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drinkmelbourne

By night, advocate for Australian craft spirits & cocktail culture #drinkmelbourne 🥂🍸🥃 By day -> @the_melbourne_edit

Melbourne’s own Kayla Saito (Mulberry Group) has j

Melbourne’s own Kayla Saito (Mulberry Group) has just been announced the World Class Australian Bartender of the Year by Diageo. It's a very big deal.

Kayla will go on to represent Aus on the global stage in Scotland.

🎉 Excuse me while I go have *several* Mr Black Espresso Martinis to celebrate. It's only polite.

WIN a *Winter Wine Weekend* for you + 3 friends.

WIN a *Winter Wine Weekend* for you + 3 friends.

The Shortest Lunch returns to the Yarra Valley next weekend (20-21 June) to celebrate the solstice and the shortest days of the year. How very pagan of us!

Your prize unlocks:
🎟 entry for you and 3 friends to 13 boutique wineries (10 welcome dogs)
🎵 live music
🔥 crackling fires
🍷 a tasting glass to take home
🥂 100+ wines on pour for unlimited tastings
🍾event-only specials
❄️ cosy country vibes

You can go along on Saturday, Sunday - or both!

For your chance to win, you simply need to subscribe to DrinkMelbourne’s - very rare – e-newsletter. Simply DM your full name and email address now to sign up. Winner announced Tuesday.

Follow @yv_smallerwineries for a sneak peek if you've never been before.

Where can a girl get a decent drink around here?

Where can a girl get a decent drink around here?

Scroll through this checklist of 9 NEW MELBOURNE (and beyond) BARS to try this Winter.

Or take a closer look inside them all at drinkmelbourne.com.au

◽️The Understudy Ski Lodge / Melbourne CBD
Baby, it's cold outside (as if you didn't notice). Let's snuggle at the seasonal Ski Lodge nestled beneath 1806….
@theunderstudybar

◽️Skyline / Geelong
At 10 levels up, Skyline brings sky-high sips to the new Crowne Plaza Geelong hotel…
@skylinebar_geelong

◽️Dutch Rules / Mitcham
Destination distillery Dutch Rules has transformed. It's now a fully-fledged bar and kitchen dishing out exceptional cocktail-friendly bites…
@dutchrulesdistillingco

◽️Bar Ferdinand / Melbourne CBD
Getting secret garden vibes from this new city cocktail bar...
@bar.ferdinand Photo: @kristofferpaulsen

◽️The Florence / Melbourne CBD
I don't know if fried olives stuffed with parmesan and $10 mini Negronis during happy hour can solve all of my problems. But you can't me for trying…
@florencewinebar

◽️Rattlers Saloon / Mornington
Americana - the good parts, anyway - is on the menu at this new honkytonk (such a great word) near the shore…
@rattlers.saloon

◽️Bar Kaeru / Melbourne CBD
Here is a safe space to explore sake. Not only from the traditional Japan but also emerging expressions from producers beyond the land of the rising sun…
@bar_kaeru

◽️Little Red's Bar / Melbourne CBD
If the Goldilocks' rooftop is just right for you, now go find Little Red's lost in the urban woods below…
@littleredsbar

◽️The Boat Bar / Queenscliff
How about a winter escape to a bar that you can reach by ferry (and a jaunty stroll)?...
@thequeenscliffhotel

Know of an upcoming cocktail bar or craft spirits-centric venue to add to the next Siplist? DM me.

I don't know if this "Bloody Mary Atelier" is the

I don't know if this "Bloody Mary Atelier" is the answer to all my problems.

But it's worth a shot.

There's a sumptuous new bottomless Weekend Brunch in town with free-flowing bespoke Marys. Take a closer look in my "What's On" highlight now.

This winter, @barclaramelbourne remixes some of it

This winter, @barclaramelbourne remixes some of its greatest - liquid- hits. Recipes are remastered, served up on mini vinyl, and paired with mp3 player-facilitated tunes.

Never fear! Their top-charting Banoffee concoction is always on repeat.

Jump to my The Latest highlight to take the cocktail list for a spin.

I really need these coasters in my life.

Not another supper club. Let’s do Sipper Club. @

Not another supper club.

Let’s do Sipper Club.

@mrmillsbar simply can’t abide a regular happy hour. Instead, the basement bar is offering bite-sized snacks paired with sip-sized cocktails. For only $18. Everyday. 5-9pm.

Select from their 5 cultivated pairings on the menu - or mix it up at whim!

Supper Club is a precious little “ahhh” moment at the end of your day. Or a perk-me-up if you choose my favourite pairing: an Artichoke-clarified Bloody Mary topped with a fermented chilli oil oyster. It’ll kick start your evening. Jump to my "What's On" highlight now to explore more.

Welcome to the Club.

New drink alert. Tommy’s has temporarily added 🥝

New drink alert.

Tommy’s has temporarily added 🥝 Kiwi Liqueur 🥝 to their main line-up of Italian-inspired - lemon, raspberry and mandarin - fruit liqueurs.

