Prince Harry allegedly swears by strawberry milkshakes while Paris Hilton suggests a hamburger and fries. The ancient Romans used deep fried canaries. But is there really any way to beat a hangover? Sadly, there’s only one sure way to prevent a hangover. Stop before you’ve had that one (or, more likely, several) too many. And the […]
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Invented in Venezuela, made in Trinidad and an ingredient in Australia’s favourite mocktail, Angostura Aromatic Bitters has a place on every mixologist’s shelf. From Cure to Cocktail Although Angostura Bitters is the best known, there are many similar herbal liquors. Originally produced to treat digestive disorders, in the 19th century bitters began to add zing to […]
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Whether you’re tripping or sipping, now’s a good time to discover the many wine regions of New Zealand. From North to South New Zealand produces just one per cent of the world’s wine, but the varied climates, from sub-tropical to frosty, produce an impressive range of wine styles. A comprehensive wine tour of New Zealand could […]
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You’ve appreciated their performances on screen, but have you ever enjoyed a celebrity performance in a glass? Check out some of the famous stars that are behind some successful liquor brands. George Clooney, Tequila Casamigos And you thought the only drink George was famous for, was coffee. Since launching Tequila Casamigos in 2013, the company became so […]
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Just south of the New South Wales border, the Rutherglen region has its own world-famous and unique wine style. Magnificent Muscat Although the region produces a range of wines, it’s most known for the luscious fortifieds. The world-famous Muscat has four classifications: Rutherglen Muscat, Classic Rutherglen Muscat, Grand Rutherglen Muscat and Rare Rutherglen Muscat. The […]
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From philosophers to crowned heads, pop idols to cartoon characters, many have had their say on beer. Here are just some of our favourite quotes about one of mankind’s oldest and most popular beverages. Plato, Greek Philosopher “He was a wise man who invented beer.” Plato also had words to say about wine: “There is […]
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It outsells champagne and has made Italy the world’s largest producer of sparkling wine. But why has Prosecco proved a stumbling block in Australia’s trade negotiations with Europe? What is Prosecco? Prosecco is a light, sparkling wine from Italy’s Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. In Italy, it’s made from at least 85 per cent Prosecco […]
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Toasting is a tradition that goes back to ancient times and often there’s a lot more involved than simply raising a glass. Here’s a quick cultural guide. Toasting Times Over the centuries, toasting has had its ups and downs. Early Romans were obliged to drink to the Emperor Augustus at every meal and Vikings raised […]
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Ingredients (serves 4) 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk 1/4 cup (70g) low-fat thick Greek-style yoghurt 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 550g lamb back strap 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon mixed peppercorns, coarsely ground 100g broccolini 100g green beans 100g podded broad beans 100g podded peas 8 […]
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We all know about the Barossa Valley, the Hunter Valley and Margaret River, but it’s worth discovering some of Australia’s lesser-known wine regions. Touring might be off the agenda for now, but that doesn’t stop you seeking out their specialties. Granite Belt, Queensland The sunshine state doesn’t necessarily spring to mind when you’re thinking wine. But […]
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While the Scots spell it whisky, Americans have adopted the Irish spelling. But the extra letter isn’t the only difference. Call it bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey or rye, America’s native spirit has its own claims to fame. Which Grain? Scotch is made from barley. But bourbon and Tennessee whiskey must, by law, be made from at […]
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We’re accustomed to identifying Australian wines according to the grape variety. But on the local wine list of yesteryear there was not a Shiraz or Semillon to be seen. Instead, you’d find Hock, Burgundy and Moselle. So what changed? A 1987 advertisement from winemaker Angove’s proclaimed “Wine names – like hock – are forever changing. […]
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Ingredients (serves 4) 2 tablespoons oil 750g chuck steak, cut into cubes plain flour, for coating 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 cup red wine (optional) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 400g can whole tomatoes, chopped 500ml Beef Stock 2 bay leaves 2 carrots, sliced 2 potatoes, cubed pepper for seasoning salt for […]
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Through history, it was largely thanks to religious orders that the ancient arts of brewing and wine-making were preserved in Europe. According to legend, Irish monks also invented whisky. Even today, some well-known tipples are made in monasteries. The Sacred Vine There are only four monasteries in France still making wine. But for the thousand […]
