Mojito
Making a mojito has never been so easy! Our Lime Shrub Syrup is the perfect addition to elevate your mojito.
INGREDIENTS
30ml Lime Shrub Syrup
60ml White Rum
Soda water
Mint
Lime wheels
METHOD
Add mint and 30ml of Lime Shrub Syrup to a glass and muddle together. Then add 60ml white rum, top with soda, and stir. Garnish with fresh lime and mint.
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The Rise of Alcohol-Free Drinks in Australia: How They Can Add Value to Your Menu
In recent years, Australia has seen a significant shift in the drinking habits of its population. Alcohol-free beverages, once considered niche or novelty products, are becoming mainstream. This trend, fueled by health-conscious consumers, social changes, and the availability of premium alcohol-free options, presents an opportunity for venues to cater to a growing market. If you're a venue owner or manager, now is the perfect time to explore the value of offering a diverse range of alcohol-free drinks.
In recent years, Australia has seen a significant shift in the drinking habits of its population. Alcohol-free beverages, once considered niche or novelty products, are becoming mainstream. This trend, fueled by health-conscious consumers, social changes, and the availability of premium alcohol-free options, presents an opportunity for venues to cater to a growing market. If you're a venue owner or manager, now is the perfect time to explore the value of offering a diverse range of alcohol-free drinks.
Health-Conscious Consumers are Driving the Trend
The Australian drinking culture is undergoing a transformation. With increased awareness around health and wellness, more Australians are opting for low- or no-alcohol options. According to research by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), a growing number of people are moderating their alcohol intake or abstaining entirely. The 2020 Australian Alcohol Consumption Study found that one in four Australians are drinking less than they were five years ago, with many citing health reasons for the change.
The Global Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market Report also highlights a 7.5% annual growth rate in the alcohol-free beverage sector, with Australia contributing significantly to that increase. As consumers focus on healthier lifestyles, offering alcohol-free alternatives can attract a wider audience to your venue, from health enthusiasts to designated drivers.
Social Changes and Inclusivity
Alcohol-free options are not just about health—they're about inclusion. The social landscape in Australia has evolved, and people no longer feel compelled to drink alcohol to participate in social activities. This shift is especially important for venues, as an inclusive menu ensures that all customers, regardless of their preferences, feel welcome.
Younger generations, in particular, are drinking less alcohol. A 2022 study by the University of New South Wales revealed that 46% of Australians aged 18 to 24 either abstain from alcohol or significantly limit their consumption. This demographic tends to value experiences and is often seeking out venues that prioritize inclusivity and innovation. Offering premium alcohol-free drinks allows you to tap into this growing market of young consumers who want to enjoy social gatherings without compromising their health goals.
Quality Alcohol-Free Beverages are Here to Stay
Gone are the days when alcohol-free options were limited to sugary soft drinks or bland non-alcoholic beer. Today, premium alcohol-free options are available in a wide variety of flavors and categories, from craft beers and artisanal wines to sophisticated mocktails. Brands like The Curious Cabinet have become a popular option in the hospitality industry. These premium alcohol-free drinks are carefully crafted to offer the same level of complexity and experiences as their alcoholic counterparts. Many venues, including some of Australia’s top bars and restaurants, are already embracing this trend, creating dedicated alcohol-free sections on their menus.
The Business Case for Venues
For venue owners, adding quality alcohol-free options is not just a matter of following a trend—it's a sound business strategy. According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the no- and low-alcohol market is expected to grow by 31% globally by 2024. By offering a diverse range of alcohol-free options, you can:
Attract New Customers: Health-conscious consumers and abstainers will feel more comfortable choosing your venue if they know they have quality alcohol-free options.
Increase Customer Spend: Alcohol-free drinks are often priced similarly to alcoholic beverages, which means you can still maintain a healthy profit margin while catering to a new demographic.
Create a Positive Reputation: Venues that prioritize inclusivity and health-conscious choices can build a loyal customer base, as patrons are more likely to return to a place where they feel valued and considered.
Making the Move: Adding HIGHER QUALITY Alcohol-Free Drinks to Your Menu
If you're convinced of the value of offering alcohol-free drinks, here are a few steps to get started:
Explore Quality Brands: Research and partner with reputable alcohol-free beverage producers like The Curious Cabinet,
Refine your menu: We have created a range of delicious alcohol-free recipes that suit every season and every level of complexity. We know we’ll have something perfect for your menu.
