Tag: cocktails

Inaugural Sydney Spirits Festival launches this May

Pink cocktail

Australia’s spirits scene is on the brink of an exhilarating elevation with the announcement of the inaugural Sydney Spirits Festival. Set to unfold from 10-12 May 2024 at the splendid Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney Cove, this landmark event promises to be a confluence of spirits enthusiasts, industry experts, and world-renowned brands. With over 148 spirit brands on display, the festival is shaping up to be a monumental celebration of craftsmanship and culture in the world of spirits. Among the festival’s highlights are two new masterclasses designed to intrigue and delight. The first is an exclusive exploration of Planteray Sealander Rum, led by the distinguished Grazia di Franco. Participants will be taken on a flavorful voyage through the unique rum profiles of Barbados, Mauritius, and Fiji, uncovering the nuanced tastes and traditions that define each. The second is a celebratory Espresso Martini masterclass on Mother’s Day, offered by Kendor Distillery. This engaging session offers a joyful blend of coffee culture and cocktail craft, making it an ideal gift to share with the remarkable mothers in your life. The Sydney Spirits Festival is more than a gathering; it is an immersive experience that extends beyond tastings and masterclasses. Industry legends, including Tasmanian whisky pioneer Bill Lark and bourbon aficionado Gee David from Buffalo Trace Distillery, will share their insights and stories, enriching the festival with their profound knowledge and passion for spirit-making. The event also caters to the gastronomically adventurous, with an array of international cuisines and unique offerings like HUGO Vodka tastings paired with a Caviar… Read More

Embracing cocktails’ future: Aore Island Resort leads with Lyre’s

Lyres spirit alcohol drink

Swanky cocktails by the pool are not just a thing of the past; they’re evolving to meet the needs of a booming non-alcoholic drinks market that’s making its mark even in the relaxed beachfront bars of Vanuatu’s luxurious island resorts. “We’ve certainly seen a huge shift,” says Lisa Gray, owner of Aore Island Resort. “A few years ago, unwinding and relaxing meant several cocktails by the pool or at our beachfront bar each evening. Now we’re inundated with requests for mocktails, low-alcoholic options, and fresh juices.” To cater to this changing demand, Aore Island Resort has partnered with Lyre’s, an acclaimed Australian non-alcoholic spirit brand, with the vision of offering guests an array of stylish non-alcoholic cocktails that mirror the elegance and taste of traditional alcoholic equivalents. As of June, Aore will feature a variety of Lyre’s sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails on their drinks menu, setting a precedent as one of the first in Vanuatu to do so. “When we were approached by Aore, we immediately seized the opportunity to extend our brand into Vanuatu,” says Kelli McPhie, Vice President of Lyre’s Australia and New Zealand. “We’re conscious of the immense shift in drinking habits over the last five years, which spans from total abstinence to mindful drinking and the sober curious. We’re thrilled to partner with such a stunning resort and offer our non-alcoholic products to visiting guests. It’s a win-win for us.” To commemorate this partnership, Lyre’s mixologists have diligently curated a diverse non-alcoholic cocktail menu. The signature offering, the ‘Aore Coconut Mojito’, encapsulates… Read More

Melbourne’s best bottomless cocktails at Brogan’s Way, Richmond

Negroni Spagliato cocktail

Bottomless cocktails, delicious tacos, and a cozy atmosphere – who says you have to wait until summer to enjoy all of these things? Thanks to Brogan’s Way Distillery and Bar in Richmond, cocktail-lovers can indulge during the colder months too. Starting on 20th May, Brogan’s Way is hosting Bottomless Cocktail sessions on selected Saturdays from May through to September. Each session will run for two hours starting at 3pm and will take place at the Brogan’s Way Distillery and Bar on North Street, Richmond. Guests will be treated to unlimited G&T pairings, select gin cocktails, and bottomless bubbles. Some of the G&T pairings on offer include the popular Everyday Salvation Gin & Tonic and Strawberries & Cream Gin & Tonic. Meanwhile, the cocktails on offer will be on rotation, including the Mando Sour, Mulled Gin, and Blood Orange Negroni Spritz. Not into alcohol? Don’t worry, Brogan’s Way also offers a non-alcoholic menu featuring delicious mocktails, select soft drinks, and alcohol-free wine. But that’s not all – guests can also indulge in tasty tacos from the Special Event Taco menu. Both meat and vegetarian options are available. Tacos start from $13 for two and can be ordered during the Bottomless Cocktail sessions. The Bottomless Cocktail sessions are a great idea for those looking to catch up with friends and family on a Saturday afternoon with refreshing and unique drinks and delicious food. And with tickets for the bottomless Gin Cocktails Drinks Package priced at $58 pp and the unlimited non-alcoholic Cocktails and Soft Drinks Package at… Read More

