Whether it’s a gift for someone or to toast yourself, the airport is one of the best places to snag the finest spirits at duty free prices. But with Australia’s duty free alcohol limits and the burden of lugging around heavy bottles, there’s only so much you can buy.

Well, if you're flying internationally through Melbourne Airport, you're in luck! Our duty free store, Laneway, lets you pre-order alcohol online and pick it up when you land. This means you can avoid lugging heavy bottles around and snag some sweet duty free savings.

The best part? Laneway has a huge selection of liquor, from classic whiskeys to unique Australian gins. So, how do you pick the best bottle? No worries. We've narrowed down the vast selection to give you the best alcohol products you can order online and pick up at Melbourne Airport.

Here are our top 10 picks:

1. Tequilla

Made from the blue agave plant, tequila has soared in popularity across the globe for its clean flavour profile. You can enjoy it straight, in shots with lime and salt, or mixed into refreshing cocktails like margaritas. No wonder why it’s one of Laneway’s bestsellers.

On Laneway, you’ll find varying types of tequila, from silver tequila to aged (reposado or anejo) - all from top brands like Don Julio, 1800, Gran Centenario, Jose Cuervo, Patron, Maestro Dobel, and more. So, whether you're a seasoned tequila drinker or just starting to explore this exciting spirit, you’ll surely find the perfect bottle to suit your taste and budget.

2. Brandy

Brandy, a smooth and delicious spirit, deserves a spot on any liquor lover's shelf. Unlike some liquors, brandy can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Sip it neat to savour the full taste, enjoy it on the rocks for a refreshing twist, or get creative and use it to craft delicious cocktails.

From well-established brands like Metaxa and St. Remy to exciting boutique labels like St. Agnes and 23rd Street, Laneway has a brandy for every taste and budget. This variety allows you to find a brandy that perfectly complements your taste, whether you prefer something bold and fruity or smooth and mellow.

3. Liqueur

Love sweet treats? Then liqueurs might be your perfect tipple! And Laneway offers a fantastic selection of liqueurs from Baileys, Dom Benedictine, Kahlua, and more!

But what exactly is liqueur? Unlike brandies or whiskeys, liqueurs are sweet alcoholic drinks flavoured with fruits, herbs, spices, or even nuts and cream. This makes them super versatile. You can enjoy liqueurs straight up for a delightful after-dinner drink. Want a summery lemonade with a pop? Try a splash of Chambord. Feeling like a creamy treat? Whip up a White Russian with Kahlua and vodka. The possibilities are endless!

4. Baijiu

Have you ever heard of Baijiu? It's China's national spirit, and Laneway offers a great selection from various brands, including the iconic Wuliangye and National Cellar. Each offers its own twist on the traditional recipe, so you can find a baijiu that suits your taste.

In China, baijiu is traditionally enjoyed with friends and family over meals. It's a great conversation starter, and the strong flavour pairs well with bold dishes. So next time you're having a gathering, why not try introducing your friends to baijiu? Laneway's selection makes it easy to find the perfect bottle for your next get-together.

5. Rum

The spirit of pirates, tropical beaches, and delicious cocktails, rum reigns supreme in the cocktail world. Made from fermented sugarcane, it can be light and sweet or rich and complex, depending on its age and origin.

Want a light and refreshing summer drink? Mix white rum with soda for a cool and bubbly treat. Craving something more complex? Aged rums offer deep flavours of caramel, vanilla, and even spice, perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.

From iconic names like Bacardi and Havana Club to Australian favourites like Bundaberg and exciting boutique brands like Mount Gay and Plantation, Laneway has the perfect rum for every taste.

6. Single Malt

Single malt whisky is often hailed as one of the finest types of liquor, and for good reason. This premium spirit, crafted from malted barley at a single distillery, offers a richness and depth of flavour that's hard to match. When you buy single malt from Melbourne Airport's Laneway, you're getting access to some of the world's best brands, like Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, Lark, Macallan, Balvenie, and Ardbeg.

Each of these brands brings its own unique taste profile, ranging from the smooth and floral notes of Glenmorangie to the rich, peaty flavours of Ardbeg. This variety ensures that whether you prefer something lighter or a drink with more body, there's a single malt that fits your palate.

7. Gin

You can’t make a list of top duty free alcohol products without mentioning gin. Whether it’s for a gift or for stocking up your home bar, a bottle of gin makes a superb choice.

Crafted with juniper berries as a base, gin incorporates a delightful array of botanicals like citrus peel, coriander, and even lavender. This unique blend translates into a distinct taste and allows for a wide range of flavour profiles, from the refreshingly classic Gin & Tonic to exciting summer cocktails.

