It’s the final week of the fabulous and iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras! Despite all the odds because of ~you know what~ the LGBTQI+ community and our allies have come together to celebrate and reflect on the challenges and achievements of our community. Built on the foundations laid by early activists who fought for LGBTQI+ rights in a time of wide-spread, institutionalised oppression and discrimination, the Sydney Mardi Gras are now often seen as a celebration of identity, creative expression and a time to challenge injustice and elevate diverse voices.
The iconic Mardi Gras Parade will be broadcast on the ABC’s Main Channel, ABC iview and various ABC radio stations on Saturday 5 March 2022 starting at 7.30pm live from the Sydney Cricket Ground. As many people have not been able to secure tickets to the sold out event, we think this is the perfect opportunity to open some bubbly, have a tasty gin, or make your own cocktails from the comfort of your home to watch the parade with friends. Here’s what we’ll be drinking.
Bombay Bramble
Whether your plans involve a cosy night in with a special someone, or a fabulous dinner party with plenty of cocktails to go around, we think that Bombay Gin’s new Blackberry & Raspberry Bramble is a delicious way to elevate the night. Romantic in its deep pink shade, Bombay Bramble is bursting with flavour from a 100% natural berry infusion. Created with freshly harvested blackberries and raspberries, married with Bombay’s Classic Dry gin, Bombay Bramble is the perfect spirit to sip as the parade kicks off.
Make your own bramble:
You will need;
– 50 ml Bombay Bramble
– 25 ml Fresh lemon juice
– 20 ml Sugar syrup
– 1/2 Egg white Garnish (or use vegan cocktail foam)
– Fresh Raspberries & Blackberries
Method: Put some cubed ice into your cocktail shaker. Pour Bombay Bramble, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white into the shaker. Shake hard & strain into a chilled coupette or martini glass. Garnish with fresh berries.
Gin O’Clock
Let’s face it, the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is often a “little” too long. When we can’t be bothered shaking up more cocktails, we’re going to crack open a few cans of Gin O’Clock to share. There are three flavours to try; Timeless G&T, Sugar Free G&T and Pink Gin & Soda. These tasty tipples are perfect to enjoy with friends and loved ones when you want to simply grab and go from the fridge. If you are looking to elevate the experience, a squeeze of fresh blood orange in the pink gin & soda was a particular favourite mix with team TPO.
Grey Goose
When done right with a quality premium soda (we love Fever Tree or Strange Love sodas) and a tasty fresh garnish of orange or grapefruit, the iconic Grey Goose Vodka soda can be a real crowd pleaser. Sure, low calorie is important for many, but it’s also a refreshing and tasty ingredient for summer cocktails at home or at the park. Many of us have been working hard in the gym to prepare for Mardi Gras, and to keep on track with making more mindful drink choices this classic Grey Goose Vodka, soda & grapefruit combo is a sure fire hit.
Whatever you are drinking (or not drinking) this Mardi Gras, we hope you can celebrate how far we have come as a nation, and reflect on how much further we have to go to protect our rights. Enjoy your Mardi Gras viewing parties and stay safe.
– The Plus Ones Team
Please drink responsibly. We’re really excited for Sydney’s iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Keep an eye on our pages for lots of upcoming events or try these drinks out in the comfort of your own home (or picnic!) this Mardi Gras season.