Your favourite Aussie bartenders add local flavour to 4th of July cocktails

D68vlei0 scaled

The 4th of July may pass Australians by with nary a thought, but what if we told you it was worth celebrating this year with an American classic cocktail in hand, but with a local twist.  Partnering with ‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA’, 22 well-known Australian bartenders and mixologists lent their expertise to creating a free cocktail book for Independence Day, containing a range of cocktails that hero American spirits, but with an Aussie twist, and designed specifically to be made and enjoyed ar home.  The cocktail list highlights the quality and versatility of American spirit brands including Angel’s Envy, Jack Daniels, Koval, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Wild Turkey, Westland, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey and Woodford Reserve. Once you download the cocktail book, the recipes are yours to keep, but if you do prefer someone else making your drinks (you’re only human), the participating bartenders will also have them available at their venue from June 27-July 4.  Have a gander at the below list of bartenders and their creations, plus the venue to find them at:  Simon Hopkins (Jolene’s Sydney – NSW) puts a chocolate spin on the classic Old Fashioned using Westward Whiskey. Dan Gregory (The Gresham Bar – QLD) is showcasing a Woodford Reserve Goin’ Out West. Adam Lau (Grain Bar – NSW) develops the DJ Sutherland celebrating Westland American Oak Whiskey. Grace Rawlins (Memphis Slim’s House of Blues –  SA) is using Westland Peated Whiskey in the innovative Spicy Peat cocktail. Chris Garner (The Barrie – NSW) is highlighting Wild Turkey… Read More

Keep love in the air with these Valentine’s Day drinks

Aberfeldy scotch whiskey cocktail drink

The day of love is almost upon us. Valentine’s Day is this 14 February so if you’re in need of a few beverage ideas for the menu, consider yourself on the right track with some of these winning cocktail ideas. Patron, Starlight Sangria This easy to make cocktail is best as a pre-dinner romantic punch enjoyed under the stars. Simply combine Citronge orange liqueur, Sauvignon Blanc, grapefruit juice, sparkling water, then pour Patron Silver into a pitcher add large chunks of ice, then garnish with grapefruit wheels and sprig of rosemary.  How to make your Sangria: ·                240 ml Patron Silver ·                240 ml Citronge Orange Liqueur ·                1 Bottle Sauvignon Blanc ·                120 ml Grapefruit Juice ·                120 ml Sparkling water ·                90 ml Simple syrup ·                Grapefruit wheels for garnish ·                Rosemary sprig for garnish Patron Silver is available in selected Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Independent retailers for $89.95. The Ultimate Romantic Night Cap   GREY GOOSE, espresso martini coffee cocktail This easy to make cocktail will provide the perfect night cap to your romantic night at-home. Simply combine GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Single Origin espresso, coffee liqueur a pinch of salt and 3 coffee beans to garnish. Simply combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake until icy-cold, then garnish with coffee beans.  How to make your GREY GOOSE® Vodka Espresso Martini: ·                50 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka ·                30 ml Single Origin Espresso ·                20 ml Coffee Liqueur ·                + Pinch of Salt ·                3 Coffee Beans for Garnish GREY GOOSE® Vodka is available in selected Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Independent retailers for $72.99. A… Read More

Learn how to make a winning Chilcano cocktail recipe with an Aussie twist

Queensland Yacht Club cocktail

Who doesn’t appreciate a refreshing and fruity cocktail on a warm summer day? And a winning cocktail recipe to boot!  After a fierce competition featuring 26 original recipes to find the best Chilcano cocktail in the country, Alicia Clarke from Double Deuce Lounge in Sydney was crowned the Chilcano Champion in the first-ever Aussie Pisco Chilcano Competition. Alicia’s creation, named ‘The Queensland Yacht Club’, gives a refreshing Australian twist to the Chilcano with the use of tropical mango and pineapple cordial, Stone’s Ginger Wine and of course, Peru’s favourite spirit, Pisco. This mouth-watering cocktail is a simple recipe that brings together the bright citrus flavours of Pisco, spicy bite of ginger, complex bitters and zest of lime for the ideal summer cocktail.  And the good news is, Double Deuce Lounge will be hosting a live demonstration on 16 February at 6:00pm on Instagram to show you how to make this winning cocktail! Just follow @DoubleDeuceLounge and tune in at 6pm for their live video.  Make sure you grab the following ingredients beforehand so you can make the cocktail at home as you follow Alicia’s instructions during the live demonstration.  Ingredients:  45ml Barsol Quebranta Pisco 25ml Mango and Pineapple Cordial 10ml Stone’s Ginger Wine 10ml Lime juice 5ml Sugar syrup Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake hard. Single strain into a frozen glass and garnish with a pineapple leaf.  Don’t forget to share your creation (before you drink it!) by tagging @promperu.anz and use the hashtag #AussieChilcano on Instagram.  If you want… Read More

