Shake, stir and top yourself up for Australian Cocktail Month!

Australia, prepare to immerse yourself in a celebration of all things cocktails and bars thanks to the launch of Australian Cocktail Month this May 2021. Held across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, Australian Cocktail Month will partner with some of the best local and international alcohol brands to champion the country’s bar industry.

To take part in this month-long holiday, simply purchase a $20 ticket that grants access to a special menu of cocktails created exclusively for Australian Cocktail Month. The menu will be available at participating venues, with cocktails priced at $14, and mocktail options at $10.

Founded by influential industry figure Penny Sippe, Australian Cocktail Month will infuse 72 bars across the four cities. That’s 18 bars per state capital, including Dead Ringer, Jangling Jack’s, and The Duke of Clarence in Sydney; Black Pearl, Lover, and The Everleigh in Melbourne; Maybe Mae, Hains & Co, and Alfred’s Bar in Adelaide; and The Gresham, Savile Row, and Blackbird in Brisbane.

“I am excited to launch Australian Cocktail Month and give consumers the chance to try amazing cocktails created by some of the country’s best bars,” said Sippe. “I’m also proud to provide assistance to the industry as they rebuild following the pandemic.”

As well as showcasing local watering holes, Australian Cocktail Month will host an array of local brands, including 20 20 Distillery, Adelaide Hills Distillery, Barossa Distilling Co., and Melbourne Gin Company. And – because some spirits are best made overseas – there will be a selection of international distillers, from Hendrick’s to Glenfiddich, and even Woodford Reserve.

Australian bartenders will be mixing spirits with help from the best bar staples: Acqua Bianca by Salvatore Calabrese, Disaronno, Monin Syrups, Muyu liqueurs, Select Aperitivo, Tia Maria, Villa Massa Limoncello, and the highly prized Fever-Tree mixers round out the products that bartenders will use to craft their Australian Cocktail Month creations.

Of course, recognising that the desire for low or no alcohol options is continuing to grow, Australian Cocktail Month has also partnered with Lyre’s and their exquisite range of lovingly crafted non-alcoholic spirits, allowing guests to partake without compromising on what makes Australian bars great: the cocktail experience (and loads of flavour).

“Now more than ever, our industry needs a diverse platform that drives consumers back into the bars that have supported brands, hosted our patrons, and created spaces and memories,” says Tash Conte, owner of the award-winning Black Pearl in Melbourne.

“This platform is what we need now to mend and move forward.”

Love your G&T’s? Well you should know that Australia’s Brookie’s Gin Launched a Refreshing Pre-bottled Gin & Tonic. And if you love vodka, check out Australian Distilling Co.’s New Vodka Range.

Feature image: Photographed by Chris Pearce. Image supplied.