The June issue of Australian Bartender has landed, bringing together the latest industry news, venue openings, bartender insights, profiles and business advice from across Australia and beyond.
Leading the issue is a look at the changing role of bitters in the no- and low-alcohol movement. From page 12, the cover story explores how Angostura Bitters is finding new opportunities through Dry July, as demand grows for drinks that deliver complexity and flavour with less alcohol.
In her editor’s note, Kim Berry highlights the momentum building across the industry as planning ramps up for this year’s Sydney Bar Week. The 2026 event will feature an additional day of programming, while nominations are now open for the bi-annual Top 100 Most Influential list. Bartender of the Year is also underway, with entrants reminded that self-nomination is required to be in the running.
The issue opens with The Rail, featuring Silver’s Motel Ice Magic Old Fashioned on page 5, before diving into the latest industry headlines from page 6. Readers can then catch up on new venues opening around the country in Opens from page 14.
For bartenders looking to deepen their understanding of flavour, page 20 sees Darling Glebe’s Jeff Schroeter share his approach to pairing cocktails with food. Drawing on a career spanning more than 40 years in some of the world’s leading kitchens, Schroeter offers practical advice on creating combinations that elevate both the drink and the dish.
From page 28, 2025 Bartender of the Year Tanguy Charbonnet explores the use of native Australian ingredients, sharing how they can drive creativity while encouraging a stronger focus on seasonality and sustainability.
Classic cocktail lovers can revisit the Gimlet in The Classic on page 32, while the Back Bar section from page 34 features a series of profiles from across the industry. Readers can take a trip to Doom Juice’s Marrickville cellar door, meet Jacob Jang from 37 Bar at Conrad Seoul, discover Bar Clara, and hear from Olivette’s Nick King.
Business insights continue on page 44 with Alessandro Nardini’s latest Business of Bars column, before Staffies returns on page 48 and The Bar Exam closes out the issue from page 50.
Packed with news, profiles, industry insight and practical ideas, the June issue offers plenty for bartenders, venue operators, and drinks professionals to explore this month.