Forget champagne. Really dedicated hosts at the Spring Racing Carnival know a fancy cocktail is in order to celebrate any big or small win (or commiserate a loss). But how to set up a worthy, hassle free bar trackside? Culinary event-makers Bright Young Things have the solution, developing a trio of cocktail boxes in collaboration with their “cocktail guru” (a title I one day hope to add to my résumé through dedicated years of imbibing) Tom Hall. The “Parading to the Mounting Yard”, “The Stayer” and “Winner’s Circle” kits are laden with fancy garnishes, mixers and utensils all wrapped up in a convenient box.

Let’s take a peek into the “Parading to the Mounting Yard” box…

Homemade pineapple puree
Small watermelon baubles
Blood orange syrup
Sunny Ridge strawberries
Wedges of fresh blood orange
BYT ‘whip’ (stirrer)
Cute coasters, swizzle sticks
* All you need to provide is chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Simply add 2 – 4 teaspoons of puree to the bottom of your glass and a teaspoon of watermelon baubles. Gently pour in bubbles of your choice Tip: To avoid overflowing froth, use your BYT ‘whip’ to pull puree through the drink as it is being poured. Add blood orange syrup to taste. Garnish with 1/2 a fresh strawberry & a wedge of blood orange.

Naturally Bright Young Things also cater for edible accompaniments to your cocktails. How does roasted chicken, saffron spiced pear, pistachio and amontillado aioli sandwiches or roquefort cheesecake with a walnut oatcake crumb, thyme honey cream and air dried jamon sound? Or perhaps the sweeter homemade vanilla bean shortbread with salted caramel, dark chocolate ganache and gold lustre is our best bet? They will be setting up a pop-up cafe during Flemington’s race week at their headquarters where client’s can collect orders and treat themselves to a coffee or breakfast pastries to ensure they start their carnival day on form. Time to place our bets orders now.