Grab your cocktails and let the festival begin

This Friday, the World Class Cocktail Festival kicks off in Sydney with ten days of unmatched dining experiences, cocktail creations, and exceptional hospitality experiences unique to Australia.

One of the latest not-to-be-missed curated by the one and only Maurice Terzini, celebrating the beauty of Tanqueray No Ten. While Bondi’s legendary Icebergs Dining Room and Bar undergoes a revamp, Terzini’s team will be taking over his new hotel residency at The Bar (InterContinental Double Bay) for one night only, alongside giant of the cocktail world, international bartender Erik Lorincz.

Maurice Terzini said, “I’m a huge fan of Erik, the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel in London was one of my favourite bars in the world and I love what he’s doing at Kwānt. Together we’re going to create some magic and welcome everyone in for Tanqueray No Ten cocktails, tasty food and live jazz.”

The epic collaborations continue as sustainability kings Matt Whiley and Josh Niland join forces to create a limited edition Talisker cocktail available exclusively at Saint Peter throughout the World Class Cocktail Festival. Both pioneering ways of rethinking waste in food and drink, Whiley and Niland have developed a delicious salt and smoke-infused whisky cocktail that will transport you straight to the Scottish isles. From September 9-18, cocktail lovers can enjoy ‘Island Life’, a sustainable cocktail inspired by the taste of Skye (Talisker's island home) made with Talisker 10 Year Old , salted blackberry vermouth, burnt oyster shell, and lacto fermented oats- only at Saint Peter.

Hickson House will also join the line-up as the soon-to-be-crowned World Class Global Bartender of the Year makes a winning appearance at The Rocks bar for an afternoon of Johnnie Walker cocktails made by the newly crowned world’s best.

Whisky and food lovers will also be in for a treat as acclaimed chef, Danielle Alvarez, collaborates with Asia’s best bartender, Bannie Kang, for a night of The Singleton cocktails and superb food at Shell House. Kang has created The Singleton cocktails for the evening, complementing a five-course dinner crafted by Alvarez and an extraordinary line-up of female chefs.

Bannie Kang says, “The Singleton cocktails have been influenced by Asian roots and designed using exceptional and innovative techniques. The cocktails for the evening will pair beautifully with Danielle and the team’s menu. Think bursting fruity and rich tones, with a touch of warmly spiced notes that will take your dining experience to the next level.”

As part of the broader World Class Cocktail Festival festivities, venues across Sydney will offer $15 cocktails and limited edition menu items. The World Class Cocktail Festival kicks off this Friday, 9 September - Sunday, 18 September. The program and tickets can be found at www.worldclasscocktailfestival.com

More than 100 venues have come on board to get involved, when food and drink enthusiasts will toast to some of the world’s best beverages thanks to Don Julio tequila, Tanqueray No TEN, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, The Singleton single malt Scotch whisky, and more, alongside award-winning international talent such as Roy Choi, Ryan Chetiyawardana, Ago Perrone and Monica Berg to name a few.