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Rum was as good as currency in colonial New South Wales, so a cash-strapped Governor manipulated the liquor trade to build Sydney’s ‘Rum Hospital’. Rum arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. The colony was founded by navy men, so it’s not surprising that the new settlement was awash with the traditional navy […]
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A 2019 survey found that 28 per cent of Brits thought terroir was a breed of dog. How savvy are you with the special language of wine? Terroir is, of course, a term for the environment where a particular wine is produced, including such factors as soil, topography and climate. It wasn’t the only term […]
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With thousands of years of history behind it, sake is Japan’s national drink. And it’s becoming increasingly popular elsewhere. A Holy History It’s believed sake has been made in Japan since rice cultivation began there around 300BC, but its documented history dates from 712AD. Sake was made by monks in temples and shrines, as well […]
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Take a trip around the world with these festive drinks – some wonderful and some definitely weird. Hot buttered beer? We don’t think so. England Wassail In northern climes, they like their Christmas drinks hot. The old pagan custom of wassailing involves quaffing hot mulled hard cider while singing and banging on pots and pans […]
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Ingredients (serves 4) 600g Gravy beef, excess fat trimmed, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon Moroccan Seasoning 6 Roma tomatoes, halved lengthways 500g Kent Pumpkin, unpeeled, seeded, cut into 4cm pieces 200g Celeriac, peeled, cut into 2cm pieces 2 Carrots, halved crossways, thickly sliced 1 small Swede, peeled, coarsely chopped 2 Zucchini, cut into 6cm-thick slices diagonally […]
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Ingredients (serves 4) 200g Spaghetti 100g Sourdough or crusty bread 8 Sun-dried tomato halves 2 Cloves garlic, crushed Sea salt and cracked black pepper 1½ tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive oil ⅓ cup Small basil leaves 1 Small buffalo mozzarella, halved 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar Additional Extra Virgin Olive oil and finely grated parmesan, to serve […]
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Long before Hoges promised to “slip another shrimp on the barbie”, summer in Australia meant barbecue time. But these days, you probably want to serve up more than a few snags and the odd charred chop. And, of course, the right booze makes every barbie go down so much better. Who invented the BBQ? The […]
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Ingredients 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk 1/4 cup (70g) low-fat thick Greek-style yoghurt 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 550g lamb backstrap 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon mixed peppercorns, coarsely ground 100g broccolini 100g green beans 100g podded broad beans 100g podded peas 8 spring onions (white […]
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Blush is back! All around the world, rosé is becoming increasingly popular – especially over the warmer months. In France, it now eclipses the sale of white wine and, rumour has it, Sting gulps down litres of this pink elixir during his live performances. Here are a few things you might not have known about […]
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It’s called vendange in France, vendemmia in Italy, vendimia in Spain and vintage in English-speaking countries. And it makes autumn the busiest time in the winemaker’s calendar. As we move into autumn, winemakers are looking anxiously at the skies as pickers race to gather in the grapes. The grape harvest, or “vintage”, has been underway […]
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You can’t go past a pie and beer at the footy, but other major sporting events around the world have their own culinary traditions. The Championships, Wimbledon Pimm’s and strawberries The tradition of eating strawberries and cream can perhaps be traced to Wimbledon’s 1877 origins as a garden-party tennis tournament. Now a Grand Slam event […]
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Ingredients 2 x 150g scotch fillet steak, approx. 1.5cm thick 2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns 2 servings of Fresh Baby Potatoes 2 servings of Fresh Broccoli 2 servings of Fresh Carrots 2 servings of Fresh Peas Method Bring the steak to room temperature. Brush with a little oil. Sprinkle the crushed peppercorns on both sides […]
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Whether you’re tripping or sipping, now’s a good time to discover the many wine regions of New Zealand. From north to south New Zealand produces just one per cent of the world’s wine, but the varied climates, from sub-tropical to frosty, produce an impressive range of wine styles. A comprehensive wine tour of New Zealand […]
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More than just a mixer, vermouth is back as the perfect summer aperitif or spritz. As we learned to mix our own Negronis during lockdown, we rediscovered vermouth. Perhaps as a result, the spicy liquor is having a moment, not just in our favourite cocktail but as a refreshing drink in its own right. In […]
