This year, the event expanded to 145 bars in 12 cities across Australia, partnering with alcohol brands to champion the hospitality industry and welcome back guests to venues following COVID-19 closures and restrictions.
The month-long celebration featured some of the best local and international spirits, liqueurs, and mixers – everything required for a memorable cocktail occasion.
Founded by industry legend Penny Sippe, Australian Cocktail Month (ACM) is all about promoting Australia’s cocktail industry and building camaraderie amongst the bar, bartenders and brands that make the industry so vibrant.
Penny has over 18 years’ experience in the marketing industry, with 10 of those seeing her create memorable, unique and newsworthy brand experiences for both consumers and trade within the Australian alcohol industry.
She had hoped to add 50 bars to ACM in 2022, but exceeded her own expectations.
“I am proud to provide assistance to the industry as they rebuild following the pandemic,” Penny said.
Six bars each in Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Newcastle, Perth and Wollongong were added to ACM this year, joining the 72 venues from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide which made up the event in 2021.
The cocktails served up across the country featured a range of local brands including Archie Rose, Brix, Farmer’s Wife, Feels Botanicals, Four Pillars, Great Ocean Road, Hickson Road, Idle Hour, Karu, Milton Rum, Morris Whisky, Mr Black, Needle & Pin, Poor Tom’s, Prohibition Liquor Co, Regal Rogue, Saint Felix, Starward and West Winds.
International brands like Bombay Sapphire, Citadelle, Fords, Hendrick’s, Malfy Limone, Peddlers and Warner’s Rhubarb were also featured.
On the Tequila front, Patrón and Sesión were showcased, while whisk(e)y fans enjoyed cocktails made with The Balvenie, Benriach, Buffalo Trace, Glenfiddich, Shanky’s Whip and Sheep Dog cocktails.
Low and no alcoholic options are also featured, allowing consumers to partake without compromising on the cocktail experience and flavour.
ACM will be back for its third year in 2023 and planning is already under way.
