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- news
Cocktail Bar of the Year – The Bar Awards 2026 finalists unveiled
The finalists for the 25th Annual Bar Awards are almost here — and in the lead-up, we’re revealing a few categories early. Next up are your picks for the country’s Cocktail Bar of the Year. BAR AWARDS TICKETS This year’s Bar Awards will take place on Wednesday 16 September at Doltone House, closing out another Sydney Bar Week.… The post Cocktail Bar of the Year – The Bar Awards 2026 finalists unveiled appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Wine Bar of the Year – The Bar Awards 2026 finalists unveiled
The finalists for the 25th Annual Bar Awards are almost here — and in the lead-up, we’re revealing a few categories early. Next up are your picks for the country’s Wine Bar of the Year. BAR AWARDS TICKETS This year’s Bar Awards will take place on Wednesday 16 September at Doltone House, closing out another Sydney Bar Week.… The post Wine Bar of the Year – The Bar Awards 2026 finalists unveiled appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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The Bat & Ball team are set to reopen the historic Carlisle Castle Hotel
The team behind Redfern’s Bat & Ball Hotel are launching their second venue, taking over the historic Carlisle Castle Hotel in Newtown, with plans to reopen the neighbourhood pub in late 2026. Rather than reinventing the 150-year-old venue, the independent hospitality group says its focus will be on restoring and preserving one of Sydney’s most… The post The Bat & Ball team are set to reopen the historic Carlisle Castle Hotel appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Rookie Bartender of the Year – The Bar Awards 2026 finalists unveiled
The finalists for the 25th Annual Bar Awards are almost here — and in the lead-up, we’re revealing a few categories early. First up are your picks for the country’s Rookie Bartender of the Year. BAR AWARDS TICKETS This year’s Bar Awards will take place on Wednesday 16 September at Doltone House, closing out another… The post Rookie Bartender of the Year – The Bar Awards 2026 finalists unveiled appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Bartender of the Year 2026 Returns and Registrations are Still Open!
Australia’s bartending elite are once again being called to the bar, with the return of the Bartender of the Year competition for 2026, sponsored by Spirits Academy. The multi-stage showdown is designed to separate the well-trained from the world-class. Structured to test every facet of the craft, the competition moves far beyond simply making good… The post Bartender of the Year 2026 Returns and Registrations are Still Open! appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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How Bar Clara found success through simplicity
Photography by Kit Edwards Down neon-lit stairs and through a curtained doorway in Melbourne’s Chinatown, Bar Clara offers respite from the city noise. Since opening in 2019, owner and general manager, Joel McKenzie, has built its reputation for consistency, restraint, and connection. McKenzie’s approach is grounded in early experiences around the table. “Special dinners with… The post How Bar Clara found success through simplicity appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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A match made for the palate
Jeff Schroeter, restaurateur, chef, and now owner of Darling Glebe at Sydney’s historic Darling Mills site, has cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants to private meals for Madonna and the late Queen Elizabeth II. He is passionate about the whole dining experience, ensuring a partnership between cocktail and food that makes your mouth sing. Chef Jeff Schroeter… The post A match made for the palate appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Why Nick King Bet on a Speakeasy in Regional NSW
Opening a speakeasy in regional NSW isn’t the obvious play – but for Nick King, that was the point. With wife Anna Wealands, he’s carved out a space between a pub and fine dining, bringing a unique cocktail experience to Wagga. For Nick King, opening a bar in regional NSW wasn’t about chasing a trend… The post Why Nick King Bet on a Speakeasy in Regional NSW appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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A Japanese-inspired bar and diner has opened in Coburg
A new Japanese-inspired bar and diner has opened in Coburg, bringing a high-energy atmosphere, creative cocktails and flavour-driven dining to Melbourne’s north. Koi Toy officially opened, positioning itself as a casual yet elevated destination for everything from weeknight dinners and celebrations to pre- and post-movie drinks. The 90-seat venue places a strong emphasis on its… The post A Japanese-inspired bar and diner has opened in Coburg appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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The Ice Magic Old Fashioned from Silver’s Motel
Dessert nostalgia meets late-night bar energy with the Ice Magic Old Fashioned at Silver’s Motel – a rich, spirit-forward twist on the classic that leans into caramel and chocolate. Built around house-made whey caramel infused bourbon, tawny port and bitters, the cocktail is finished with an Ice Magic garnish that throws it straight back to… The post The Ice Magic Old Fashioned from Silver’s Motel appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Beyond the Competition: Diageo Bar Academy Opens the Doors to World Class Talent!