It’s limited-edition, unfussy and not too sweet. Suspiciously super green (Rudy Rhod would approve) in the bottle, it tends to transform into a pretty, creamy, verdant pastel when shaken up. Experiment with Kiwi in classics wherever citrus (or Midori's radioactive ooze hue) is called for i.e. mojitos, margs and sours. I'm keen to try it in a Kiwi 75 or Kiwi Slipper sometime soon. Or a mean, green original cocktail – any ideas?

Get your hands on a bottle of Kiwi Liqueur via @tommys_booze or sip it at @_freddys. 💚

Today I learned - that legend has it - that the ja

Today I learned - that legend has it - that the jackalope’s favourite beverage is WHISKY. And one of the ways to catch one is to lure it with a bowlful!

Jackalope (the hotel, not the mythical beastie) is turning the tables.

This Saturday 16th May - i.e. World Whisky Day - they will lure Melburnians to their Flaggerdoot bar with a *Lark Whisky Ritual* masterclass.

Celebrate the day with Tasmanian Master Distiller Chris Thomson and a whisky moment that includes a welcome cocktail and tastings, plus stories of his whisky-making craft including distillation techniques, maturation, flavour development and tasting notes.

Tix essential via events.humanitix.com/jackalope-x-lark-whisky-masterclass

New pop up bar alert: Baby, it’s cold outside. Let

New pop up bar alert: Baby, it’s cold outside. Let’s go snuggle in at The Understudy Ski Lodge.

With a blazing fireplace, laden sheepskins and various après-ski accoutrements, the lodge is a destination for bold, boozy and decadent nightcaps this winter.

Intentionally (over)indulgent, the menu leans towards sweet, darkly-spirited and dessert-adjacent cocktails. Nearly everything is either mulled, blazed or brûléed or can be customised to go a little heavier on the pour. There are drinks inspired by cosy comforts including eggnog, baked goods, or hot coffee and cookies guaranteeing you’ll leave rosy-cheeked and warm of belly - though you won’t want to leave. Bar snacks on offer like chocolate fondue for two and baked camembert with various carbs and pickles ensure won’t get out over your skis.

Defrost at @theunderstudybar Ski Lodge now nestled below 1806 for the season. Jump to my ‘Now Open’ Story Highlight to get a warm up.

Calling all night owls.🌛 Lexy has introduced a ne

Calling all night owls.🌛

Lexy has introduced a new *Late Night Edition* menu every Friday and Saturday from 10PM to midnight.

The late night offering features a duo of exclusive, limited-time-only cocktails. With zero % waste as per usual, yet full drama.

The 1st is the boozy, glowing “Fire”; blazed right at your table. You very own liquid bonfire. The 2nd of the pair is “Ice”; melted ice-cream spiked with spiced rum and Japanese liqueur and rapidly refrozen in front of your eyes.

Snacks lean luxurious; caviar two ways, Pacific oysters, silky seafood dumplings, and addictively-dressed edamame.

Jump to my “What’s On” story highlight for a closer look. Late night date night soon?

P.S. If you want to go all out on the lunacy they also serving up three new whisky flights - focusing on Japan, Australia and Scotch - plus a bonus sake flight. Sleep is for the weak.

New Bar alert: Destination distillery @DutchRules

*A need-to-know for the Tequila and Mezcal lovers

*A need-to-know for the Tequila and Mezcal lovers among us*

Australia’s agave spirits scene is fledgling compared to our whisky and gin and the global state-of-play.

(Though there are interesting things happening in North Queensland. More on that later.)

But in the meantime…there’s MIRO.

Brunswick-based tastemaker Bianca O’Neill has launched Miro to bringing selected bottles of Tequila and other agave spirits to our shores.

As one of the leading fashion and culture critics around town; she is being expectedly and rightfully picky while turning her discerning eye to rare drops. Good news for us.

Her must haves are: 100% agave. All locally owned by Mexicans. Direct from the distillers themselves. And impossible to find in Aus.

One of Miro’s first finds is Insolente’s Plata Rosa. It’s satiny on the palate and naturally sweet. This is a slow sipper. And it has a subtle rosé blush courtesy of being aged in French Oak barrels for 30 days. I think it would be sublime in a Tequila twist on a New York Sour.

Stalk @DrinkMiro on socials if you want first access to the good stuff.

South Melbourne gin distillery, Patient Wolf’s new

South Melbourne gin distillery, Patient Wolf’s new Winter cocktail menu is bursting with nostalgia.

There are twists on 1980s mixology classics: their take on the Japanese Slipper (originally a Melbourne-invention) will unexpectedly turn your tongue blue, while their decadent Espresso Martinis capture the flavour of the Black Forest tortes your mum always insisted on bringing home from The Cheesecake Shop (even though you really wanted a rainbow ice cream cake).

90s childhood memories are instantly evoked. We’re thinking the rummy “Curious George”, is reminiscent of 5c banana lollies from the milk bar, and “Plump up the Jam” makes us think of the lava-hot jam donuts that left you sugar-lipped. The newly launched seasonal menu is just plain fun with plenty of tropical flavours and hot colours to see you through chillier times – whenever they might deign to arrive.

Who could resist ordering a drink called “Yuzu Snooze, Yuzu Lose”? Or round of “Crop Tops” for everyone?

