Spiced Mandarin Tea-Ni
A delicious strawberry twist on a sour, this is a festive cocktail that is sure to please. It can also be made as a mocktail with instructions included in the recipe.
A delicious martini style mocktail with a delicious festive twist! With only two ingredients, this mocktail packs a high level of sophisticated flavour with only two ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Add ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Double strain into a coupe glass and enjoy!
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Festive Spiced Panna Cotta
A delicious, creamy panna cotta, infused with The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea. Top with Chocolate Bourbon Cherries for extra indulgence.
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp gelatin
3 tbsp water
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Tea
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
The Curious Cabinet Chocolate and Bourbon Cherries to garnish
METHOD
Combine gelatin and water in a small bowl and mix. Set aside.
To a saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream, milk and tea. Once heated, remove from heat, allowing tea to steep for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid a skin from forming on the surface.
Once steeped, strain the mix into a clean saucepan, heating until 80ºC. Remove from heat and add in brown sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin water mix. Mix until the sugar and gelatin dissolves.
Allow mixture to sit and cool for 5 minutes. Stir again every few minutes to prevent a skin from forming.
Pour mixture into cups or ramekins, allowing them to cool completely to room temperature.
Cover with plastic wrap and put them in the fridge. Let them set for 4 hours or overnight.
Garnish with The Curious Cabinet Chocolate and Bourbon Cherries. Serve, and enjoy!
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Event: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2024
Join us at Melbourne Food and Wine Festival for an evening of distilling, botanics and delicious cocktails and mocktails.
Ori-gin story:the garden in your glass
Take a journey through distilling and botanicals at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with Anther Distillery and The Curious Cabinet at Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
WHEN: Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 March 6-8pm
WHERE: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Birdwood Avenue
Are you a fan of botanicals and the art of crafting intriguing beverages? If so, we have the perfect event for you! As part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is hosting a unique and immersive experience where you can indulge in the finest drinks featuring the botanical creations of Anther Distillery and The Curious Cabinet. Whilst strolling through the gardens, you will embark on a journey, understanding how nature inspired these creators to discover the botanical world of flavour, and unlock the garden in your glass…
ABOUT THE COLLABORATIONS
Geelong based small businesses, Anther Distillery and The Curious Cabinet, have a shared passion for curiosity, creativity, and flavour innovation. Both have had the pleasure of collaborating with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, to create products that showcase their flare for creating intriguing flavours with beautiful botanics foraged from the Gardens. These collaborations also help raise money to support the continued conservation and research efforts at the Gardens.
The range of products include:
what to expect
As you wander through the enchanting Gardens, immerse yourself in the captivating stories of how these products, and their visionary creators, were inspired by the flavours at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Prepare to tantalise your taste buds by indulging in two cocktails/mocktails, expertly crafted by these creators, featuring their botanic inspired products.
Alongside Anther Distillery’s Dr Derv McGowan and The Curious Cabinet’s founder Pia Cook, Gardens plant specialist and Kitchen Garden Curator Jenni Bell, from RBGV will be there to guide you through the unique botanics that have inspired these exceptional collaborations. Learn about the origins of each ingredient, and how they found their way into the Gardens.
the flavours of anther distillery
One of the highlights of this event is the opportunity to taste the exquisite creations from Anther Distillery. Led by Dr Derv McGowan, and cocktail extraordinaire Sebastian Reaburn, Anther Distillery is known for championing Australian ingredients in their tasty gins distilled by methods that harness both creativity and science. During the event, you'll have the chance to taste Anther's Florescence Gin in unique cocktails that showcases the diversity of flavours found in the Royal Botanic Gardens. From native Australian plants such as Tasmannia xerophila (Apline Pepper), Kunzea parvifolia, and (Violet Kunzea), each ingredient’s story adds depth to the gin and is a testimony to the artistic science of flavour that Anther capture in every bottle.
exploring the curious cabinet’s creations
In addition, you will be inspired by founder of The Curious Cabinet, Pia Cook, artful mastermind behind alcohol-free drinks created with the intention of making one feel like they have discovered something truly remarkable. Bringing a modern take on a popular past time, Pia’s Shrub Syrups are inspired by an old world recipe that combine sugar, fruit, and apple-cider vinegar for a tantalising flavour that is tart and sweet. Pia’s curious creations capture the essence of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, which you’ll be given the chance to experience in an intriguing range of mocktails. From vibrant notes of Lemon Myrtle, to earthy undertones such as Bay Laurel, each sip will transport you to a delicious intersection of flavour and botanical wonder, allowing you to unlock your curiosity and be inspired by a truly innovative way to experience alcohol-free.
secure your tickets!
