A Go-To Gin Guide to Summer in Sydney

in partnership with

There's nothing quite like Sydney in summer; the steady hum of cicadas, the sea breeze wafting through the air, the balmy days followed by the ever-reprieving southerly. Yep, when the sunny season hits, we Sydneysiders are always keen to get outdoors and discover new things to eat, see and do in our harbour city.

And, to make sure you don't miss a sight, sound or sip this summer, we've partnered with Tanqueray to pull together a lineup of activities that'll see you enjoying the best of Sydney with, of course, a top-notch botanical tipple in hand. (Because everybody knows gin is the summer drink.) From dirty martini clubs to outdoor cinemas with blow-up beds, we've got all you summer-lovers catered for.

JOIN THE MOYA'S DIRTY MARTINI CLUB

Ah, finally a club that you'll actually want to be a member of. The Dirty Martini Club at Moya's Juniper Lounge is a new monthly gathering amass with gin lovers. The club pays tribute to one of the best juniper-based tipples, the Tanqueray dirty martini, which you can enjoy for just $10. Headed up by siblings Charles and Jess Casben, Moya's is a small, sultry bar with dim lights, vintage lounges and eclectic paintings adorning the walls. It's elegant and refined yet has a dark edge — much like the dirty martini itself — and is the perfect place to escape the heat and while away a summer evening. Head along on Wednesday, March 13 and Wednesday, April 17 from 8pm to mix among other martini devotees.

SPEND THE DAY AT SOL SPA

After a chock-a-block year and the endless December festivities, its time for a spot of relaxation. Treat yourself to a two-hour Absolute Pamper Package at Sol Spa, for tip-to-toe indulgence. The package includes a dry body brush and nourishing coconut scrub to rehydrate your skin, a full body massage to relieve tension and a blissful scalp massage. At $200, it's not exactly cheap but, hey, you've been working hard. Once you're sufficiently recharged, head next door to The Botanica Vaucluse for a post-preen Tanqueray No. Ten and tonic, and soak in the afternoon summer sun.

SEE A FLICK AT SYDNEY'S OUTDOOR BED CINEMA

Moore Park's Mov'in Bed is back for summer, running till Sunday, March 3. So, grab a buddy, curl up on a big blow-up bed with a blankie and bottomless popcorn to watch the latest films on the big screen. The program encompasses both old and new flicks — from A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody to Beetlejuice and The Lion King — with every type of cinephile considered. After you've got your cinematic fix, take a short 30-minute stroll through Moore Park to cocktail mecca This Must be the Place. Order a 'Belafonte' spritz with Fino sherry, Tanqueray No. Ten, lemon, prosecco and basil to really get a taste of summer. Alternatively, grab a bottle of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla and make your own Seville orange spritz at home.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE SUSHI AND SASHIMI LIKE AN IRON CHEF

Ever wanted to learn how to construct the perfect nori roll or to slice sashimi like Jiro Ono? (It's always good to aim high.) Head to Crane Bar in Potts Point for a sushi and sashimi masterclass, and learn the ins and outs of Japanese cuisine. Running every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm, the two-hour class will teach you how to expertly prepare and slice fish. You'll also be given a recipe book to take home, a certificate, and some nibbles to enjoy while you roll. Once you've finished with fish, savour a Tanqueray cocktail, like the White Lady, with Tanqueray, Cointreau, lemon juice and zest, or the Brambler, with Tanqueray, Chambord, lemon juice and sugar syrup, and cheers to your rolling success.

ENJOY BAREFOOT BOWLS AT THE GREENS IN NORTH SYDNEY

You might've been to this North Sydney stalwart before, but, let's face it, those city skyline views never get old. (And neither does going barefoot, especially in summer.) Grab some friends, kick off your shoes and see who is the best bowler in your crew. The Greens is open seven days a week and runs two-hour social bowls for $25 per person. No matter your sporting ability, bowls are a fun, relatively easy summer activity for all types. Yep, even your very uncoordinated best friend. When hunger strikes, order the Barman's Plate packed with cheese, olives and bread, along with a signature Green's Grove cocktail with Tanqueray No. TEN, yuzu, lemon, elderflower, cucumber and basil.

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

Top image: The Greens.