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Ancient history The first wooden barrels weren’t used for wine. They were invented by the Celts of central Europe more than 2000 years ago and used mainly for beer. The Romans picked up the idea as a more robust alternative to their traditional clay amphorae. Initially, it was the sturdiness and portability of barrels that […]
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The Brits and the Americans call them beer mats. Most Aussies call them drink coasters. And, believe it or not, these little suckers are highly collectable. What’s in a name? Originally a ship that went from port to port along a coast, the word ‘coaster’ was later used to describe a circular tray that held […]
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Ingredients 1 x 2 kg cooked Australian Rock Lobster, halved & cut into bite size pieces 8 cooked Australian Tiger Prawns 8 cooked Australian King Prawns rock salt to serve (optional) 400 g sliced Tasmanian Atlantic Smoked Salmon Sourdough bread, lightly toasted to serve ½ cup crème fraiche Fresh lime to serve Method Just before […]
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Wimbledon’s favourite drink is a natural choice for watching the Australian Open. But even if you’re not into tennis, Pimm’s goes down a treat on a summer afternoon. Posh and pretty It’s the taste of an English summer and the fruit-adorned drink of choice at events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, the Henley Royal […]
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Nothing says summer like the sound of ice cubes clinking in a long, frosty glass. But back in colonial days, ice was a rare treat. Ice Ahoy! The first ice ever seen in Sydney came by sailing ship in 1837, all the way from frozen lakes near Boston, USA. At last, people could beat Australia’s […]
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It was invented by the Dutch, refined by the English and standard rations for the officers of the Royal Navy. Fun facts about one of our favourite summer spirits. Dutch Courage Gin traces its origins to a Dutch spirit called jenever, the Dutch word for juniper. It supposedly boosted the bravery of soldiers in the […]
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Climate change has already affected wine producers, and the challenges posed by rising temperatures and severe weather events are likely to increase. So how is the industry adapting? Hurdles ahead This year has been a good one for grape growers, producing a record vintage. But the previous two years saw reduced yields because of drought, […]
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Ingredients (serves 4) Zest and juice of 1 lemon, (plus 1 tbsp. lemon juice, extra) 2 tbsps. honey 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 cup mint leaves, half the leaves finely chopped 4 x 200g Lilydale Free Range Chicken Breasts, each sliced into thirds 200g podded (from 1kg unpodded) fresh or frozen broad […]
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Low and no-alcohol versions of your favourite booze are definitely on the up, and not just with non-drinkers. Changing times Since Australia reached “peak beer” in 1975, our per capita consumption of alcohol has been steadily declining. Now one of the fastest-growing categories on the shelves of liquor stores is low and no-alcohol beers, wines […]
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Garnishing a Bloody Mary with a skewered cheeseburger or a whole fried chicken may be just a little over the top. (Yes, only in the USA.) But we’ve been putting things in our drinks since the cocktail was invented. And many of them aren’t edible. Olives, onions or a twist? The twist has been around […]
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Whether you take it straight as a digestivo or slurp some into your espresso, grappa is a traditional Italian way to end a meal. But it’s not just the Italians who get a kick out of powerful grape-based brandy. What is grappa? Grappa is essentially a type of brandy. But while regular brandies are distilled […]
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You can make alcoholic drinks out of almost anything, including carrots, maple sap, beetroot and, of course, grains. But some drinks are only for the brave. Snake wine No, it’s not made from snakes. Instead, a whole snake is steeped in rice wine. Invariably the snake is of a venomous variety, but it appears the […]
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When we say tequila, what springs to mind? Margarita jugs, slammers, lay-backs, hangovers? It doesn’t have to be that way when you drink it the way they do in Mexico. The right stuff All tequila must be made in Mexico from the blue agave plant. The core of the plant is roasted and crushed to […]
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Not just a place to down a cold one, plenty of Aussie pubs have stories to tell. Here are just a few of them. Palace Hotel, Broken Hill, NSW Erected in 1889 as a coffee palace, the teetotal Palace obviously had little appeal to the hard-drinking miners of Broken Hill and was soon struggling to […]
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Ingredients 3 medium beetroot, peeled, thickly sliced 2 x 225g packets haloumi, sliced 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 cup couscous 1 cup boiling water 400g can lentils, drained, rinsed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup caramelised onion 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar […]
