Where to Try These Fancy French Vanilla Vodka Cocktails in Melbourne

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As December rapidly approaches (it'll be 2020 before you know it, people) and temperatures soar, it's time to enjoy some of those traditionally festive flavours with an Australian twist. Ahead of the holiday season, Grey Goose La Vanille has returned to a selection of local bars for a limited time only. The premium French vodka is infused with natural vanilla flavours from beans harvested in Madagascar — there's no added sugar. The flavour originally swept through bars back in 2003, and though it's not available to buy in shops, it started reappearing on international shelves last year. Now, the bold caramelised toffee notes are back just in time to add a vanilla twist to classic vodka cocktails throughout the holidays. Thankfully, we have the hook ups — here's where you can get your lips around an exclusive cocktail with a vanilla twist.

Peaches by Kate Shanasy

WHERE CAN YOU DRINK IT?

With such exclusivity surrounding Grey Goose La Vanille, bartenders around town are taking the opportunity to whip up some special creations for the occasion. At just a handful of bars around Australia — including Sydney's Maybe Sammy, Eleven Rooftop in Brisbane, Geelong's The 18th Amendment Bar and Adelaide's 2KW — you'll find some delightfully summery cocktails championing the smooth vanilla flavour. In Melbourne, get down to Peaches, the CBD cocktail bar just above barbecue restaurant Cheek, where a delicious vanilla cocktail is sure to go down a treat as you relax among the whimsical retro-pink decor. Down in Windsor, Aussie-themed cocktail bar and bottle shop Galah will be mixing up something special with homegrown flavours, too.

GALAH: LIVING LEGEND

This one is sure to live up to its name. The bold toffee notes of Grey Goose La Vanille meet a fruit salad of sweet and tart flavours, including lychee, passionfruit, grapefruit and lime. Not to stray too far from the Aussie tilt of a Galah, there's also native inspiration in the kakadu plum chardonnay and rivermint to round out the drink, which is shaken and strained into a coupe glass. Pair the Living Legend with modern Australiana bar food, like a leek and potato tart, crocodile skewers or fried cauliflower.

Kate Shanasy

PEACHES: VANILLA WATERFOWLER

The crew at CBD newcomer Peaches have kept it nice and simple with this one. In a collins glass, you'll get Grey Goose La Vanille with lemon, Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto Liqueur, vanilla sugar and five mint leaves. It's shaken and strained before being topped with Garage Project White Mischief Salted Peach Sour. It's sure to have you feeling refreshed on a hot summer day, and will go well with Peaches' beloved chicken sanga.

Each Grey Goose bottle is distilled and bottled in France, and the high quality vodka has a 100 percent traceable production process, from crop to cork. Upgrade your weekend by choosing the premium vodka — with a vanilla twist — in your classic cocktail.