Here on Laneway, we carry popular choices like Bombay Sapphire, Four Pillars, Tanqueray, Malfy, and Hendricks Gin. With such a diverse range, you're sure to find the perfect bottle to elevate your home bar or delight your travel companions.

8. Scotch Whiskey

Originating from Scotland, each bottle of Scotch Whisky on Laneway offers a rich history and a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Aged for years in casks, it is made with precise methods that have been refined over centuries. The distinct flavours, ranging from smooth and mellow to rich and smoky, appeal to a wide array of palates.

With brands like Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker, and Ballantines, Laneway provides an exceptional range of top-shelf options. Here, you can find everything from classic blends to rare, aged editions that are perfect for any whisky connoisseur.

9. Cognac

Cognac, the amber liquid gold of France, is a spirit that deserves a place in any well-stocked home bar. Aged for years in oak casks, cognac develops a symphony of flavours and aromas that set it apart. Think floral notes mingling with rich, nutty tones, all depending on the region.

Laneway boasts a fantastic selection of cognacs, catering to every preference. Want a trusted name? We have Courvoisier or Hennessy. Yearning for a rich heritage brand? Look no further than Martell. Feeling adventurous? Try Remy Martin, renowned for its smooth and complex profile.

Whether you enjoy sipping it neat to savour the full depth of flavour or using it to create sophisticated cocktails like a Sidecar, there’s a perfect bottle for you on Laneway.

10. Vodka

Vodka's beauty lies in its clean, neutral flavour. It doesn't overpower other ingredients, making it a fantastic base for countless cocktails. Because it doesn't have a dominant flavour, vodka allows the natural flavours of fruits, juices, and herbs in your cocktail to shine through. Think refreshing summer drinks, tangy fruit concoctions, or creamy dessert martinis – the possibilities are endless!

So, if you're looking for a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in countless ways, vodka is a perfect choice. And on Laneway, you’ll find a fantastic selection of vodkas to suit your mixing needs. Popular brands like Belvedere and Grey Goose are always a good choice, but we also have Absolut, Finlandia, Smirnoff, and more!

While shopping for alcohol on Laneway is super convenient, there are limits and restrictions you need to keep in mind, especially if you’re flying out. Every country has a maximum amount of alcohol you can bring without having to pay extra taxes.

In Australia, the rules are pretty straightforward. If you're over 18, you can bring in up to 2.25 litres of alcohol duty free. This is a decent amount, allowing you to enjoy various choices, from ten year-old Irish whiskies to fine wines, without extra cost.

Globally, the limits can vary significantly. For instance, the United States allows international travellers to bring in only one litre of alcohol duty free. Countries in the European Union have higher limits, often allowing up to four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer, plus one litre of spirits or two litres of fortified wine like sherry or port if travelling from outside the EU.

If you exceed these limits, you could face hefty duties at customs. This is especially crucial for those travelling to countries with strict alcohol import rules.

But when you’re flying to Melbourne, you don’t have to worry about these restrictions. Simply pre-order your alcohol purchases on Laneway and pick them up when you arrive, just after border control. So, no matter how much alcohol you buy, you can enjoy GST-free prices without worrying about exceeding duty free limits.

Buying alcohol from Laneway takes no more than a few clicks, and here’s how you can do it:

1. Check Eligibility: Only international travellers flying from or to Tullamarine Airport can make purchases. Remember, if you're buying alcohol, you need to be over 18 years old.
2. Visit Laneway: Go to Melbourne Airport’s website and navigate to the Laneway section. This is where you’ll find a selection of spirits and other alcoholic beverages.
3. Enter Your Travel Details: Type in your flight number and your date of arrival/departure. This will help us determine when you’ll come and collect your orders.
4. Select Your Alcohol: Browse the offerings and add the bottles you want to your cart. Laneway has a range of options, from exclusive brands to popular favourites.
5. Proceed to Checkout: Click on your shopping cart, located in the top right-hand corner of the screen, and proceed to checkout.
6. Confirm Your Details: Double-check your personal details during checkout. These should match your travel documents for verification when you collect your order.
7. Choose Payment Method: Laneway accepts various payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Union Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Enter your details and apply any promotional code you might have.
8. Place Your Order: Finalise your purchase by clicking ‘Place order’. You will see a confirmation page and receive an email confirmation. Check your junk and spam folders if it doesn’t appear in your inbox.

On your departure or arrival day, head to the Collection counter in Terminal 2, the international airport terminal. Bring your order confirmation and passport for verification.

Ready to enjoy some top-notch spirits without the hassle? Pre-order your alcohol purchases on Laneway today! With a wide range of options and duty free prices, it’s the convenient way to secure your favourite booze without breaking the bank. Go ahead, cross it off your list and look forward to a journey as smooth as your favourite glass of Scotch.