Discover Must-Try Australian Spirits And Liqueurs Today 18+

Explore the best Australian spirits and liqueurs at Shake, Sip, Serve. Sip responsibly and elevate your bartending game!

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Forget Fosters, VB and your good old Great Northern’s; Australia’s drinking scene is undergoing a delicious revolution.
Move over mass-produced beers, because a world of craft spirits and liqueurs is exploding onto the scene, showcasing the incredible diversity of Australian native botanicals and the ingenuity of local distillers. This isn’t just about what you drink; it’s about experiencing Australia in a glass. From the zesty burst of finger lime to the rich, roasted notes of wattleseed, a new generation of artisans is crafting uniquely Australian flavours that are captivating palates worldwide. This blog post will guide you through this exciting landscape, exploring the key players, the rising stars of distillation, and the magic they’re creating.

Those taste buds are about to go into over drive why we break down some of Australia’s best go to spirits!

A Taste of the Bush: Unveiling Native Botanical Wonders

Australia’s unique flora offers a treasure trove of flavours unlike anywhere else on Earth. These native botanicals, many with a rich history of use by Indigenous Australians, are the secret weapons behind the distinct character of Aussie spirits and liqueurs. Let’s delve into some of the most captivating ingredients:

Lemon Myrtle: This fragrant leaf delivers an intense citrus punch, invigorating gins, vodkas, and liqueurs with its vibrant aroma and flavour. Think of it as sunshine in a bottle!
Wattleseed: Roasted wattleseed offers a complex profile, reminiscent of coffee, chocolate, and nuts. It’s a versatile ingredient adding depth to whiskies, liqueurs, and even culinary creations.
Finger Lime: These tiny citrus jewels are packed with flavour, releasing a burst of lime caviar that tantalizes the taste buds. They are a must-try addition to gins and cocktails.
Quandong: This native peach offers a unique tartness balanced by a subtle sweetness. It’s a star ingredient in liqueurs and brandies, lending a uniquely Australian twist.
Anise Myrtle: As the name suggests, this plant boasts a potent anise flavour, adding a touch of licorice to spirits and liqueurs. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a hint of spice.
Macadamia Nuts: Creamy and decadent, macadamia nuts contribute a rich, nutty flavour to a variety of spirits and liqueurs, creating a luxurious and smooth drinking experience.

The Rise of Craft Distilleries: A New Wave of Australian spirits and liqueurs

Just as craft beer redefined the Australian beer landscape, a similar revolution is happening in the world of spirits. Passionate distillers are pushing boundaries, combining traditional methods with innovative techniques to create exceptional spirits and liqueurs. This surge in craft distilleries is driven by a desire for quality, authenticity, and a connection to the unique terroir of Australia. These distillers are not just making drinks; they’re crafting experiences.

Exploring the Diverse World of Australian spirits and liqueurs

The Australian spirits scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours and styles. Here’s a glimpse into some of the key categories:

Gin: Australian gin is booming! Distillers are fearlessly experimenting with native botanicals, resulting in a diverse range of gins. From classic London Dry styles infused with lemon myrtle to contemporary gins showcasing the unique character of finger lime, there’s an Aussie gin for every palate.
Some of the must-try Australian gins include:
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin: This gin is made with four native Australian botanicals: lemon myrtle, wattleseed, finger lime, and macadamia nuts. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, spice, and nuts.
Poor Toms Sydney Dry Gin: This gin is made with 12 botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and lemon myrtle. It has a classic dry gin flavor with a refreshing citrus twist.
Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin: This gin is made with 18 botanicals, including native Australian botanicals like macadamia nuts, lemon myrtle, and finger lime. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, spice, and nuts.
Whisky: While still a relatively young industry compared to its Scottish and Irish counterparts, Australian whisky is making waves. Distilleries are utilizing local grains and exploring unique cask finishes, resulting in whiskies with distinctive flavour profiles that are earning international acclaim.
Some of the must-try Australian whiskies include:
Lark Distillery Single Malt Whisky: This whisky is made from 100% Tasmanian barley and aged in small oak casks. It has a rich, smoky flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Starward Whisky Nova: This whisky is made from Australian barley and aged in red wine barrels. It has a smooth, fruity flavor with notes of cherry and plum.
Bakery Hill Distillery Classic Malt Whisky: This whisky is made from Australian barley and aged in American oak barrels. It has a classic malt whisky flavor with notes of vanilla and spice.
Rum: Australia boasts a long history of rum production, and today’s craft distillers are creating exceptional rums. They are using locally grown sugarcane and employing innovative aging techniques to craft rums that are rich, complex, and full of character.
Some of the must-try Australian rums include:
Bundaberg Rum: This is Australia’s most iconic rum. It has a rich, molasses flavor with notes of caramel and spice.
Beenleigh Rum: This rum is made from sugarcane grown on the Beenleigh Estate in Queensland. It has a smooth, fruity flavor with notes of vanilla and oak.
Husk Distillers Plantation Rum: This rum is made from sugarcane grown in the Tweed Valley of New South Wales. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of tropical fruit, spice, and oak.
Vodka: Australian vodka is often crafted from high-quality local grains and pure water, resulting in clean, crisp, and smooth spirits. Some distillers are also exploring botanical infusions to create unique and flavourful vodkas.

Some of the must-try Australian vodka brands:

Archie Rose Distilling Co. (Sydney, NSW): Known for their innovative approach and use of native botanicals.
Cape Grim Distillery (Tasmania): Produces a range of vodkas, including a lemon myrtle honey vodka.
Headlands Distilling Co. (NSW): Their Seacliff Vodka is made from locally grown barley and has won awards.
Karu Distillery (NSW): Offers a variety of vodkas, including a unique Rested Morita Chipotle Vodka.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery (Queensland): Famous for their Lemon Myrtle Vodka, infused with the flavors of the rainforest.

Brandy: While perhaps less widely known, Australian brandy is also experiencing a renaissance. Distillers are creating complex and flavourful brandies that showcase the quality of Australian grapes and the skill of local artisans.
Some of the must-try Brandy brands include
Beenleigh Rum (Queensland): While known for rum, they also produce a brandy that benefits from their distilling expertise.
Black Bottle Brandy (South Australia): A well-established brand with a reputation for quality.
Twenty Third Street Distillery (South Australia): Their brandy is made using traditional methods and local grapes.

The Magic of Australian spirits and liqueurs and Cocktail Culture

Beyond spirits, Australian liqueurs offer a sweet and flavourful way to experience native botanicals. These versatile drinks can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or used to create exciting cocktails. Think lemon myrtle liqueur adding a zesty kick to a summer spritzer, or wattleseed liqueur bringing a nutty warmth to a winter warmer. The rise of Australian spirits and liqueurs has also ignited a creative explosion in the cocktail scene. Bartenders are embracing native ingredients, crafting innovative cocktails that showcase the unique flavours of Australia and offer a truly authentic drinking experience.

The Australian spirits and liqueur scene is dynamic, exciting, and constantly evolving. With a growing number of passionate distillers, a wealth of unique native ingredients, and a burgeoning cocktail culture, the future of Australian spirits is bright. So, next time you’re looking for a drink, venture beyond the familiar. Explore the diverse world of Australian spirits and liqueurs and discover the unique flavours that make this country’s drinks scene so special. By supporting local distilleries, you’re not just enjoying a delicious drink; you’re becoming part of a growing movement that celebrates Australian ingenuity and the incredible bounty of its native flora.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

Beyond The VB: Must-Try Australian Spirits And Liqueurs

Explore the best Australian spirits and liqueurs at Shake, Sip, Serve. Sip responsibly and elevate your bartending game!

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