If fear of the unknown (“barkeep, why is there a shrub in my drink?”) has been keeping you from venturing beyond your standard Friday night Margarita, now is the time to change all that. World Class Cocktail Week brought to us by Diageo – they of Tanqueray, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker fame – is here!

Now in its third year, this ode to and celebration of mixology seems to have finally come into its own. Spanning three states, there are over 30 events to experience in Melbourne alone. You could try a entire menu of pina colada variations at Good Heavens, spice things up with a duo of Bloody Mary’s at the Builder Arms or step back in time to revive some old-timey favourites with Siglo. From the low key winter warmers on offer at Arbory or mac ‘n’ cheese ‘n’ cocktail pairing to the more epic five course cocktail degustation dinners at Eau de Vie or a Venetian-inspired river boat cruise with Vaporetto, there will be something World Class to suit both your palate and wallet.

World Class Cocktail Week is now until World Cocktail Day on May 13, 2017. Check out the full Melbourne program here. Go forth and tipple!