Unexpected Guest Distillery
ProHighlights
- Two-hour gin flight and cocktail masterclass inside a working Marrickville distillery
- Private masterclasses for up to 30 guests, for birthdays, hens, bucks and teams
- Guests mix three cocktails of their own and leave with a behind-the-scenes sample
About Unexpected Guest Distillery
Unexpected Guest is a small gin distillery in Marrickville that doubles as a cocktail bar on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The space is an old mechanic's workshop, now fitted with a terrazzo-tiled bar, a copper still, seating themed around its four core gins and a restored orange 1970s Kombi that also travels to events as a mobile bar. The gin flight and cocktail masterclass runs for about two hours. A distiller leads a guided tasting of the gins, explaining how the spirit is made and how to pick out its flavours, before everyone heads behind the bar to make three cocktails: a long drink to start, a stronger sipper paired with a lesson in batching for a crowd, and a final drink with some theatre, such as smoke or bubbles. Pretzels are on the house, the food menu is open for anyone who gets hungry, recipes arrive by email afterwards, and each guest leaves with a mystery sample from behind the scenes. The featured gins and cocktails change regularly, so no two classes run quite the same. For birthdays, hens and bucks parties, work socials and team days, the distillery runs private masterclasses for groups of up to 30. Grazing boards can be organised, or the group can bring its own catering. The whole venue can also be hired for private functions seven days a week, from weddings and engagements to 30ths. Guests must be 18 or over to take part in a masterclass.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
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What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much does the cocktail masterclass cost?
Public masterclass tickets are $84 a person for about two hours, including a guided gin flight and three cocktails. Private group classes are priced on enquiry.
How many people can join a private masterclass?
Private masterclasses take up to 30 guests. Public sessions are capped at 20, and bookings at the bar for more than 12 people are made by email.
Is food included?
Pretzels are complimentary during the class and the distillery food menu is available to order. For private classes, grazing boards can be arranged or you can bring your own catering.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. Every masterclass guest must be 18 or over. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the bar itself, but not in the class.
Can a remote team take part?
Yes. A virtual masterclass of 45 to 60 minutes is hosted live by a distiller, with a kit of three gins, mixers and garnishes sent to each participant anywhere in Australia.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
KERRY PARKER
a month ago
Our work social club recently enjoyed a Gin Flight and Cocktail Masterclass at Unexpected Guest Distillery, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Jamie, Jacko and Jane were outstanding hosts, creating a…
Rita Corrente
4 months ago
What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Jamie was a fabulous host and the service and experience was great. Very generous pours! Loved, loved it!
Paul J
5 months ago
Had an incredible afternoon at Unexpected Guest for their gin tasting experience with Jamie and the team. A fantastic mix of knowledge, passion and creativity, with each gin beautifully presented and explained. The atmos…
Celine Wang
12 months ago
If it was possible to give 6 stars I would have!! We had our wedding at Unexpected Guest, Phoebe, Margaret and the entire team went above and beyond! At no point were they trying to rip us off because it was a wedding/en…
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