Shaken or Stirred

Whether you’re looking for the perfect pairing to enjoy at home, a delicious cocktail while you’re out and about, or something of the non-alcoholic variety, you’ll find some amazing drinks in the many restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries dotted around the region. And with the warmer weather, now is the perfect time to tour the region in search of your new favourite drop, brew, cocktail or mocktail for the perfect dinner pairing or slow Sunday session.

Starting in Kyneton, Piper Street is well known for its premium café and dining experiences, it’s therefore no surprise that it’s also home to many of the region’s best cocktail bars. The team at Botanik at the Royal George Hotel combine an eclectic mix of retail therapy alongside excellently crafted cocktails, while a quick step over the road and you’ll find yourselves in expert hands at Miss M’s Lounge. Keep heading down the road and you’ll find the cocktail lounge at Animus Distillery. Relax on the Chesterfields and choose from the evolving list of seasonal cocktails. Across the road, Fook Shing offers a selection of delightful cocktails to thrill alongside tasty South-East Asian cuisine.

In Woodend, you can’t go past Holgate Brewery, famous for their range of traditionally styled beers. Next door, you’ll find Woodend Cellar & Bar, a cosy spot for a classic cocktail or a local drop of wine. Tucked behind Woodend Cellar & Bar is the chef hatted Kuzu Izakaya, this casual eatery serves not only delicious Japanese food, but tasty Japanese inspired cocktails too. Or, for moreish margaritas, paired with tasty Mexican bites, head across the road to Las Margaritas.

Over in Musk, the team at Daylesford Cider certainly offer plenty to try when it comes to refreshing summer ales. As well as a large range of alcoholic cider styles, their non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider made from 100% Victorian grown pink lady apples is a favourite amongst cellar door visitors.

Dreaming of a refreshing, non-alcoholic Italian style spritz by the lake? Sip on a can of Senza, an Aperitif mixed with bitter orange, herbs and a signature Gentian Root, available for purchase online and at Daylesford’s Lake House. Nearby, Betel Boy is a great option for classic cocktails, their ‘afternoon sessions’ every Friday and Saturday are particularly popular. A few doors down at Enki, you can sip on organic beverages such as Elixir of Life and Love Potion, curated by herabalists at their Botanic Bar. A short stroll away, Brewjays in Daylesford is the go to spot for an espresso martini, while Bar Merenda boasts a curated selection of local and international wines, along with expertly crafted cocktails.

In Hepburn, sip on a cocktail in the cosy saloon bar at the Palais Hepburn before catching a live show. Just up the road from there, The Virgin Kitchen at Hotel Bellinzona is the ideal spot for a spritz or sangria in the sun, while the Grande Hotel Hepburn Springs boasts a cosy speakeasy style bar, ideal for a night cap, accompanied by jazz tunes.

Here’s cheers to long, sunny days!