raise a glass

THERE’S NOTHING THAT SPEAKS of country Australia more than cracking open a cold one at the end of a long day. Drinking is intricately woven into the fabric of our lives as we grow and change: with the riotous fun of the B&S ball giving way to a civilised Friday-night glass of wine on the verandah with a friend. So it’s not surprising we’re rich in celebrated drinks producers, with Australian wines, spirits and beers all drawing attention (and awards) on the global stage.

More surprising, perhaps, is the boom in non-alcoholic beverages. Over the past year, the demand for alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks has risen fivefold, according to Endeavour Group, which owns BWS and Dan Murphy’s. Once seen as the poor relation of the real thing, alcohol-free drinks are now