Gin and Sin Monthly Cocktail Experience - Rebel City Distillery

Cork’s only working distillery runs a monthly cocktail evening with a little theatrical edge to it. Gin and Sin takes place on the first Thursday of each month at Rebel City Distillery, tucked into the old Ford factory site at Marina Commercial Park. The format is simple: three original cocktails, each built around one of the seven deadly sins, each explained and served in turn. If you are the sort of person who likes to know what you are drinking and why it tastes the way it does, rather than just ordering a round and getting on with it, this is an evening worth an hour and a half of your time. It suits couples, groups of friends, or anyone who wants a sociable but genuinely educational night out.

What to expect

Rebel City Distillery was founded by Robert and Bhagya Barrett, a husband-and-wife team with roots in Cork and Kerala. Their flagship spirit, Maharani Gin, draws on botanicals ethically sourced from a women’s organic farming co-operative in Kerala - the name itself means “queen” in tribute to strong women. The gin has won gold medals and has a distinctive character that comes from that cross-cultural blend.

The Gin and Sin evening is built entirely around it. Guests are guided through three sin-themed cocktails, each showcasing a different style and flavour profile. There is storytelling alongside the tasting - the bartenders explain the rationale behind each build, the botanicals at play, and how the cocktail expresses its particular theme. The setting is the working distillery floor, with copper stills and the warm botanical aromas of whatever batch is running. It is more intimate and more interesting than a standard cocktail bar experience. Spaces are limited, so it fills up - advance booking is the only way in.

Getting there

Rebel City Distillery sits at Unit P6, Marina Commercial Park on Centre Park Road, which is roughly 20 minutes on foot from the city centre, or a short taxi or rideshare from Patrick Street or the train station. There is parking on site at the commercial park. If you are coming by bus, the nearest Crosshaven Road services pass along Centre Park Road. Cork Kent Station is about a 25-minute walk away; a taxi from the rank outside is probably the easier option after an evening out.

While you’re in Cork

Cork city has a compact and walkable centre with good restaurants, live music, and the English Market worth visiting before or after. There is more to see in Cork and across Co. Cork.

Good to know

• Held on the first Thursday of every month; next date: 2 July 2026, at 6:30pm
• Price: €40 per person
• Book in advance at rebelcitydistillery.com - spaces are limited
• Over-18s only
• The distillery does not accept walk-ins; booking is required