fraîche and crisps ($230).