The month-long odyssey saw them visit 30 different bars in 30 days and on the 31st day we threw them a big bash to mark the end of the first ever Parched March.
You see, the hospitality industry cops the brunt of increasing anti-alcohol initiatives such as FebFast, Dry July and Ocsober, so as a lifestyle publicist who represents various bars and clubs, Parched March is something that I really wanted to champion. Plus, all of the funds raised are donated to various animal charities. Win.
In 2011, there are 10 ambassadors/teams all aiming to hit the mark by visiting 30 bars in 30 days, one of which is me, The Cocktail Crusader.
My journey began last night on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, at a beautiful little spot called Marble Bar at Sunshine Beach. It doesn't have a website but trust me, it's good. Intimate, chic decor, surf footage on the flat screen, good talent (Stephen Curry, James Tobin and Daniel Macpherson have all visited recently) and the owner tells me they won an award for Best Casual Dining Restaurant. Delish.
Now, in order to ensure I also promote drinking [reasonably] responsibly, my aim is to sample the one cocktail from the menu that jumps out at me the most. Last night it was the 'Frenchmen'. Mmm.. such a tasty little treat.. like liquid Cherry Ripe in a martini glass (raspberry vodka, parfait amour, cassis, strawberries, lime, apple juice). Highly recommended. Gold Star. Most of all, a great start to Parched March 2011.