Mandarin and Lime Dust Recipes & Inspiration
Want to know how to diversify your mixology and cooking with our Lime and Mandarin Dust range? This blog will give you delicious cocktail garnishes, fun ways to elevate your dessert, and curious ways of serving salads and seafood.
What is Mandarin Dust / Lime Dust?
Made from the fruit strained off our best selling Mandarin Shrub Syrup and Lime Shrub Syrup, our Mandarin Dust and Lime Dust are an intriguing way to take your mixology, baking, and cooking to the next level. Not only do these zesty and magical dusts taste great, but they’re also a product that are environmentally friendly.
Created from only two ingredients - fruit and sugar - these dusts are zesty and tangy with a sweet finish. They’re most popularly used to rim the glass of cocktails/mocktails, however there are several ways you can elevate your cooking and baking with this ingredient. Keep reading to find out more!
Garnishing your drink
It is simple to use any of the dusts as a garnish on the rim of your cocktail/alcohol-free drink. Simply cut a wedge of citrus, and slide it along the rim of your glass. Then coat your glass rolling it on a plate lightly sprinkled with your chosen dust.
Mandarin Dust
Lime Dust
Margaritas: For those who aren’t a fan of a marg’s traditional salt rim, Lime Dust provides a sweet yet zesty alternative.
Shrub Elixir: Elevate a simple shrub and soda with a generous rim of Lime Dust. This will take any alcohol-free drink to the next level. See here for a video recipe
Martinis & Negronis: Tame your next classic cocktail with a rim of Mandarin Dust. The tang and sweetness of the Mandarin Dust will breathe new life into any classic cocktail.
Baking & desserts
One of our favourite ways to elevate desserts and baking, is with our magical dusts. Elevate a sophisticated dessert, or let the kids have some fun with their ice cream with a simple sprinkle.
Sprinkle over desserts
Delicious over a perfectly flamed meringue, or some delicious home cooked muffins. Check out our Key Lime Pie recipe or Chocolate and Mandarin Autumn Muffins.
A fun one for the kids!
A fun and tasty way to enjoy any of the dusts is sprinkled over ice-cream, or take it to the next level with a chocolate coated dust cone!
We recommend pairing your dust with these ice cream flavours:
Lime: white chocolate, coconut, macadamia, pistachio
Mandarin: chocolate milk/dark, coffee, vanilla, ginger
cooking
Add a level of intrigue to your cooking with these quick and easy ways to take your favourite meals to the next level.
Prawn and Avocado Salad with Mandarin
This delicious salad, featuring our Mandarin Shrub Syrup in the dressing, is a delicious example of how our range can be used for so many different things! Sprinkle with Mandarin Dust for a tangy and sweet finish, and you’ll have all of your friends begging you for this recipe.
lime dusted grilled PINEAPPLE
Courtesy of our Production Team, Nathan has pioneered this delicious way to enjoy Lime Dust!
Simply coat your pineapple rings in Lime Dust before placing them on the BBQ to grill. Once cooked place them in a burger, or even enjoy them topped with some ice cream as a dessert!
ready to get started using our dust range?
CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES USING LIME AND MANDARIN DUST
A chat with our founder - brainstorming recipe ideas
Our Founder, Pia, has been experimenting with flavours using our cocktail teas and wanted to share some ideas with you!
Catch up with Pia, our Founder, as she tells you about her brainstorming process when coming up with different cooking ideas using our products. She shares with you some ideas with our latest Cocktail Tea range, and sets a challenge to come up with two new recipes!
Below, Pia also provides some links to her favourite recipe book inspirations. These are some of her go-tos for flavour pairings and ideas.
The Flavour Thesaurus https://amzn.to/47INbA7
The Cook's Companion (Stephanie Alexander) https://amzn.to/3SmykXz
Ottolenghi Flavour https://amzn.to/423pocK
COOK (Karen Martini) https://amzn.to/3RZONQ9
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Lime Shrub Marg
A curious twist on a Margarita, using our Lime Shrub Syrup and Lime Dust as a delicious alternative to a salt rim.
INGREDIENTS
75ml Tequila or Mezcal
The Curious Cabinet Lime Dust or Salt for the rim
Lime wedge
METHOD
Use the lime wedge to wet your chilled coupe glass, before rolling it in Lime Dust or Salt. Shake the tequila/mezcal and Lime Shrub Syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker. Double strain your into your prepared glass. Serve.
