How do you take your cocktails? Anchored with gin and paired with spit-roast lamb? Classically French and paired with live jazz? Negroni or nothing? If clinking haute cocktails is your primary concern this Festival, we have you covered below.
French Flair: Bon Ap’ at Eau de Vie
Eau de Vie teams up with Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro for a magnifique celebration of International Francophonie Day. This is no sit-down soirée; it’s a standing-room-only, mingle-all-night bash. Exquisite canapés, Champagne towers, absinthe fountains, free-flowing beer and wine, and five half cocktails. What a way to open your MFWF 2025 campaign.
Friday 21 March, Eau de Vie, 1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne
The Queen x ST. ALi
Join the ST. ALi gang for a nine-day-long cocktail party. You’ve got chef Matt Scardamaglia from ST. ALi) on the food – a raw seafood bar and roaming canapés – and cocktails by award-winning bartender Orlando Marzo, including the Tiramisu Espresso Martini.
21–29 March, ST. ALi and The Queen, 1 Dhanga Djeembana Walk, Melbourne
Botanicals of Geelong and the Bellarine Dinner
Geelong’s reputation for culinary excellence is growing by the day. That’s thanks in no small part to Songbird and Anther, two Bellarine flavour mavericks who join forces for one cocktail-friendly dinner this Festival. Experience a world of grilled meats, pickles, ferments and smoky good times thanks to Songbird, the northern Thai restaurant from the Igni team that has fast become recognised as one of the state’s best. Doubling down on the deliciousness, Anther will match libations to each of the four courses prepared by the kitchen, working with the spicy, sour flavours of northern Thailand to create an unforgettable cocktail pairing.
Friday 28 March, Anther Geelong Distillery, PH3 Federal Mills, 33 Mackey St, North Geelong
Dutch Rules at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar
One of Melbourne’s most innovative distillers takes their wares to Scoresby for a collaborative dinner paired with gin cocktails. Even better, guests have the option to go all out and spend the night.
Saturday 22 March, Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar, 38 Dalmore Dr, Scoresby
The You Yangs Feast: a Lamb and Gin Barbecue
What more fitting place to celebrate lamb than outside Rothwell Distillery’s 100-year-old shearing shed? Chef Bart Beek will showcase Australia’s favourite meat over six courses, paired with botanicals and cocktails by head distiller Tim Smith.
22–30 March, Rothwell Distillery, 25 Mount Rothwell Rd, Little River
Night of the Negroni
A four-course dinner at a Bourke Street favourite where every dish comes paired with a Negroni. Hard to fault; a special tribute to la dolce vita.
Friday 28 March, Bottega, 74 Bourke St, Melbourne
Melbourne in a Glass: A Cocktail Masterclass
Russell Street’s 1806 is an award-winning cocktail bar with a deep reverence for the history of cocktails. At this exclusive Festival masterclass, you’ll dive into Melbourne’s rich cocktail culture, creating three drinks using local spirits from top distilleries and fresh, seasonal ingredients from the city’s vibrant markets. You’ll learn to balance native botanicals, seasonal fruits, and premium spirits, finishing the experience by mixing your very own signature cocktail. Part history lesson, part mixology masterclass, 100 per cent delicious.
Tuesday 25 March, 1806, 169 Exhibition St, Melbourne
By Frank Sweet