Australia’s liquor and hospitality industries are gearing up for Mardi Gras with a vibrant mix of events and activations, from specially-curated cocktails to drag brunches embracing the spirit of celebration and inclusivity.
As the official gin sponsor for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the fifth year running, Archie Rose Distilling Co. is kicking festivities off with an exciting lineup of activations around the city.
Archie Rose has curated limited-edition cocktails especially for Mardi Gras celebrations, and they’ll be available to enjoy at select Sydney venues, starting tomorrow at Bar 83 for Sydney’s Highest Bottomless Drag Brunch. Limited-edition Mardi Gras cocktails will also be available at Reign at the QVB, Terrace on The Domain, Botanic House, Infinity at Sydney Tower and SkyFeast at Sydney Tower, with $2 from each cocktail sold donated to Safe Space Alliance.
A curated list of Mardi Gras cocktails crafted with Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin will be available at Solotel pub the Paddo Inn from 16 February, and at other special events such as Paint & Sip hosted in collaboration with Paint Splice, and Drag Trivia with Carmen Geddit at The Carrington.
Other Solotel pubs and bars are also preparing for a colourful lineup of events – highlights include a BARBA party taking place on 28 February across the four levels of The Kings Cross Hotel, which will be renamed The Queens Cross Hotel throughout the festivities; and The Bank Hotel’s jampacked program featuring a Fair Day Party and the Dykes on Bikes Parade Day Party.
Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel, said, “Mardi Gras has always been a major moment for our group and we’re so proud of the way our venues go all out to celebrate and put on a jam-packed lineup of events. It has built year-on-year and this year is no different.
“The Bank Hotel is going to be a headline venue for the festival kicking off with a Fair Day Party on 16 February, and we’re again renaming the Kings Cross Hotel to Queens Cross Hotel. Put on your best dancing shoes, it’s going to be loud.”
Absolut Vodka has partnered with QT Sydney, which will transform into The QT Playhouse, to create three signature Playhouse cocktails available at Parlour and Gowings bars throughout Mardi Gras celebrations. Bottomless Bingo will also be held at Parlour on 22 February, hosted by Queen Vybe.
Other events taking place around the city include Mardi Cha, the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre’s twist on its monthly yum cha feast hosted by Jackie Daniels and friends on 1-2 March.