As Australia’s best bartenders prepare to compete for the title of World Class Australia Bartender of the Year, Diageo Bar Academy is ensuring the wider hospitality community can benefit too. Ahead of this year’s World Class Bartender of the Year National Finals happening in Melbourne on Monday June 29th, Diageo Bar Academy will host World Class… The post Beyond the Competition: Diageo Bar Academy Opens the Doors to World Class Talent! appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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From Seoul: Jacob Jang on the Power of Hospitality
The beverage manager at Conrad Seoul, Jacob Jang, reflects on his love of hospitality and what it has taught him so far. Tell us about your time in hospitality. I was drawn to the hospitality industry while still in high school. I studied Hotel Management at university in Korea and Switzerland, and I have now… The post From Seoul: Jacob Jang on the Power of Hospitality appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Super 44 brings a margarita-focused neighbourhood bar to Enmore Road this week
The team behind Cantina OK!, Centro 86 and Tio’s is set to open its latest venue this week, with Super 44 launching on Enmore Road. Located just a few doors from Bar Planet, the new neighbourhood margarita bar marks the first time Mucho Group has brought its signature ice-shaved margarita program to Sydney’s Inner West,… The post Super 44 brings a margarita-focused neighbourhood bar to Enmore Road this week appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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The Minds Behind Doom Juice Cellar Door
What began as a side project for Festival of Doom has evolved into Doom Juice Cellar Door. We spoke with co-founders Zachary Godbolt and Sebastian Keys about the venture and doing things differently. How did Doom Juice start – planned, or accidental? Zachary Godbolt: We started Doom Juice in early 2021 as a bit of… The post The Minds Behind Doom Juice Cellar Door appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Bitters, balance and the new era of Dry July
What was once viewed as the month of abstinence has evolved into one of the biggest opportunities in the modern drinks landscape. Dry July now sits at the centre of the rapidly growing no- and low-alcohol movement, with younger consumers increasingly seeking sophisticated alternatives to traditional full-strength serves. According to a 2025 Finder survey, 31 per… The post Bitters, balance and the new era of Dry July appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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The June Issue of Australian Bartender is Out Now
The June issue of Australian Bartender has landed, bringing together the latest industry news, venue openings, bartender insights, profiles and business advice from across Australia and beyond. Leading the issue is a look at the changing role of bitters in the no- and low-alcohol movement. From page 12, the cover story explores how Angostura Bitters… The post The June Issue of Australian Bartender is Out Now appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Casa Spirits launches limited-edition RTDs with $20,000 giveaway
Two new limited-edition RTDs and a $20,000 cash giveaway form the centrepiece of Casa Spirits’ latest campaign. Australian independent spirits brand Casa Spirits is combining two limited-edition product launches with a nationwide promotion, offering a total of $20,000 in cash prizes as part of the rollout of Not Hot Toddy and Very Dirty Shirley. Built… The post Casa Spirits launches limited-edition RTDs with $20,000 giveaway appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Toasties, martinis and midnight negronis: Ravenspur extends its late-night offering
Ravenspur is giving Newtown’s late-night crowd another reason to stay a little longer, launching a new toasted sandwich menu designed to sit alongside Ravenspur’s drinks program – available until 2am Friday and Saturday nights until sold out. Known for its dark spirits, whisky-heavy back bar and cocktail-focused offering, the Enmore Road venue has introduced a… The post Toasties, martinis and midnight negronis: Ravenspur extends its late-night offering appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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World of Tequila Masterclasses 2026 – In Melbourne Next Week
Experience the Art, History, and Soul of Tequila. Step into the world of premium agave spirits with an immersive tasting and education masterclass, brought to you by Proximo Spirits. The World of Tequila Masterclass brings together tequila craftsmanship, cocktail culture and flavour discovery in an immersive experience designed for bartenders, hospitality professionals and agave enthusiasts alike. Backed by over 11 generations… The post World of Tequila Masterclasses 2026 – In Melbourne Next Week appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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The Indonesian Rum Revival: Win an Immersive Trip to Bali with Nusa Caña
For centuries, Indonesia was one of the world’s great rum-producing regions. Its sugarcane, spices and island traditions helped shape a rich rum-making culture long before many of today’s better-known rum destinations emerged. Yet somehow, that story has been largely forgotten beyond its shores. Nusa Caña exists to change that. The Indonesian Rum Revival is more… The post The Indonesian Rum Revival: Win an Immersive Trip to Bali with Nusa Caña appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Final Days to Register in Starwards ‘Rules for the New Old Fashioned’ competition
Registration for Starwards ‘Rules for the New Old Fashioned’ competition are still open, but not for long. The competition challenges entrants to create their own take on the Old Fashioned using Starward Whisky, pushing beyond tradition while still respecting the bones of the classic. It’s less about throwing random ingredients at a glass and more… The post Final Days to Register in Starwards ‘Rules for the New Old Fashioned’ competition appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Celebrating World Gin Day
Grant Collins, owner of Gin Lane in Sydney, shares his favourite Martini variation, a serve he says he enjoys every year to mark World Gin Day, celebrated this year on 13 June. “The Montgomery Martini is famously associated with Ernest Hemingway and is said to have been inspired by Bernard Montgomery, one of Britain’s most… The post Celebrating World Gin Day appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .
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Suntory Cup 2026 State Finalists Announced
More than 430 entries from bartenders across Australia have been narrowed down to the State Finalists for Suntory Cup 2026, setting the stage for one of the competition’s biggest years yet. As Club Suntory celebrates 40 years of supporting and championing the hospitality industry, this year’s competition challenged bartenders to create a cocktail inspired by… The post Suntory Cup 2026 State Finalists Announced appeared first on australianbartender.com.au .