The Melbourne Cocktail Festival is back for 2021 with Melbourne’s own Grainshaker Vodka as the presenting partner. Together they’re shaking things up—stirring things up? We’re not sure of their martini preference—for the big return on Monday 12 April to Sunday 18 April. There will be a number of special events happening across the city, and a festival kit for you to order from home.
The big ticket event will be the Bar Safari, which takes punters on a meander to some of the CBD’s best bars, including Arbory Afloat, Bad Frankie, Bar Margaux, Bomba, Gimlet, Gin Palace and loads more. Each venue will be preparing a bespoke cocktail exclusively for the event which will be available for the duration of the festival. Registration for the Bar Safari is free, but be quick because the festival is shouting a drink for the first 1000 people to sign up. When you register, you’ll also get a month-long 10% discount from Good Spirits and a digital cocktail recipe book—yes please.
As for the special events, there are three key headliners to look out for. Waste Not Taste Lots is a sneak peak event for the anticipated Sydney bar Re. Hosted by Byrdi, the event will clue you in on the sustainability and waste reduction practices being implemented by Matt Whiley while serving up delicious drinks.
The Long Goodbye at Gimlet presents the evolution of the gimlet cocktail—you’ll be served a flight of half-size cocktails including their signature gimlet and two new cocktails designed for the festival. Tropical Escapism at the Black Pearl is your party event for the week. Taking place up in the attack of the Black Pearl, there will be wine-based tropical cocktails plus food from Bar Liberty’s head chef.
If you’re more of an introvert and like to party from the comfort of your own home, then the Good Spirits at Home pack is for you. The pack includes a full selection of bottled cocktails including a limited edition creation by Melbourne Cocktail Festival x Good Spirits, plus a DIY kit. It’s available for the month of April at the Good Spirits online store.
Registration and tickets will be available from the festival website on Friday 12 March, in the meantime you can sign up to receive updates.
Want to get a head start on your cocktail game, check out these top tips from Chelsea Catherine.
Image credit: supplied