St Duke’s Lemon Myrtle Gin: A Fresh Pick for WA Family Gatherings

When we think about a classic WA family gathering, it’s usually a warm afternoon, the barbecue going, seafood on the table, and everyone relaxing together. Drinks tend to follow the same theme, something light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy in the heat. That’s where gin from St Duke’s Distillery fits right in.

Made in Wokalup using whey sourced from Harvey Cheese, this gin has a smooth finish with a bright lift from native finger lime. It’s local, simple to mix, and suits outdoor meals perfectly. One of our favourite ways to serve it is in a Gin Rickey gin, lime, soda, and ice nothing complicated. In this post, we take a closer look at why it works so well for WA families and how to enjoy it at your next gathering.

What Makes St Duke’s Lemon Myrtle Gin Stand Out

St Duke’s Lemon Myrtle Gin shines because it blends two things Western Australians love: clean, handcrafted spirits and the bright flavours of our native botanicals. The whey-based spirit provides a naturally smooth foundation, while the lemon myrtle brings a crisp, aromatic citrus note that feels perfectly at home in our warm South West climate.

Western Australia’s craft distilling community has expanded steadily in recent years, with more producers choosing regional areas to highlight local ingredients and sustainable practices. St Duke’s sits proudly within this movement transforming dairy by-product from their neighbours at Harvey Cheese into a refined, environmentally conscious spirit.

Serve Lemon Myrtle Gin over ice during a family gathering and its gentle herbal-citrus lift pairs effortlessly with fresh WA produce. It complements prawns, grilled fish, roast chicken, or anything coming off the barbecue, refreshing the palate without overwhelming the food.

The Lemon Myrtle Gin : A Simple Favourite

We find the Lemon Myrtle Gin Rickey to be one of the easiest and most refreshing cocktails for WA’s hot weather. It’s made for long afternoons outdoors: light, crisp, unsweetened, and simple to prepare.

Gin remains one of the most popular spirits produced across Western Australia, particularly those highlighting vibrant, native flavours. That makes the Gin Rickey an ideal match for St Duke’s Lemon Myrtle Gin; its purity and citrus notes shine beautifully when paired with lime and soda.

To make one, combine 45ml of Lemon Myrtle Gin with a squeeze of fresh lime and top with chilled soda water over plenty of ice. 

Hand it to the family member tending the grill, and they’ll appreciate a drink that cools them down without the weight of a sugary cocktail. 

It’s a straightforward serve that suits every family table, from a Christmas feast to a weekend barbecue.

Perfect Pairing for Australian Family Food

We see the Finger Lime Gin Rickey as a strong match for typical WA family meals because its bright and clean flavour cuts through rich or salty dishes without overpowering them.

Seafood is a staple at many WA celebrations, and citrus-based drinks are known to complement prawns, fish, and fresh salads. Many WA distillers also choose native botanicals, showing a clear trend toward flavours that naturally pair with local food.

Pair your Gin Rickey with a seafood platter prawns, scallops, or grilled fish. The citrus notes lift the freshness of the seafood and reset the palate between bites.

A Simple Recipe for Any Gathering

Another reason we think this cocktail suits WA families is how easy it is to prepare. It doesn’t need special gear and can be scaled up for a big group without changing the taste.

St Duke’s spirits generally sit in the standard ABV range for gin, which makes them comfortable to enjoy slowly on a warm afternoon.

Example Recipe:

• 45ml St Duke’s Finger Lime Gin
  
  

• 20ml fresh lime juice
  
  

• Soda water
  
  

• Ice
  
  

Build it in a glass and stir gently. For bigger gatherings, mix a jug with the same ratio and add extra slices of lime. You can even make a non-alcoholic version using lime, soda, and a splash of finger lime cordial for the kids.

Why This Drink Fits WA Traditions

The Finger Lime Gin Rickey fits WA family events because it reflects what people value here local producers, sustainable ideas, and flavours that match the coastal climate. St Duke’s commitment to using whey helps reduce waste while supporting nearby dairy businesses, keeping production connected to the region.

WA’s craft drink scene continues to grow, and more families are choosing to support nearby makers as part of their celebrations. It brings something meaningful to the table and starts good conversations.

Bring a bottle of Finger Lime Gin to a Christmas lunch or weekend family gathering. Share the story of how the gin is made, and mix Rickeys together while everyone prepares the meal.

St Duke’s Finger Lime Gin Rickey is a natural fit for WA family gatherings because it’s light, refreshing, and built from local ingredients that suit our climate. Whether you’re serving seafood, salads, or barbecue favourites, this drink pairs well and keeps things easy.

It’s simple to mix, enjoyable for most taste preferences, and carries the spirit of the South West in every glass. Whether you’re hosting Christmas lunch or a casual weekend barbecue, this is a drink worth sharing.