4 new bottles that will capture your curiosity and then your tastebuds.
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1. The new Aperol
Thanks to the soaring popularity of Aperol and Campari, aperitivo liqueurs are hot. What exactly classifies as an aperitivo liqueur? Well, they are red-hued, spirit- or wine-based products that have been infused with herbs, spices, citrus and roots, then mixed with sweeteners to offset their intensity. They are split into aperitivos and bitters. The former is usually lighter in colour and lower in alcohol - like Aperol - while bitters are darker, contain twice as much alcohol and taste, well, bitter. Hotel Starlino Rose Aperitivo 750mL is the former. A salmon pink aperitivo made by blending rosé wine, a white spirit, pink grapefruit and orange peel and a host of botanicals. It’s housed in an apothecary-style bottle with a ceramic stopper, which totally makes sense when I tell you Hotel Starlino comes from the makers of Malfy gin. You got to give it to them, they know a trendy bottle.
Low-key way to enjoy: Add a shot or two to a short glass with ice, add tonic water and a slice of grapefruit.
Fancy way to enjoy: Spritz it (told you it was like Aperol). Choose an elegant tall glass, add ice, then pour three parts Starlino Rosé, two parts Prosecco and one part sparkling water. Again, garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit.
2. A Caribbean holiday you can sip
Right on time for the summer of freedom, Malibu Passion Fruit has arrived. If you’re already a Malibu drinker (the ultimate coconut flavoured white rum), this fruity twist on your favourite cocktail base is a no-brainer. Coconut is the taste of tropical holiday, only to be outdone by the addition of passionfruit.
Low-key way to enjoy: A Summer Sunset. Pour one part Malibu Passion Fruit, one part cranberry juice, one part orange juice over ice and garnish with an orange wedge.
Fancy way to enjoy: A Banana Daiquiri with a touch of passionfruit. Mash one banana in a mixing glass with crushed ice. Mix with a shot of rum, a tablespoon of Triple Sec, a shot of lime juice and a teaspoon of sugar. Shake, strain and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
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3. A bartender in a bottle
Batch and Bottle is a new range of premium pre-batched cocktails from master distillers and whisky makers William Grant and Sons. The Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan takes the classic sweet cocktail and gives it a tangy twist. It’s expertly crafted with crisp Reyka Icelandic vodka, natural rhubarb, blood orange and zingy fresh lime. This is the bottle that will change how you think about pre-batch cocktails. You’ll swear there’s a mini bartender in the bottle.
Low-key and fancy way to enjoy: All the hard work has been done for you. Pour from the fridge and serve in a chilled martini glass.
4. Gin of the year
The team at NSW-based Archie Rose Distilling Co. have created the gin especially for martini drinkers. Bone Dry Gin was created by distilling juniper three different ways using copper pot-column hybrid vacuum stills (their one-of-a-kind). The host of delicate botanicals, including coriander seed, Tahitian lime and lemon scented gum allows for a layered and nuanced flavour that you’ll enjoy tasting and discussing with your fellow gin enthusiasts.
Low-key way to enjoy: A gin and tonic to remember. A chilled glass, ice, a shot of gin and tonic to taste. Garnish with a stick of cucumber.
Fancy way to enjoy: The best dirty martini of your life. Shake a shot of gin, two teaspoons of dry vermouth and one teaspoon of olive brine over ice. Rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with a lemon wedge, strain and pour into the glass and add three olives.
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