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AWARD WINNING RANGE
There is much love and curiosity included in every product in The Curious Cabinet range, and for this reason we delight in knowing we have created a product that people enjoy. We take great pride in receiving the following awards.
There is much love and curiosity included in every product in The Curious Cabinet range, and for this reason we delight in knowing we have created a product that people enjoy. We take great pride in receiving the following awards.
CLEAN AND CONSCIOUS AWARDS
2023 - Spiced Rhubarb Chutney - Bronze Medal
2023 - Lime Dust - finalist
DRINKEASY AWARDS
Drinkeasy Awards 2021 - Non-Alcoholic category award (Cherry Shrub Syrup)
ROYAL TASMANIAN FINE FOOD AWARDS
2023 – Lime Shrub Syrup – Silver
2023 – Spiced Rhubarb Chutney – Bronze
2023 – Rhubarb and Ginger Jam – Silver
2022 – Mulled Wine Kit – Silver
2022 – Mandarin Dust – Gold
2022 – Lime Dust – Silver
2021 - Sparkling Cherry - Bronze
2022 - Sparkling Strawberry - Bronze
2021 - Sparkling Mandarin - Bronze
2021 - Sparkling Rhubarb - Bronze
2021 - Rhubarb Shrub Syrup - Silver
2021 - Mandarin Shrub Syrup - Silver
2021 - White Peach Shrub Syrup - Bronze
2021 - White Peach Shrub Syrup - Bronze
2021 - Cherry Shrub Syrup - Bronze
Dark Spiced Tea Spritz
Embrace the spirit of the season with this delectable and refreshing spritz using our Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just unwinding by yourself, this spritz is a celebration in a glass.
Channelling a festive punch, this is a great spritz for a group or just for yourself. Made using The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea this recipe will be sure to become a favourite amongst your friends and family.
INGREDIENTS (SINGLE SERVE)
120ml pre-brewed and chilled The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea
Ginger beer or lemonade
Garnish: citrus wheels, mint or rosemary
INGREDIENTS (GROUP SERVING)
500ml pre-brewed and chilled The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea
ginger beer or lemonade
garnish: citrus wheels, mint or rosemary
METHOD
PRIOR TO SERVING
Pre-brew 2 teaspoons of tea for every 250ml of iced tea you require. (We suggest brewing a large batch and keeping it in your fridge for up to 3 days.)
AT TIME OF SERVING
For a single serve:
Fill a spritz glass with ice. Add 120ml chilled tea. Top with Ginger Beer or lemonade. (Add some gin, dark rum or vodka for a unique cocktail). Garnish with citrus wheels, mint or rosemary.
For a group:
Add 500ml brewed tea to a large serving jug with lots of ice. Top with Ginger Beer or Lemonade. Garnish with citrus wheels. mint or rosemary. (Add some gin, dark rum or vodka for a cocktail).
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Tea Spritz
A deliciously curious drink recipe that can be used as a base recipe for any of our Cocktail Teas. Make this for yourself or a group, for a super tasty and refreshing spritz.
A deliciously curious drink that is perfect to make for yourself or a group of people. Use any of our The Curious Cabinet Cocktail Teas to create this super tasty and refreshing drink.
INGREDIENTS (SINGLE SERVE)
30-60ml vodka or gin
90ml brewed The Curious Cabinet Cocktail Tea
lemondade
ice
lemon or mint for garnish
INGREDIENTS (GROUP SERVING)
150-200ml gin/vodka
500ml brewed The Curious Cabinet Cocktail Tea
lemonade
ice
lemon or mint for garnish
METHOD
Fill a spritz glass with ice. (For a group add ingredients into punch bowl or jug). Add vodka/gin, brewed tea and top with lemonade. (For an alcohol-free version, remove the alcohol and add more lemonade. Garnish with lemon wheels or fresh mint.
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Dark Spiced Cherry Tea-Ni
Add a layer of festivity to your next martini with this delicious recipe. Made using our Festive Spiced Cocktail tea, this martini complex yet well balanced. This one is great with or without alcohol!
A complex, yet well balanced festive martini that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol.
INGREDIENTS
30ml Gin (for an alcohol-free version add 30ml extra tea)
METHOD
PRIOR TO SERVING
Pre-brew 2 teaspoons of Festive Spiced Tea in 250ml and chill. (Use 60ml-90ml for this recipe, and save the rest for later - chill in the fridge for up to 3 days).
AT TIME OF SERVING
Add The Curious Cabinet Cherry Shrub Syrup, chilled tea and 30ml gin (or extra tea for an alcohol-free version) to a shaker with lots of ice. Shake well. Double Strain into a coupe glass. Serve.
