Sydney Bar Week

Overview

Do you wish you could mix up an Old Fashioned like Don Draper? Do the words “Tiki Safari” make your mouth water in anticipation of the magical Mai Tai? Do you spend your days weighing up the pros and cons of gin and vodka or pondering how tequila can break free from the shackles of salt, lemon and shot glasses?

Whether you answered “yes” to all of the above or whether you just like to enjoy the odd cocktail, you will probably be excited to hear about Bar Week. The formerly trade only drinks show is now throwing its doors open to the thirsty public after a decade of showcasing the best in brews, bottles and fancy garnishes to industry professionals.

Sunday, 23 September is when the week’s flagship event will be staged in the form of Drinks Fest (tickets $25 for either the morning or afternoon session). Amongst those happenings stirring up connotations of the word “seminar” are a pre-noon Tiki Safari, an Irish Whisky Tasting, masterclasses on libations ranging from Cuba’s Mojito to Don’s Old Fashioned and a hands-on lesson in creative mixology intended to break rules and introduce cocktails back into Aussie households.

Many of the day’s events are aimed at breathing new life into spirits commonly brought down by false stereotypes. A class called ‘Why Everyone Should Love Tequila!’ will take skeptics on a taste-test south of the border. To celebrate the broadening of mind and palette, the day will culminate in a sunset BBQ at Cruise Bar next door, offering free entry to all ticket holders.

Plenty of other boozy events will be taking place outside of the Overseas Passenger Terminal too. Saturday’s CBD Speakeasy Tour will take you back to the 1920s for three hours as you’re escorted from one secret small bar to the next, whilst Tuesday's Sailing With Single Malts cruise offers whisky lovers the chance to enjoy their favourite tipple on the high seas. Saturday night will also see the festivities kicked off with a night of sophisticated slurping doused in New York hospitality at the freshly overhauled Morrison (read: fresh oysters, live jazz and classic bespoke cocktails).

Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to give away to Drinks Fest on Sunday, 23 September. For a chance to win, make sure you’re subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to [email protected]

Sydney Bar Week will run from 22 to 25 September 2012. For the full timetable of Bar Week events visit www.barweek.com.au/timetable.