Those game enough to make a martini from this punchy, Yarra Valley-distilled gin will notice the big hit of citrus and exotic Asian spice character bursting out of the cocktail glass. Its best use is with tonic water for a perfect, full-flavoured G&T.

Most Australian rum comes with excessive sweetness and an urge to run a mile, but this – Australia’s first owned-and-made black spiced rum – is complex, smooth and, best yet, free of preservatives. Expect notes of ringwood, orange peel and vanilla bean.

Vodka is often shunned as a serious spirit, but if the vibe is all about kicking up your heels and rejoicing, this will do the trick nicely. Australian-owned, triple distilled and made from whey, it features a silky, clean palate minus the additives. Press a couple of litres of fresh fruit juice and get ready for cocktail hour.

Mixing this with cola? Very rock and roll.
 But the prestigious Martinique distillery that distils this fine rich, ginger-and-spice-scented rum would likely hope you slowly sip it neat, with due consideration. Any way you choose to drink it, this is superior gear, which, interestingly, matches well with grilled stone fruit.

Sustainability is the focus at this distillery in Bathurst, NSW. Established in 2008, Stone Pine champions local botanicals and native produce. This fine, spicy, lightly citrus gin includes pink finger lime and lemon myrtle to bring an Australian feel to this excellent, London Dry style. 
 A 15ml dash of Blood Moon syrup (right) wouldn’t go astray.

Sustainable whisky? You bet. Belgrove built the still, grows the grain, uses bio-diesel and harvests its own water from the roof. This wonderfully complex peated rye whisky – all smoke, caramel and spice – is great on its own, but add very dark chocolate for a brilliant match.