Shaken, Stirred and Sipped: 5 Cocktail Places You Need to Try

Good news for cocktail lovers! Our region has no shortage of incredible places to go for cocktails to spice up your date night, get together with the girls or take your friends and family to try new places.

Home to some incredible distilleries, all serving up incredible creations, here are five amazing places you need to try:

1. Four Pillars Distillery, Healesville

Four Pillars Gin is a craft distillery based in Healesville, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, about an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Since their launch in late 2013, Four Pillars has grown to become one of the most awarded gin distilleries in the world.

From gin drinks and gin tastings to a number of small group masterclasses, including a Maker Session where guests can distil their own gin from scratch, Four Pillars offer a range of experiences that showcase their love for craft distilling. This is a must-visit place for any gin and cocktail lover.

2. Balgownie Estate, Yarra Glen

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie offers not only great wine. Their decadent new cocktail and wine bar means you’ll need to put this one firmly on your ‘to try’ list. Their extensive list of classic cocktails, signature cocktails and mocktails are guaranteed to have something for every palette.

The restaurant also prepares exceptional food and uses fresh seasonal local produce. They are open 7 days for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner or a grazing menu for in-between times. Whether you're a local, just visiting or spending a night or two in the region, make sure to check them out.

3. Naught Distilling, Eltham

Hidden in the side streets of leafy Eltham in Melbourne’s North, Naught is a speakeasy-style gin bar and distillery that transports you to another time and place. Sip your way through their extensive cocktail list and discover amazing new flavour combinations. Their stunning cocktail bar is attached to a fully functioning gin distillery.

Accompanying their lengthy cocktail menu is an array of sharing delights, ranging from cheese and charcuterie boards which showcase local product to more substantial meals. Tempted?

4. Cognoscenti Food and Wine, Belgrave

Located next to the popular historic Cameo Cinema, Cognoscenti Food and Wine is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant located in Belgrave. They pride themselves in serving spectacular food, signature cocktails and a carefully curated selection of local and international wines.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy cocktails in their sun-bathed courtyard, celebrating a special occasion in their gorgeous dining room, or just after a simple mid-week meal, make them your next place to try. Why not make it a date and sip a cocktail, grab a bite and see a show?

5. Coombe Yarra Valley, Coldstream

Coombe Yarra Valley is a destination for great cocktails, incredible wines and acres of stunning gardens. Once the home of the Victorian-era Australian operatic soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, this beautiful property now hosts weddings, wine tastings and of course is home to an incredible restaurant where you can order up their signature Peach Melba Bellini paying homage to the Dame herself.

Make a date to see what's behind the dramatic hedge. There's lots to explore, you won't be disappointed.