March in Australia is that weird in-between season where you’re not sure if you should crank the air-con or throw on a hoodie. One thing’s for sure—it’s prime time to give your home bar a proper spruce-up, and Tainted Cork has all the goods to make it happen.
Whether you fancy yourself a backyard mixologist or just like your drinks cold and your glasses fancy, there’s no excuse for serving your mates a cocktail in a Vegemite jar (we see you). Let’s lift the home bar game, Aussie-style.
Step 1: Bin the Random Glassware from Grandma's Cupboard
Your home bar should make you feel like you’re five minutes away from hosting MasterChef: Booze Edition. Start with the basics from Tainted Cork:
- Rocks glasses – perfect for whisky or anything neat when you’re feeling a bit rugged.
- Highballs – for all your spritzy, refreshing concoctions when it’s still 30 degrees in March.
- Coupes and martini glasses – for those moments when you’re channelling Bond… or just feeling extra after two drinks.
Step 2: Tools of the Trade (So You Look Like You Know What You’re Doing)
You can’t whip up a cocktail with a BBQ tong and a cereal bowl. Grab yourself a proper shaker, jigger, and strainer from Tainted Cork. Not only do they work like a dream, but they’ll also make your setup look sharp—no dodgy Kmart gear here.
Hot tip: a good bar spoon stirs more than just cocktails—it stirs admiration.
Step 3: Aussie Garnishes = Big Personality
Garnishing is an art form, and we Aussies like to do things a bit differently. Think lemon myrtle, finger lime pearls, or a sprig of rosemary straight from the backyard herb garden. Bonus points if you pull it off barefoot at a Sunday arvo BBQ.
March Cocktail Special: The “Bushland Breeze”
Here’s a ripper of a cocktail to get you through the shoulder season when it’s too hot for mulled wine but too cold for frozen margaritas.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Aussie gin (Four Pillars or Brookie’s for local love)
- 30ml elderflower liqueur
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml bush honey syrup (bush honey + hot water)
- A sprig of rosemary or lemon myrtle leaf
- Rocks glass (essential)
Method:
- Chuck everything except the garnish into your shaker with ice.
- Shake like you’re late for happy hour, then strain over fresh ice in your rocks glass.
- Garnish with that rosemary sprig or lemon myrtle leaf—bonus if you forage it yourself.
-
Sip on your deck, listen to the magpies, and debate if you should put on a jumper.
The Takeaway: Aussie Bar Vibes = Sorted
With Tainted Cork kitting out your home bar, you’re set for whatever March throws at you—whether it’s a heatwave, a cold snap, or a spontaneous gathering where someone shows up with a slab.
Cheers to good drinks and even better yarns!