A Brief History of Vodka Down Under

Although Australians are some of the biggest vodka lovers today, until the early 1950s the spirit was largely unknown except to some East European immigrants looking for the taste of home. To celebrate International Vodka Day today (Thursday 4th October) we’ve taken a trip down memory lane to look at the history of vodka in this…

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Where to Celebrate International Sherry Week in Melbourne!

Gone are days where sherry was reserved as the drink your grandma would whip out after the Sunday roast. Sherry has been the underdog success story of the year in Britain, after making serious waves among discerning millennials, and its picked to be the next big thing amid 20-something Aussie drinkers. Melbourne Spanish-inspired venues, Bomba…

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Johnnie Walker Brings Game of Thrones Fans White Walker Whisky

It may have thawed Down Under, with the aromas of spring fresh in the air, but Johnnie Walker is here to remind you that the next winter is coming. The iconic whisky brand has teamed up with HBO’s best-loved series, Game of Thrones, to release White Walker, a limited-edition Scotch Whisky inspired by the show’s…

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How To Make A Cherry Blossom Sidecar Cocktail

Heading to the Yarra Valley’s Cherry Hill Blossom Festival this weekend? Why not bring the spirit of the festival home with you by whipping up this delicious cocktail inspired by the iconic Japanese blossom! Glass: Coupette glass Ingredients: 30ml   Martell VSOP Cognac 20ml   Lillet Rosé Aperitif 10ml   Elderflower cordial 20ml   Fresh lemon juice 30ml…

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A New Bar With a Wild Culture

Odd Culture is a wild ale and natural wine bar located in Darlinghurst. It is the brainchild of brothers, James and Josh Thorpe who have teamed up with Jordan Blackman, previously of Chin Chin and Ananas, as bar manager and Tom Evans, previously of Royal Albert and Wayward, as venue beverage manager.  The quirky farmhouse…

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A Foreign Affair: Australia’s Love of Champagne Rosé

WORDS BY STEPHANIE AIKINS It’s hard to deny there is something of a love affair between Australians and French cuisine. It was one of the first foreign foods to land on our shores (thanks to the wave of post-WWII immigrants) and for decades it has been the pinnacle of fine dining in the Australian psyche. …

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How To Make Rum Punch

It’s National Rum Punch Day! explore DRINKS has the perfect recipe to get you in the ‘spirit’ (pun intended). Ideal for entertaining on those warm nights, we reckon this is one recipe you’ll be pulling out time and time again this season! Makes approx. 5 Drinks GLASS: Punch Bowl INGREDIENTS: 250ml Freshly squeezed lime juice 250g…

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The Perfect Pair: Rosé and Food Matches for Spring

WORDS BY KEN GARGETT If wine itself is subjective, then matching food and wine is even more so. My view has long been that if you like the wine and you like the food then there is a fair chance, you’ll have a good overall experience. I also think that this is the one subject…

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Sydney’s Cracker Craft Beer Festival Oktoberwest is Back!

Oktoberfest doesn’t have to be all tacky fake lederhosen and tasteless gigantic beers… Sydney’s Inner West Brewery Association is injecting some street cred to the worldwide beer event by uniting eight of the local craft breweries for two days of live music, unique brews, food trucks, games and more. Craft superstars Young Henrys, Willie the…

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Go Explore: The Australian Cider Festival

Cider buffs rejoice! The Australian Cider Festival will be back for its sixth year in October, with over 20 craft cider producers showing off more than 100 local and international brews. Visitors will be treated to unlimited free tastings, cider-matched food, masterclasses and live entertainment as well as have the opportunity to meet the cider…

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Hop To Hobart Brewing Co.’s Festival of Hops This October!

Come on, get hoppy! Hobart Brewing Co.’s annual festival of hops is back for another year of live music, food and seriously good beer. On Saturday 20th October, head on down to the brewery and taproom at Macquarie Point, Hobart and celebrate all things hops, with beers showcasing the flavour versatility of varieties from across…

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