The Best Booze: Aussie Drink Favorites that You Must Try
There is literally not enough space in this blog series to list all of the incredibly delicious alcoholic beverages that are made right here in Australia.
From ‘happy hour’ after work, to Saturday drinks with friends, drinking fine wines, refreshing beers, and tasty spirits is deeply engrained in Australians’ way of life. With a large selection of local liquor stores, vibrant night life, decadent restaurants, and a pub around every corner, Australians loves having a cold one at the end of the day. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why Australia has such a respected and world-renowned alcohol manufacturing industry.
We already know how Australia was built on multiculturalism, and this has helped Australians develop traditional European techniques for drink making, particularly wine and beer, that has been adapted to Australian soil and climate, as well as the developed palates of Aussie wine drinkers. Aside from wines, Australia also has a booming liquor industry with all types of gin, rum, and whiskey made and enjoyed.
Alas, this wouldn’t be about drinking in Australia if we didn’t talk about that famous larrikinism and some of our unique Aussie drink choices that may (or may not) seem a bit silly – true to Aussie form.
Whether it’s a fine wine or a sugary treat, here are some iconic and must-try drinks for your Aussie culinary adventures.
Photo by Unsplash
Booze For Beginners
Before your hit the ‘bottle-o’ for a bottle of booze, you need to know where to go. Unlike many European corner stores, alcohol in Australia can’t just be purchased anywhere.
Alcoholic drinks can be bought from various ‘chain’ stores including the popular Dan Murphy’s, BWS, or Liquerland. We even have drive-through liquor stores! Some supermarkets such as Aldi will have a small selection available, or we have smaller, more specialised stores for a more personalised and unique experience. Wineries and breweries are highly popular, with people taking holidays in these well-known regions to go wine tasting and tour the various tastes and styles.
Local pubs are another great place to go and find local brews as well as international favourites, and small lesser known but equally as delicious craft beers and boutique wines. They are a fun place to ask for recommendations and guidance on different drinks available, although everyone has their own different opinions.
Most stores will have opening and closing hours slightly later than the average retail store, to coincide with the more common drinking times. Alcohol is available to anyone over the age of 18, and if asked to present your ID card, you must comply or the store can refuse to sell to you.
Bundaberg Rum
An Aussie staple in every pub, a ‘bundy’ is one of our most popular brands of rum and come in a variety of styles. Named of course after the town of Bundaberg in Queensland where it is produced, you can ask nearly every Aussie if they have ‘bundy and coke’ from time to time and you will hear a resounding yes.
Tooheys
An absolute Aussie classic, the Tooheys beer has been around for 150 years and is found in nearly every pub and drinking establishment around Australia. Not only refreshing on hot days, a delicious Tooheys is a winner year-round.
The humble beer is an Aussie favourite.
Photo by Pawel Kadysz
The Goon Bag
Pretty simple really – It’s wine served in a bag, in a box. ‘Boxed wine’ has had a bad rap in the past due to its low price and quirky packaging but ask any long-drinking Aussie or backpacker and they will tell you stories of ‘slapping the bag’ and enjoying a goon, just not necessarily as a proud moment.
Victoria Bitter
No one really remembers how they got started on ‘VBs’ as a young adult. All we know is that everyone has had a VB at one point or another, and they are served absolutely everywhere. Created in 1854, the humble VB was made to quench our thirst in our harsh Aussie climate
Australian red wines have become a favourite wine worldwide.
Photo by Ellena McGuinness
Jägerbombs
You might think that sounds European, not Australian, and you are sort of correct. A jägerbomb, although not made from Australian drinks, remains a very popular choice here. It starts with a glass of energy drink, usually Redbull, followed by dropping a shot of Jägermeister into the glass. This is best drunk with mates, and always after a countdown before dropping the ‘bomb’ in.
Expresso Martinis
So, they’re not an Australian invention, but the expresso martini cocktail can be found in every bar or nightclub. A symbol for Australia’s coffee-drinking culture, the expresso martini is the perfect blend of caffeine and martini. The secret to Australia’s delicious expresso martinis is the use of high quality alcohol and the best coffee possible.
Delicious and popular: the expresso martini.
Photo by Timothé Durand
Penfolds
A household name, Penfolds have been making premium wines since 1844, and have produced some of Australia’s most loved red wines. With cuttings originally brought with the founders on boat when they immigrated to Australia, the brand has since expanded across the globe, putting Aussie wines on the map.
The vibrant range of Australian alcoholic drinks is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit. From the sophisticated allure of Penfolds wines to the iconic Bundaberg Rum and the endearing charm of the Goon Bag, each drink tells a story of tradition, creativity, and community. These beverages are more than just drinks; they reflect the Australian way of life, where social gatherings and shared experiences are cherished. No matter what your ‘poison’ may be, you are sure to find something to suite your tastebuds and take you on a little Australian adventure of your own. Cheers to discovering some iconic Australian booze!
