Party time kick-off

RAISE YOUR GLASSES TO SUPER SPORTING EVENTS GIVING AUSSIES A REASON TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER

When the footy bounces in the centre of the MCG on Saturday it signals the start of a big few weeks of sporting celebrations across Australia.

The AFL Grand Final kicks off a Super Saturday of sport with the Australia v New Zealand rugby championships final match following the decider – and then we’ll see a string of world-class sporting action including the NRL Grand Final, the UCI Road World Cycling Championships, Women’s Rugby World Cup and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

What better reason to get together with friends and barrack for your favourite team, country or athlete?

Mia Lloyd, Coles Liquor general manager customer trade planning and loyalty, says their supermarkets and liquor stores are expecting strong sales as Australians celebrate together at barbecues and parties to watch the action.

She says with lockdowns restricting attendances and gatherings for big sporting events last year, 2022 is a chance to bond and barrack together again.

“A lot of people will be out and about visiting people they haven’t caught up with for a long time, so this really is the kick-off to the entertaining season. It’s all about reconnecting, celebrating and gathering,” she says.

Lloyd says there are some great price drops on drinks for the start of spring and the entertaining season.

“We know that cost of living pressures are higher, so people are going to be looking for things that offer amazing quality for great value. Great value doesn’t mean cheap.”

Today, as part of News Corp’s cost of living campaign with daily offers from Coles, Australians can get discounts on liquor to prepare for their sporting celebrations.

Here are Lloyd’s suggestions to help get your party started.

BUBBLES

Tasmanian sparkling offers great value and sensational quality. Beyond the Wilderness Brut Cuvée or Beyond the Wilderness Brut Cuvée Rosé are worthy of a place in the ice bucket.

BEERS

For that sporting flavour, Smithy’s Easy Drinking Beer cans are a great option given Smithy’s link with the

Victorian Football League and it won Country Winner at the 2022 World Beer Awards.

For a lower alcohol option, Tinnies Ultra Low Alcohol range is bursting with hoppy aromas of bright citrus and fresh pine with an existing malty backbone, and extra hops. A winner if you’re the designated driver.

PACKS

Pack formats make it easy to share drinks during the backyard BBQs and get-togethers without necessarily having to purchase a full slab.

The Ned Australian Whiskey RTD in a 10-pack sharing format is available with either cola or soda.

Soda offers a lighter and refreshing option and is also the mixer used in the Just Festival Pack Can 12-pack.

COCKTAILS

Cocktails are a classic celebration drink and this year it’s all about simple cocktails. You can use a vodka base such as Vodka BLCK, Absolut or Skyy to make an Espresso Martini and you won’t need the coffee if you use Kahlua Coffee Liqueur.

For a gin-based cocktail, you can’t go past a Gimlet – classic and simple.

Make it with Mayfair Blood Orange and Yuzu, loads of ice and a dash of lime syrup or fresh lime and it’s super refreshing for warm spring days or hot summer nights coming up.