To paraphrase Mark Twain, “the rumours of vodka’s death are greatly exaggerated”. Vodka remains one of the world’s most popular drink and is still a key ingredient in many classic, and new, cocktails. International Vodka Day is the opportunity to revisit an old favourite cocktail or showcase a different brand, either way it is a day to celebrate this versatile drink.
The Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) celebrates the best people, venues, brands and operators of the last 12 months. We acknowledge the best bartenders, bars, bar teams and cocktail lists, so make sure you are part of this celebration of our incredible industry.
Wine has a history worth celebrating, and that’s what this day is about. Some of our local wine regions really need our support right now, so you could take this opportunity to champion our Aussie winemakers and encourage consumers to get behind them.
Bacardí’s annual Bartender Softball competitions are in the calendar for another year, touring to major cities around the country in late February and early March.
The event is inspired by the first Bacardí distillery workers in Santiago de Cuba, who finished their shifts with a game of baseball. Now, you can pay homage to them and enjoy some friendly rivalry on the field with your industry mates.
To get involved, reach out to the following contacts for each city:
ADELAIDE
Monday 24th February – 11am start at Barratt Reserve
Finn Healey – fhealey@bacardi.com
Click here for Adelaide’s Facebook event
BRISBANE
Monday 17th February – 10am start at New Farm Park Soccer Club
Peter Hollands – phollands@bacardi.com
Click here for Brisbane’s Facebook event
MELBOURNE
Monday 02th March – 11am start at Fawkner Park
Georgie Mann – gmann@bacardi.com
Click here for Melbourne’s Facebook event
SYDNEY
Monday 09th March – 11.30am start at Robertson Road Fields, Centennial Park
Loy Catada – lcatada@bacardi.com
Click here for Sydney’s Facebook event
PERTH
Monday 09th March – 11am start at Britannia Road Reserve
Lachlan Robinson – lrobinson@bacardi.com
Click here for Perth’s Facebook event
The NSW based not-for-profit organisation, Women in Hospitality (WOHO) is expanding for the first time into Queensland. And to celebrate, they’re inviting industry professionals to their inaugural event at Brisbane’s Baedeker.
Founded in 2016 as a way to champion women in the industry, the group gives female in hospitality a portal to explore ideas, share information, access education and mentor each other.
WOHO founder Julia Campbell described the launch event as being “for anyone who wants to network within the indsutry, understand more about who [WOHO] are and what they do, and of course, learn how to get involved from the QLD committee”.
Tickets are available now.
Australian distillers and spirit lovers are coming together to support rural communities affected by bushfire and drought.
This three course gala dinner and once-in-a-lifetime charity auction will see 100 per cent of proceeds go to Rural Aid, who supply crucial financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought and fire.
The Australian industry has donated almost 200 products and experiences to the charity auction, with online bidding open now at this link: https://app.galabid.com/aussiespirit/items
But the most premium, rare and unique items will also have a final live auction on the night of the event. Don’t miss your exclusive chance to get your hands on a piece of Australian craft spirit history, tickets available now!
Some consumers hear the word absinthe and shudder, likely because they haven’t explored the possibilities of the strong spirit. Take this as your chance to change that by getting creative with cocktails, mixers, or even the traditional absinthe drinking method.
Celebrate International Women’s Day in this event hosted by Women of Australian Distilling, including Nip of Courage, Women in Hospitality (WOHO), Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, Imbue Distillery, Sullivan’s Cove and Anther Spirits.
This Sydney event is aimed at celebrating women’s achievements in the emerging Australian craft distilling industry and hopes to inspire people to support the small number of women involved in the local distilling movement. All are welcome to attend, with tickets including food, cocktail on arrival, spirits flight, wine and beer.
Female guest speakers include:
- Dervilla McGowan – Owner / Distiller at Anther Spirits
- Heather Tillott – Head Distiller at Sullivan’s Cove
- Melanie Sheard – Owner / Distiller at Imbue Distillery
- Sarah Walker – Distiller at Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
- Claire Van Vuuren – Owner / Head Chef at Bloodwood Newtown / Women in Hospitality ‘WOHO’
- Julia Campbell – Founder of WOHO
- Kathleen Davies – Founder of Nip of Courage
The event will be hosted by Abby Roennfeldt ‘Just Abby’, National Brand Ambassador at Nip of Courage from Adelaide bar Hades Hula House. A specialty menu designed by Bloodwood’s Claire Van Vuuren will match spirits tastings throughout the event.
Hundreds of incredible ciders made across the country from 100 per cent Australian-grown fruit will be highlighted on the inaugural Australian Cider Day, in a bid to further boost understanding about product origin in the industry. It’s a day to explore the products and support local Australian farmers and producers.
The new event comes shortly after Cider Australia’s launch of the ‘100 per cent Australian Grown trust mark’, that proves a cider is made locally with Australian grown produce.
For more details visit cideraustralia.org.au/australianciderday
Punters love a good theme, and this is the perfect one for the drinks industry. Celebrate all the great things Ireland has to offer bars this St. Patrick’s day with Irish whisky, coffee, bar snacks and decorations.