Promote Your Offerings: Highlight your alcohol-free options on menus, social media, and promotional materials. Let your patrons know that you're committed to offering inclusive and exciting drink choices for everyone. We have lots of photos you can use!
As the demand for alcohol-free drinks continues to rise, venues that adapt to this shift will stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s for a health-conscious diner, a designated driver, or someone simply seeking a new flavor experience, offering premium alcohol-free drinks can open the door to a broader customer base and a thriving business.
further reading:
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE). (2020). Australian Alcohol Consumption Study. Available at: FARE Research
IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. (2022). Global Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market Report. Available at: IWSR
University of New South Wales. (2022). Australian Youth Drinking Habits Study. Available at: UNSW Research
Mandarin & Bitters
Mandarin and bitters combine to make a curiously delicious concoction.
RECIPE
5 shots soda water
3 dashes Angastora Bitters
METHOD
Fill a glass with ice. Add Shrub Syrup, soda water and bitters. Stir and serve.
Garnish with mint or rosemary, or leave without garnish.
ALCOHOLIC VERSION
You could also add gin or vodka to this if you wanted a hard versions.
The Mother of Invention
From pregnancy cravings to delicious solutions, how motherhood inspired by journey with Shrub Syrups.
From pregnancy cravings to delicious drinks. how motherhood inspired my journey with shrub syrups.
The journey of pregnancy not only brought a beautiful new child into my life, it was also the genesis of a new business. Like many expectant and new moms, I often felt deprived having to say no to the odd glass of wine, or festive cocktail, especially when the only options were soft drinks and super sugary mocktails. Instead of resigning myself to feeling left out, I embarked on a journey of discovery that would ultimately lead to the birth of The Curious Cabinet.
In a moment of serendipity, I stumbled upon an old world drink, called shrubs, in a magazine article. Intrigued by the combination of fruit, sugar, and apple cider vinegar, I decided to experiment with creating my own versions of these tantalizing concoctions.
With each batch of shrubs I crafted, I discovered a world of flavour that captivated my taste buds. The sweet, tart, and refreshingly unique taste of shrubs provided the perfect solution for my pregnancy cravings, offering a delightful alternative to traditional cocktails without compromising on taste or enjoyment.
As I honed my recipes and experimented with different flavour combinations, I realised that I had stumbled upon something truly special. Inspired by the joy and satisfaction that shrubs brought to me, and the feedback from friends, I started to realise I wanted to share these with the world. The humble beginnings of The Curious Cabinet was formed. First selling at farmers markets, we are now stocked in over 200 boutique stores and venues across Australian.
For me, the discovery of these old traditional recipes represents more than just a business venture – it's a celebration of motherhood, creativity, and innovation. I'm constantly reminded of this by the number of pregnant women who purchase our products, and then continue enjoying them into motherhood. It's a buzz to know that I've created a tasty solution for women to embrace their pregnancy journey with joy and enthusiasm, one sip at a time.
If you are looking for a unique gift for someone in your life that is pregnant, or wanting to spoil a mum, this the perfect way to shower them in something special. Shop now
Sparkling Boysenberry
Indulge in this delicious alcohol-free treat, featuring our collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Our Boysenberry Shrub Syrup with Bay Laurel foraged from their gardens. With 5% of all proceeds made, each bottle sold helps raise funds towards their research and conservation .
INGREDIENTS
Ice
1 part The Curious Cabinet Boysenberry Shrub Syrup
5 parts Soda water
Bay leaf to garnish
METHOD
Add Boysenberry Shrub Syrup and soda water to a tall glass with ice. Adjust to taste. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
NOTES
Our ratios above can be tweaked to your liking. Add more Shrub Syrup if you like the taste a bit stronger, or for a lighter flavour add more soda water.
Add one shot of gin, for a curious twist on a G&T.
want to read out more about our collaboration with royal botanic gardens victoria?
RECAP: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Event at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Nestled within the lush foliage of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a delightful collision of Gin and Shrub Syrups unfolded at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. "ORI-GIN STORY: The Garden in Your Glass" offered attendees an exclusive opportunity to experience the collaborative creations of Geelong-based artisans, Anther Spirits and The Curious Cabinet, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Alcohol-free Pink Grapefruit Spritz. Made with Grapefruit, Rosemary & Lemon Myrtle Shrub Syrup.