Salud! Pucara Pisco has landed in Australia

Pucara Pisco

It is said the Pisco Sour originated in Lima, Peru over 100 years ago. It has stood the test of time and to this day, is a very popular cocktail the world over.  So lovers of the Pisco Sour will be super excited to hear a premium Pisco has hit the Australian market, called Pucara Pisco. In Peru, the Pucara bull or “Torito de Pucara” is a symbol of happiness and an Andean icon of unity and good luck. Pucara Pisco is made by Peruvians from Tres Generaciones using a 160-year-old recipe using the finest grapes. This unique spirit is developed from eight different varieties of grapes, ranging from non-aromatic to aromatic grapes. No colouring or flavouring is added at any time, which sets Pisco apart from other spirits. If you’re not familiar with Pisco, it’s a type of brandy, but quite removed from the brandy we’re familiar with. The spirit varies in colour and is believed to have been first produced in the 16th century by Spanish settlers. But let’s get back to the Pisco Sour. How do you make one?  Start by getting your Pucara Pisco here and the rest is pretty straight forward.  INGREDIENTS 60ml Pucara Pisco Quebranta 40ml Fresh lime juice 30ml Sugar Syrup 1 egg white Amargo Chuncho Bitters  INSTRUCTIONS Add your egg white to a boston glass Dry shake the egg white to emulsify Fill the boston glass with ice Add remaining ingredients Shake and double strain into a chilled tumbler Garnish with 3 drops of Amargo Chuncho Peruvian bitters… Read More

Disaronno and Diesel: When two iconic Italians collaborate

Disaronno

You can drink it straight, add a dash to your coffee, make cocktails with it and even add a splash to your G&T. With its almond base, Amaretto is one of those liqueurs that divides people. You’re either a fan, or not. And that’s okay, because that in itself is a great conversation piece over a tipple. But for those who love a traditional sweet Italian almond flavoured liqueur, you’ll want to consider having a bottle of Disaronno in the cabinet for those times you feel like a hit of sweet, sweet Italy.  Rich, but delicate, Disaronno is flavoured by a combination of herbs and spices that are then soaked in apricot kernel oil. And for something a little different, there is now a “Disaronno wears Diesel” – Limited Edition bottle run – with a bold, ironic style that shows Disaronno’s instantly recognizable logo wrapped in Diesel’s signature denim pattern. The design is a reflection of the brands shared approach towards creativity and originality.  While this isn’t the first Disaronno x Diesel partnership, there is a newly created ‘Disaronno wears Diesel’ cocktail to celebrate their latest collaboration.  INGREDIENTS: 50 ml Disaronno 20 ml Jamaica Rum overproof 30 ml Lime Juice 20 ml Passion Fruit syrup 8 Mint leaves Crushed Ice Mint sprig and raspberry METHOD:  Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves and a single raspberry.

LONDON: Botanist Gin and Little Yellow Door make new chlorophyll cocktail

Botanist cocktail

Notting Hill is known for a lot of things – thanks Hugh Grant – and now, it’s got another notch on its belt thanks to The Botanist Gin and local watering hole, The Little Yellow Door. Together they’ve made the city’s first chlorophyll-based brunch cocktail, served at the eclectic late-night cocktail bar to emulate the rip-roaring brunches their sister venue, The Little Blue Door has been making since last year. The drink’s called the Hangover and is an alcohol-infused body purifying breakfast tipple packs one hell of a punch with more health benefits than drinks can shake a stick at; a fresh, nutritional drink made with The Botanist Gin, elderflower, egg white, chlorophyll, served in a coupette with mint and chlorophyll perfume. It’s all available from 8 June on the Saturday menu forever. See more at the bar’s website.

Rosetta Sydney does Negroni Week: Top 6 cocktails to try

The Cut Bar & Grill - Smoked Negroni

Rosetta in Sydney is stepping up to the plate this Negroni Week, 24-30 June, by pumping out six new creative variations of the quality beverage. They’ve taken the classic Negroni to the next level, each putting their own unique spin on the famous Italian cocktail for Negroni Week and will donate – along with every other Rockpool restaurant – $1 from every Negroni sold during the annual fundraising event to OzHarvest, which diverts waste food from the hospitality industry to people in need. Rosetta’s Negronis – available for $15 each or the fantastic Happy Hour price of $10 from 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday – are these and they look good! Negroni: Campari, Cinzano Rosso, Bulldog London Dry Gin. Boulevardier: Russell’s Reserve 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Cinzano Rosso, Campari Rosita: Espolon Tequila Reposado, Cinzano Rosso, Cinzano Extra Dry, Campari Rum Negroni: Campari, Cinzano Rosso, Appleton Estate Signature Blend Jamaica Rum Negroni Sour: Negroni pre-batch, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup Rosetta: Glen Grant 10-year-old Scotch Whisky, Campari, Cinzano Bianco, grapefruit soda Rosetta will also host a Negroni masterclass on Wednesday, 12 June at 6pm to demonstrate the tricks of the perfect Negroni, including two cocktails and bar snacks. ($25pp)