Mark your diary: Australian Cocktail Month will be back (and bigger) in May 2022
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. As the challenges of a global pandemic stretched on and on, plans were developed for the second iteration of Australian Cocktail Month.
Founded by influential industry figure Penny Sippe, the month-long celebration focuses on the best local and international spirits, liqueurs, and mixers – everything required for a memorable cocktail occasion. Low and no alcoholic options also featured allowing consumers to partake without compromising on the cocktail experience and flavour.
Partner venues across Australia create precincts for consumers to explore. In 2021 Australian Cocktail Month partnered with 72 handpicked venues – 18 bars in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. In 2022 growth will see Australian Cocktail Month partnering with venues in additional cities – Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Newcastle, Noosa and Perth.
“I am proud to provide assistance to the industry as they rebuild following the pandemic. I am also excited to extend Australian Cocktail Month programming to an additional eight cities for May 2022. Around 120 bars will take part next year – an essential development to showcase the talent of Australia’s many hospitality professionals,” says Sippe.
Year two will continue with the goal of supporting bars and bartenders along with cementing May as the month Australia joins together to celebrate the hospitality industry that makes our cities so vibrant. Australian Cocktail Month will join forces with brands to deliver feature events and experiences to engage consumers throughout the month.
“Another year of covid has only reinforced the need for a dedicated program to support bars and bartenders, as we host our patrons and create memorable cocktail experiences,” says Tash Conte, owner of the award-winning Black Pearl in Melbourne. “We partnered with Penny for Australian Cocktail Month 2021 and look forward to working together again in 2022 and rebuilding hospitality in Australia.”
Consumers will unlock unique bar experiences, escape the day to day and enjoy delicious cocktails with the Australian Cocktail Month ticket. The $20 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 inaugural Australian Cocktail Month was enthusiastically received by bartenders and bars across the country. Further covid lockdowns and closures of 2021 only add to the need for as much industry support that Australian Cocktail Month can provide. “Another year of covid has only reinforced the need for a dedicated program to support bars and bartenders, as we host our patrons and create memorable cocktail experiences,” says Tash Conte, owner of the award-winning Black Pearl in Melbourne. “We partnered with Penny for Australian Cocktail Month 2021 and look forward to working together again in 2022 and rebuilding hospitality in Australia.”
Join this positive movement to support the industry and your on premise customers whilst continuing to build the cocktail category in Australia. Reach out to Penny now (on penny@australiancocktailmonth.com.au) to discuss sponsorship opportunities for your brands.
A ticket to Australian Cocktail Month can be used at any participating venue throughout May. Tickets go on sale early 2022, so follow Australian Cocktail Month on Facebook and Instagram (@australian_cocktail_month) and sign up to the event’s newsletter on www.australiancocktailmonth.com.au to be first in line for a ticket and watch as Australian Cocktail Month 2022 comes to life.