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A quick and easy salad using leftover pulled pork with tons of flavour and a BBQ sauce dressing! Ingredients (Serves 6) For the Barbecue Vinaigrette ½ cup tomato ketchup 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 ½ teaspoons ground chili powder 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon Kosher salt ½ […]
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While a long gin and tonic or an icy cold beer might hit the spot as the mercury climbs, why not mix it up a bit with a cocktail or two? Here are some options certain to get you in a holiday mood. Recipes and instructions abound online. Piña Colada Nothing says poolside at a […]
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We’re all in favour of laws that discourage irresponsible service or consumption of alcohol. But liquor laws vary widely around the world. If you’re caught drunk while propelling a cow in Scotland, watch out. Five-year old drinkers Yes, the legal drinking age in Britain is five. Which doesn’t mean five-year-olds can front up to the […]
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Vodka Cruiser Launch Vodka Cruiser was launched in 2000 by Independent Liquor and would quickly go on to become Australia’s #1 vodka RTD. Their simple mantra of fun, flavour and colour has even taken them to the 2nd largest in Total Ready to Drink brand in store in Australia. Along with the core flavours, Vodka […]
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Australian whisky is not a new concept. Our nation has over 150 years’ history with the famous spirit, but it’s true to say that in recent decades we’ve entered another golden era and with NED Australian Whisky we are writing a new chapter. Inspired by innovation and guided by flavour, we take the best of […]
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A picnic isn’t a picnic if you don’t bring along the right drinks to sip on while relaxing in the sun! Depending on your picnic situation — whether you’re grillin’ or chillin’ — it’s crucial to recognise what drink flavours will work and what won’t with your spread. In terms of what you’ll be enjoying […]
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ARE YOU READY FOR THE FOOTY GRAND FINALS? When it’s finals time, you need the right snack fuel and drinks for a Grand Final Party at home! We’ll admit, this year’s AFL and NRL Grand Finals are going to look a little unusual from the previous years, but make the most of it when watching […]
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Pink Gin is a sweeter, tangier version of the classic dry gin, making it an exquisite addition to spring cocktails. As Pink Gin already has a unique flavour with fresh notes, you don’t have to be concerned about adding too many additional ingredients to make your cocktail taste great! One of our favourite Pink Gins […]
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Father’s Day isn’t just a day that honours fatherhood all over the globe, but a day to make your dad feel just as special as you consider him to be. Now for a day like this, not just any gift would be right to celebrate your dad, so better make it special For a day […]
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Pinot Noir is actually a variety of grape and also a wine varietal made completely with such grapes is also known as Pinot Noir. The term comes from the French word for pine (pinot) because the grapes are cultivated in pine cone clusters, and black (noir), a mention of their typically dark hue. Despite the […]
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This month, we are excited to be celebrating one of our favourite international days of the year, International Beer Day! This extremely anticipated universal celebration is held every year around the start of August and is the best opportunity to celebrate beers from around the world! Although various areas celebrate the event on different days, […]
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World Tequila Day is on the horizon and will be celebrated globally on 24 July 2021! This day should definitely involve tequila in some form or another. In fact, in 2018 Tequila Day was formally honoured by the Mexican government, and now everybody is celebrating it! Whether it’s a tequila shot or you are having […]
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The first World Rum Day was celebrated on 11 July 2019. World Rum Day is a day for Caribbean cocktail and spirit lovers, rum runners, and mojito sippers to show respect to one of the most exquisite (and swashbuckling) spirits ever bottled. Credits: luxe.digital What better idea to ring in the event than to taste […]
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You don’t need to know all about red wine to confirm that you love drinking it. Perfect for the winter months, a classic red wine is also a popular drink at every celebration with over hundreds of kinds of red wine available. Summarising all that you need to know about the red wine is not […]
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As winter winds usher in the cooler months, calling for a move away from summer drinks to winter warmers, there are many excellent cocktail recipes for you to try. Among the most marvellous winter cocktail recipes are those that bring seasonal flavours and warm up those chills in your bones! From cheering hot drinks to […]
