Cocktail Island: On an island with nothing but booze

If I were stuck on a desert island, I'd want with me drinking water, entertainment (Wilson?) and perhaps Bear Grylls - for survival reasons only.

If I were stuck on a World Heritage Listed island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, I'd want with me good company, sunny weather and a barman or 20 to make me nice, cold cocktails though the day (preferably not too sweet). And did I mention lots of booze?

Cocktails at The Island Bar on Cocktaoo Island
(image courtesy of The Cru Media)

The Island Bar has re-opened for the its second season as the warmer weather arrives, having hosted the very popular Brancott Estate Rugby Island Bar last month for the Rugby World Cup.

But now, powering ahead to silly season, the Cockatoo Island bar is transforming into a two-day festival over the weekend of 19-20 November (Saturday is already sold out! Monday, 21 November 2011 will open exclusively for trade).

The festival provides cocktail lovers the chance to meet some of the nation's best booze blenders (read: bartenders) in cocktail masterclasses, cocktail tasting rooms and a piazza of cocktail stands on the island's Convict Precinct.

Cockatoo Island to be transformed into Cocktail Island, 19-21 November 2011

It sounds like a fabulous opportunity to not only drink some cutting edge cocktails but learn a little from the masters; such as Jason Crawley of Mixxit and founder of Zeta Bar, and international guests such as tequila expert Julio Bermejo. There will be tonnes to learn on the history of spirits and cocktails, global trends as well as making cocktails at home.

The hands-on, interactive masterclasses will include The Vodka Academy by Russian Standard, Baking with Tequila with Dr Kern and Melon Liqueur with Aussie bar star Manuel Terron. Cocktails will be created using spirits brands including Hendrick’s Gin, Absolut, Jameson, Midori and Chivas Regal among others.

From The Island Bar launch last year

Cocktail Island will open from 11am to 6pm each day of the festival, with online admission tickets priced at $15 (plus booking fee; cocktails, samples and food not included) or $25 on the door.

Drinks will be available from $6-8 Cocktail Island Dollars with additional ferries from Circular Quay running over the weekend. See the website for more information and tickets.

There will be booze, there will be many cocktails had, and there will be fun at Cocktail Island!