The event, which took place against the backdrop of the Gardens' verdant beauty, showcased a unique fusion of flavors featuring Anther's Fluroscence Gin and The Curious Cabinet's Pink Grapefruit Shrub Syrup with Rosemary & Lemon Myrtle, as well as Boysenberry Shrub Syrup with Bay Leaf. Featuring Anther's Fluroescence Gin, they served up two delicious cocktails Florescence Boysenberry Spritz and The Shrubbery which also featured The Curious Cabinet's Shrub Syrups. Focused on creating delicious alcohol-free drinks, The Curious Cabinet served up two mocktails, Blushing Garden Spritz and Boysenberry & Bay Tea-Ni. Each drink was carefully crafted to highlight the beautiful wonders within the gardens including garnishes of River Mint, Cucamelon, Rosemary, Lemon Verbena and Bay Laruel.
Anther Distillery’s Cocktail “The Shrubbery” featuring Floresence Gin, Grapefruit with Rosemary and Lemon Myrtle Shrub Syrup and Elderflower Liquor.
Guided by Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne's resident horticulturist, Jenny Bell, attendees were treated to an immersive journey into the stories behind the botanicals and plants that inspired these innovative products. As participants got to stroll through the gardens and sip on their beverages, they were able to touch, smell and see the Botanics that have been distilled in Anther's and The Curious Cabinet's products. Participants also had the opportunity to indulge in a sensory journey, tasting intriguing delights such as cucamelon, finger limes, and Buddha's hand.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Horticulturist Jenny Bell, showing off some of the Gardens’ beautiful herbs from the Children’s Garden.
"ORI-GIN STORY: The Garden in Your Glass" encapsulated the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and appreciation for nature's bounty. By bringing together the expertise of Anther Spirits, The Curious Cabinet, and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the event offered a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Left - Right: The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Horticulturalist Jenny Bell, The Curious Cabinet Founder Pia Cook, Anther Distillery Founder Dr Dervilla McGowan.
Special thanks to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for supplying these photographs of the event.
Strawberry Rose Fizz
A delicious alcohol-free recipe that is both complex in flavour and offers a delicious texture with the combination of Strawberry Shrub Syrup and our Summer Tea Party Cocktail Tea.
INGREDIENTS
90ml brewed and chilled Summer Tea Party Cocktail Tea
30ml Strawberry Shrub Syrup
Soda water
Ice
METHOD
Chill and brew tea.
Add tea and Strawberry Shrub Syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake till cold.
Double strain into a glass with ice. Top with soda water, and garnish with rose petals from Cocktail Tea.
Watch how to make it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5XPWguPWza/
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Rhubarb Spritz
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.
“My new favourite drink for Summer”
We may be moving out of Summer, but we agree with Sarah from Bellarine Smokehouse that this is “Freakin Delicious”. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the gorgeous photo.
INGREDIENTS
45ml The Curious Cabinet Rhubarb Shrub Syrup
90ml Prosecco
Top with soda
METHOD
Fill a spritz glass with ice. Top with Shrub Syrup, prosecco and soda. Stir. Garnish with peach or citrus.
*This recipe also works well with our White Peach or Strawberry Shrub Syrups.
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Autumn Recipe Inspiration
There's a certain magic that comes with the arrival of autumn. It's a season that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the comforting flavors that nature has to offer. What better way to embrace this enchanting time of year than by stepping into the kitchen and whipping up some delicious autumn-inspired treats? Here are some intriguing recipes guaranteed to delight your senses and warm your soul.
Cocktail: A Stroll In The Gardens
INGREDIENTS
60ml Gin
Dash of bitters
Bay leaf to garnish
METHOD
Shake gin, Shrub Syrup, dash of bitters in a shaker with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a bay leaf.
MOCKTAIL: DARK SPICED TEA SPRITZ
INGREDIENTS
120ml pre-brewed and chilled The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea
Ginger beer or lemonade
Garnish: citrus wheels, mint or rosemary
METHOD
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.
CHOCOLATE & MANDARIN MUFFINS
A delicious riff on the classing choc/orange combination, these chocolate and mandarin muffins are a curiously delicious treat. The perfect treat for Autumn! Sprinkled generously with The Curious Cabinet Mandarin Dust for extra magic.
See full recipe here.
platter + rhubarb & ginger conserve
Made from the fruit strained off our Rhubarb Shrub Syrup, our Rhubarb and Ginger Conserve is a delicious addition to any platter. Allow this preserve to elevate all of your favourite cheeses and meats. We recommend serving with a Rhubarb, Apple & Ginger Spritz.
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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!
