School night shenanigans

I went to the launch of Australian Cocktail Month last night at a cool new venue in The Rocks called Hickson House Distilling.

I was home by 9pm because I am old.

Actually, it wasn’t because I’m old. I’ve always had a touch of the Cinderella about me. It was the subject of much mirth among my friends in my youth, but has become perfectly acceptable now I’m 54.

You might remember I took my brother in law to Hickson House the other week for the launch of the Whiskey On The Rocks event.

He loved it – a distillery in an old sandstone warehouse with soaring ceilings and huge chandeliers. Oh and an excellent whisky list.

He was busy doing an Australian whisky virtual masterclass for me last night, so I roped my friend Sue into accompanying me.

We had a fabulous time drinking complimentary cocktails. Our favourite was the Rise And Rind – Grey Goose Essences – Watermelon and Basil, watermelon shrub and wayward raspberry sour.

Nom, nom. There were also lots of delicious grilled prawns and lamb cutlets and bite-sized pieces of chicken schnitty. Oh and the music the DJ was spinning was so spot on – it felt like we were grooving in a ’90s bar.

Although I was a bit envious because Sue told me all about her awesome trip to Hawaii last month. I miss Hawaii, I bet there’s lots of sunshine there.

Oh, and how random is this? A lovely woman called Gemma introduced herself to me. It turns out we worked together at Cosmopolitan magazine! These days she’s in the booze business too – she’s the marketing manager for liquor at Stuart Alexander. And she lives in Bilgola on the Northern Beaches. Small world!

Australian Cocktail Month was developed to champion the Australian cocktail industry and support bars and bartenders as they welcomed guests back into their venues following COVID-19 closures and restrictions of 2020, 2021 and early 2022.

Throughout May 2022, Australian Cocktail Month will showcases cocktails, spirits, bartenders and 145 bars across 12 cities.

Those holding Australian Cocktail Month tickets will enjoy delicious cocktails at handpicked partner venues in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong. The $20 (plus booking fee) ticket allows guests access to a special menu of cocktails created exclusively for the month.

The menu will be available at participating venues, with cocktails priced at $14, and non-alcoholic options at $10. The Australian Cocktail Month ticket can be used at any participating venue throughout May.

Founded by influential industry figure Penny Sippe, Jangling Jacks, Hickson House, Apollonia, Sammy Jnr and Jolene’s are some of the bars participating in Sydney. Included in the 24 venues taking part in Melbourne are Black Pearl, Lover, Caretakers Cottage, Nick & Nora’s and The Everleigh, while Maybe Mae, Hains & Co, Alfred’s Bar, Bar Torino and Hennessy Rooftop Bar among others will be welcoming guests in Adelaide. Brisbane bars offering the Australian Cocktail Month menu will include The Gresham, Savile Row, Death and Taxes, Blackbird and Frog’s Hollow Saloon.

A tight precinct of six bars each in Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Newcastle, Perth and Wollongong will complete the offering.

Australian Cocktail Month tickets are on sale now – head to www.australiancocktailmonth.com.au to grab yours and to see the full list of participating bars.

Cheers!

Song of the day: The Beach Boys “Kokomo”