This September, the Melbourne Cocktail Festival is making a triumphant return and this time, its introducing an exciting addition—a dedicated festival hub in the CBD. During this week-long event spanning from September 18 to 24, over 40 of Melbourne’s esteemed and cherished bars will participate, offering enticing night-time experiences, $15 bespoke cocktails, sip and snack pairings as well as the chance to explore uncharted waters (or cocktails) with the Bar Safari adventure.
The festival’s jam-packed schedule is a true testament to Melbourne’s rich and diverse drink industry, featuring exceptional events including the Gin Journey, Boothby’s Best Bar Awards and Grada’s Friday Night Launch Party to name a few, making for a great opportunity to venture into Melbourne’s thriving drink scene whether they’re situated in hidden basements, rooftops or charming laneways.
A Parisian Affair At Smith Street Boozerie
In a departure from the typical events in the MCF program, the Smith Street Boozerie is a bookable and exclusive event spanning three different nights. It will see the Smith Street Bistrot convert its upstairs dining area into a captivating haven reminiscent of 1920s Paris. With enticing French cocktails, a trio of nibbles and a bygone-era atmosphere, you’ll be up for a captivating experience.
THE DETAILS:
When: 6 pm until late, Thursday 21 September to Saturday 23 September
Where: Smith Street Bistrot, 300 Smith Street, Collingwood
For more information, click here.
A Gin And Vodka Soiree: Craft In The Sky
Travelling all the way from Western Australia, Craft in the Sky brings the Republic of Fremantle craft gin and vodka distillery to a pop-up event at Melbourne’s Stolen Gem Rooftop Bar. Kicking off at 4:30 pm, this one-night-only event will feature a two-hour pop-up experience, offering a thoughtfully-curated cocktail menu showcasing Fremantle’s very own vodka and gin, complimentary snacks, unlimited oysters as well as spirit tastings.
THE DETAILS:
When: From 4:30 pm, Friday 22 September
Where: The Stolen Gem Rooftop Bar, 8/388 Bourke Street
For more information, click here.
Bar Safari
Featuring a more expansive list than ever, the 2023 Bar Safari boasts over 40 participating establishments that have each crafted their own limited-edition $15 cocktails or elevated sip and snack experiences for ticket holders only. Choose your own adventure by exploring new destinations or opt for one of the pre-designed MCF routes which include adored venues such as Bar Clara, Bar Margaux and Bonny to name a few.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times, Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September
Where: Various locations in Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Melbourne Cocktail Festival Hub
In a Melbourne Cocktail Festival first, a pop-up bar helmed by the beloved bartender Darren Leaney will take over the clandestine bar, Double Happiness. Crafted by the MCF, the menu promises wallet-friendly beverages, ranging from fizzes to punches, along with other inviting drinks priced at $15. This hub is not merely a pop-up bar, serving as a central point where you can chat with the team for assistance in planning your night out.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times, Wednesday 20, Thursday 21, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September
Where: 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
From Sydney To Melbourne: A Gin Journey
Following its successful stint in Sydney, Gin Journey is making its highly anticipated debut at the Melbourne Cocktail Festival. Led by expert hosts, you will start at the Gin Palace and embark on an adventure, walking to some of Melbourne’s premier gin destinations including, Fable, New Gold Mountain and finishing at the iconic distillery—Little Lon. With snacks interspersed throughout, you’ll get to savour a wide selection of renowned gins that will get your taste buds gin-gling, such as Bondi Gin Co and Never Never to mention a few.
THE DETAILS:
When: 5:30 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday 20 September
Where: Various locations
For more information, click here.
A Fusion Of Coffee And Cocktail At Grada’s Friday Night Launch Party
For a one-night exclusive, the new Grada Coffee and Spirit will take over the Melbourne Cocktail Festival Hub on Friday, September 22, beckoning in all coffee and cocktails enthusiasts. You can anticipate to sip on espresso martinis, traditional cocktails infused with coffee flair as well as inventive beverage concoctions crafted by the renowned bartender Darren Leaney. If you haven’t already done so, you can also redeem your MCF Bar Safari ticket by selecting a cocktail from Grada’s carefully curated drinks menu.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times, Friday 22 September
Where: 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Boothby Best Bars In Victoria Awards
After the successful celebrations of outstanding bars in Queensland and New South Wales, the Boothby Best Bars Awards is now turning its attention to Victoria, acknowledging the finest bars that enrich the state’s drink scene. Taking place from 5 pm to 8 pm, head down to The Lincoln to revel in festivities and celebrate with a drink in hand courtesy of Caretakers Cottage and witness the recognition of exceptional bars from Mornington to Geelong and Ballarat as they vie for coveted titles such as Best Bar in Victoria and The Best Cocktail Bar in Victoria.
THE DETAILS:
When: 5 pm to 8 pm, Sunday 24 September
Where: The Lincon, 91 Cardigan Street, Carlton
For more information, click here.
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image credit: supplied