Covid inspires liqueurs to make a comeback

After being hidden at the back of the bar cart for years, this alcohol is being revived as drinkers look to up their cocktail game, with sales having a massive 65 per cent increase since March last year.

OUT of vogue for years, boozy liqueurs are now cool again, growing in popularity thanks to the pandemic.

According to Endeavour Group, behind BWS and Dan Murphy’s, liqueur sales have had a massive 65 per cent increase since March last year.

“Liqueurs have gone from being the dusty bottles at the back of the bar cart to being truly front and centre,” said Endeavour Group’s glass spirits category manager Elise McNeil. “During Covid lockdowns, many Australians started making cocktails in the comfort of their homes, which helped them rediscover the beauty and versatility of a well-crafted liqueur.

We are seeing some great innovation from Australian producers like Tamborine Mountain Distillery, who are crafting unique liqueurs using Australian botanicals like lemon myrtle and wattle, and customers are loving it.”

Tamborine Mountain Distillery co-owner Gordon Chalmers said the business had boomed since the pandemic with their liqueur and gin sales going through the roof and their products now being stocked in 11 Dan Murphy’s and 16 BWS outlets from just two stores pre-Covid.

Mirindi Apples with a liqueur at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, where sales are booming. Picture: Adam Head

“[Many people] only know of liqueurs like Baileys, but when you show that you can get lovely flavours from fruits and berries and nuts it’s just amazing,” Mr Chalmers said.

“Limoncello has really taken off, I think it’s because more people are discovering drinks [they haven’t tried], they’re sitting at home and looking online.”

He said liqueurs enabled people to make instant cocktails at home with just a simple mixer like soda or tonic water.

The distillery will be showing the public how to make easy and more complicated cocktails in a special masterclass this Saturday as part of this year’s Eat Local Week festival, celebrating producers and farmers in the Scenic Rim. While their drinks will be served at a number of events throughout the food event.

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