For stiffer drinks sure to be extra heart-warming; they have two menus allowing you to create the bespoke Martini or Negroni of your wildest dreams. The combination of base spirits, proportions, garnishes and vermouths are mind-bogglingly endless. If all else fails, simply order the “Pickle Plate Martini” - it comes with its own mini-snack.

And don’t forget to ask for a mystery shot and see if you get lucky. Jump to my Story now to take a peek at @patientwolfgin’s Winter menu.

Seasonal. Secret. Sunset. Sips. Did you know t

Seasonal.

Secret.

Sunset.

Sips.

Did you know there’s a series of under-the-radar 60s-style cocktail parties hosted in a South Yarra home - and you’re invited?

Renowned local architect Robin Boyd was always on everyone’s “must-invite” list. And his parties achieved “must R.S.V.P. yes” status.

The Robin Boyd foundation now hosts retro soirees in his former, self-designed South Yarra home.

Wet your whistle with a little history about the Modernist space and its past “who’s who of Melbourne” guests. Then mix, mingle and wander though the residence over a series of progressive Four Pillars Gin classic-inspired cocktails shaken up by Life’s Too Short.

Jump to my *What’s On* Story Highlight now for a sneak peek of this swinging good time. Or head straight to @robin.boyd.foundation to rsvp for "Sunset Cocktails at Walsh Street". Only a few Autumn sessions left.

New bar alert: Yes you can perch yourself on a bar

New bar alert: Yes you can perch yourself on a barstool and enjoy this panoramic view - with a Bellarine Buck in hand to boot.

Not too far from Melbourne. Jump to my *Now Open* Story Highlight now to take a look around.

Pop-up bar alert: Peep inside Piper’s Playhouse. T

Pop-up bar alert: Peep inside Piper’s Playhouse. The - seductively sippable - event of the season.

Saucy (or, soused?) good times are guaranteed at this limited-time-only Parisian cabaret club.

Don’t miss rose-petal strewn Red Velvet Espresso Martinis, a fog of breathable cocktails to your table, nor a flood of French Champagne. Ooh la la, Piper-Heidsieck. We also say an emphatic “oui” to the rosé ‘Sacré Sauvage’ Champagne cocktail; a blushing take on 19th Century classic.

Won’t to give too much of the mystique away but expect a live jazz band, a touch of magic and plenty of peek-a-boo skin. Take an up-close-and-personal look in my Story now.

Front row service is supreme. Though you might be blessed by a splash from @dieseldarling_. So splurge and settle in for supper and a show.

On only until May, this one’s unmissable. @pipersplayhouse.crown tix via ticketmaster.

P.S. The club transforms into a rollicking Piano Bar after hours. 🎹

*Behind the Lanes* begins soon. It’s a new 3-day

*Behind the Lanes* begins soon.

It’s a new 3-day festival of drinking culture from 18-21 March.

With a focus on morning, (after)noon and night sessions, the program heroes coffee, aperitivo and cocktails respectively via limited-time tastes, cultural exchange, sparking conversation and intercity collabs.

The bars break out before the festival even officially begins. Tomorrow, Wednesday March 18, the drinking dens of Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore and Jakarta come to Melbourne bringing one-night-only sips, guest bartender shifts and the chance to try world-leading, innovative bars without leaving town.

🍸 At @aboveboardbarmelb
Laut (Singapore) 6-7.30pm
Bar Pine (Taipei) 8-9.30PM & 10-11.30pm

🍹At @moondropbar
Sookhee (Seoul) 7-9pm
EPIC (Shanghai) 9.30-11.30pm

🥃 At @one.or.two.melb
Ace Four Club (Seoul) from 6pm
Carrots (Jakarta) from 6pm onwards - 19 March only

All international bars will also feature at Behind the Lanes’ central festival hub at 100 A’Beckett Street in the city across 19-21 March for the festival’s official Cocktail Hour from 8-11.45pm. The festival hub will also be running Aperitivo Hour (3-6.45pm), for those who like their drinks spritzier, and Coffee Hour (8am-1.45pm), for those who prefer it peppier.

On the night of Saturday 21, Moondrop (pictured 📸 Mike Lam) will also be hosting the closing party, welcoming all six guest bars from the event to the venue, for the final toast!

More info at @behindthelanes_

Where can a girl get a decent drink around here?

Last weekend of summer. The weather is looking ver

Last weekend of summer. The weather is looking very warm; so let's get fizz-ical!

TOMORROW: The Prosecco Festival returns to Abbotsford Convent for the fizziest fiesta of the year!

Sip over 50 Proseccos from Italian and Australian winemakers. And don't skip chef Adam D'Sylva's spicy vodka rigatoni served hot from the pan, Prosecco gelato, nor Pornstar Martini-inspired cannolis!

Tix via @theproseccofestival (there may be limited tix at the door too). Join me at the 11am-3pm session to clink some glasses or sleep in and get down there for 4.30-8.30pm round.

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About Sarah
Copywriting for Bars & Distillers
Sign Up
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Your guide to Australian craft spirits & Melbourne's cocktail culture