Sydney has long been envious of Melbourne's Gin Palace but now Sydney has one to call its own in the form of the Powder Keg. Fashioned after a 17th century drinking house, there’s a restaurant out front with a meld of Dutch and English inspired fare, but out back is where you'll find BarChick geeking out - in the form of 120 odd gins. There’s some mighty creative libations dedicated to the spirit here, where even the humble G&T is elevated to an exercise in balance. Mix and match your own from a range of tonics (including their own house made tonic), garnishes and ice but if thinking is too much for you, just pick from their own curated list.

Cocktails are no less impressive and theatrical. Cue the Gunpowder Plot, which comes served in a cloche of smoke and mirrors. Suitably moody and romantic, we wager it’s enough to knock the socks off even the fussiest of dates. And if you really want to go to town, ask for their black book and pick from a list of elaborate and obscure vintage cocktails like you've never seen. Feeling skint? You can still impress during the bar's Cocktail Hour from 6-7 pm where certain cocktails come discounted and G&Ts are $6.