Shaken or Stirred?

The team from Animus Distillery Innovation abounds in the Macedon Ranges region with local craft beer, wine, spirits and more.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect pairing to enjoy at home, a delicious cocktail while you’re out and about, or something of the nonalcoholic variety, you’ll find some amazing drinks in the many restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries dotted around the region. And with the warmer weather, now is the perfect time to tour the region in search of your new favourite drop, brew, cocktail or mocktail for the perfect dinner pairing or slow Sunday session.

The team from Animus Distillery has put together a list of their favourite locations for summer drinks to help get you on your way.

Starting in Kyneton, Piper Street is well known for its premium café and dining experiences, it's therefore no surprise that it's also home to many of the region’s best cocktail bars. The team at the Royal George Hotel combine an eclectic mix of retail therapy alongside excellently crafted cocktails, while a quick step over the road and you’ll find yourselves in expert hands at Miss M’s Lounge. Keep heading down the road and you’ll find our cocktail lounge at Animus Distillery. Relax on our Chesterfields and enjoy an evolving list of seasonal cocktails. Local restaurants The Oak’s Grill on Piper and Fook Shing both offer a selection of delightful cocktails to thrill alongside their scrumptious cuisine; and no ‘must visit list’ in Kyneton would be complete without a solid recommendation for Musk Lane’s urban winery located off Market St in the centre town.

In Woodend, you can’t go past Holgate Brewery, famous for their range of traditionally styled beers. But did you know they also offer limited releases including a range of sours? Our pick this summer is their Big Pash Passionfruit Sour. You can try this big, bold, zingy sour when you visit their brewhouse.

Over in Musk, the team at Daylesford Cider certainly offer plenty to try when it comes to refreshing summer ales. As well as a large range of alcoholic cider styles, their non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider made from 100% Victorian grown pink lady apples is a favourite amongst cellar door visitors. Dreaming of a refreshing, non-alcoholic Italian style spritz by the lake? Sip on a can of Senza, an Aperitif mixed with bitter orange, herbs and a signature Gentian Root, available for purchase online and at Daylesford’s Lake House. Nearby, Betel Boy is a great option for classic cocktails, their ‘afternoon sessions’ every Friday and Saturday are particularly popular.

In Hepburn, we love a cocktail in the cosy saloon bar at the Palais Hepburn before catching a live show. Just up the road from there, we’re excited to see what’s on offer at the new Oxford Dining Room at Hotel Bellinzona. An extensive wine list adorned with the region’s best is just the beginning. Here’s cheers to summer!

Photos L-R: Animus Distillery. Oxford Dining Room. Photograph by Chris Turner. Senza Aperitif. Photograph by Stefani Driscoll.