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Pairing cheese and wine together can be a challenging but rewarding creative task. If done right, an excellent pairing can elevate what is already a delicious experience. Every element should be considered when preparing your wine and cheese pairings. Ensuring that the two different elements complement each other while not negatively impacting or overpowering the […]
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World Whisky Day 2021 is coming! Did you know the word “whiskey” is not an English word? It’s derived from the original Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’ and dates back to the 15th century in Ireland and Scotland. The original Gaelic word translates to “water of life” Just as the word itself has evolved over time so […]
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As the hot days of summer end and we get into the cooler days of autumn, our preferences in cocktails change as well. During the transition into autumn, there are a lot of incredible autumn cocktail recipes you must try to get into the autumn mood. Credits: elledecor.com As the autumn breezes blow in, you […]
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Get ready for some cocktail nights at home this autumn season. When preparing cocktails at home, careful presentation is what brings your cocktails to the next level. More than just the standard glass, ice cubes, and maybe lime or of mint, you can bring a full bartender experience to your autumn cocktails at home with […]
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When you think of Easter celebration, it is classic candies that run to mind first: colourful lollies, chocolate bunnies, and Easter eggs. For the grownups, though, a blended drink could also be recognised as a special Easter treat! Easter-worthy cocktails are loaded with bright flavours, lively seasonal ingredients, and of course a key ingredient, chocolate! […]
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St Patrick’s Day is one holiday that is recognised as the season to tip our top hats to the Irish with your favourite tipple in hand. Any St Patrick’s Day celebration is rich in Irish culture, but it’s not required to be Irish to join the fun. To get the celebration started, all you need […]
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This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday. Here’s hoping no one will have a raging Monday hangover after a romantic night in! However, that won’t stop us from celebrating the day of love. We have some very special, loved-up cocktail recipes ready for this Valentine’s Day that will sweep you & your loved one […]
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For many of us Aussies, whether it’s a family celebration, a party with friends, or even just watching your favourite game of footy… a lot of the time, our drink of choice is a good beer. There’s nothing more stimulating than cracking into an ice-cold beer on any special day. Or even just a good […]
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After challenging seasons blighted by fires and drought, there’s good news from the 2021 vintage. Wine Australia has called it a ‘unicorn vintage’. They’re not just talking about quantity, but quality. The National Vintage Report for 2021 says that as well as being the largest grape harvest ever recorded in this country, the industry benefited […]
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Surf, sand, sunshine, scenery. Plus, Semillon, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. The south coast of New South Wales has it all, so set aside a day or two of your summer holiday to cruise the Shoalhaven wineries. Hit the trail A drive of just over two hours from Sydney or Canberra gets you to the start […]
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The GABS Craft Beer & Cider Festival has been noted as one of the best 20 beer festivals around the globe. The GABS Festival transformed craft beer lovers and the uninitiated by exhibiting Australia and New Zealand’s best craft breweries and cider makers. This event features limited-edition batches of beer and ciders that have been […]
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It’s been a long year! But finally the Melbourne Cup has arrived. While we can’t spend a day at the races like we normally would, at least we can enjoy some champagne as we watch the race at home. To spice up your champagne, here’s 5 delicious champagne cocktails to drink on Melbourne Cup Day […]
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Most people love a good cup of coffee, but have you tried coffee cocktails? Say cheers to International Coffee Day with a stronger coffee than your usual. Celebrate with coffee cocktails on 1 October! The love for coffee and a nice drink will bring in fans to this world of luscious, caffeinated cocktails. From espresso […]
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The season is changing and spring is finally here! It’s about time to enjoy the warmer weather, and there is no greater way to do that than with a well-mixed cocktail in hand. Whether you go for gin, vodka, or whiskey, seasonal ingredients always play a great role in professional cooking and cocktail preparation. As […]
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