From the shaken to the stirred and everything in-between — this May, the country's world-class mixology scene will be celebrated in a very big way at a brand-new month-long drinks festival. The inaugural Australian Cocktail Month is set to kick off Saturday, May 1, descending on venues across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide with a diverse lineup of crafty collaborations and exclusive concoctions.

Here in Brisbane, 18 venues will help the event make its grand debut, including local favourites Death and Taxes, The Gresham, Cielo and Blackbird. They'll spend the month whipping up creative-charged festival cocktails (and mocktails) using drops from both local brands — think: Mr Black, 2020 Distillery, Feels Botanical and Starward — and international labels like Patrón Tequila, Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick's Gin.

To get among the best of it, grab a $20 Australian Cocktail Month ticket and enjoy full access to all of the participating venues' cocktail creations. Alcoholic drinks will be priced at $14 a pop, with low-alcohol and booze-free options clocking in at $10.

Death and Taxes

Top image: The Gresham, by Millie Tang