The Gin Thing

Darwin Festival bar manager Joshua Dolman has given Off The Leash a sneak peek into the cocktails set to wet your whistle this Darwin Festival.

There are four gin cocktails on the menu to complement a few gin-inspired shows on stage.

“There’s a comedy show called Mother’s Ruin all about gin which tipped us off to the idea,” Dolman says.

“Gin and tonic works well in hot weather, tonic water was initially crated for a tropical environment. 

“Quinine, which is the bitterness in tonic water, was created for sailors to drink to avoid getting malaria. They made it more palatable by adding gin to it.”

The cocktails on the menu will explore the versatility of the spirit.

“Gin is really popular and it’s accessible but it’s not a huge deal up here yet,” Dolman says.

“There are a few places doing gin, but it’s going to be good to provide a range to work with people’s palates and see what types of gins they like – it’s a very versatile spirit.”

Gin & Ginger

The Clover Club