The first we heard of Australian-made gin was when our friend the lovely Caroline Childerley – officially The Gin Queen – told us about Four Pillars Gin coming for their first launch in Sydney. It was great to meet Cam and the guys from Four Pillars, and their gin really is exceptional. If you’ve had … Read more
As you may know, we love our cocktails and high-end spirits. There’s nothing better than sampling an expensive champagne or sipping an XO cognac, but we also love experimenting with recipes at home. This has led to us investigate the strange moonshine-esque practice of ‘dishwasher vodka’. When we first spotted it in the paper, we … Read more
Zeta Bar at the top of the Hilton Sydney has always been a pretty damn fine bar. Its outlook over the beautiful Queen Victoria Building and down into the pulsing soul of the city is enticing and glamorous. From Valentine’s Day, ’14 Zeta is embracing the romance of the exotic. Their Arabian Nights theme, which … Read more
Drinking beer on Australia Day is about as Australian as you can get. It’s the best way to celebrate our national day, but that doesn’t mean you have to drink beer and forsake all other beverages. I first heard of a beer cocktail a year or two ago in a rooftop bar in Sydney. Initially, … Read more
If you’re looking for something you can take round to friends or family to wait for Santa this Christmas, we’ve got just the thing. Our Citrus Iced Tea Punch is a winner – especially if – like us – you’re gearing up for a hot Christmas. This punch is so refreshing, it’s perfect for making … Read more
In my books, Sydney’s all about the sun, the sea and a good swig from a glass. That’s what I was expecting anyway, a bit under 14 years ago when I first reached these eastern shores. So far, I’ve been pretty happy – and now, I’m even happier! Thanks to an unintentional tip-off from a … Read more
Skulls. Cultures have used them symbolically throughout the ages. They can represent strength, wisdom and guidance, and survival through a difficult time. It’s probably why Dan Aykroyd chose it to be the shape of his own brand of vodka – Crystal Head. The glass skull bottle just about the coolest thing ever, designed with the … Read more
Who’d have thought you’d find an internationally acclaimed mixologist in Trieste? It’s true though. The James Joyce Cafe – named after the moody Irish author – is a tiny bar full of the flavours of Triestino life. The best of which are made at the bar by Robi. Robi – or Roberto to his mother – … Read more
New bar Neighbourhood should have opened in Bondi ages ago. I’m often mystified at how Sydney’s (if not Australia’s) most famous suburb has so few really good drinking spots. I mean there are some, but with a name like Bondi Beach, you’d expect a bit more. Thankfully Neighbourhood is taking Bondi’s reputation by the scruff … Read more
From my perspective, nothing’s a bigger treasure than a bar near a shopping spree. Don’t get me wrong, Mrs Romance and I shop well together. There are several techniques I employ to cope. In fact here are some tips for shopping with your partner. Even in the midst of a Bloomingdale’s shoe sale, Mrs R … Read more