A Classic with a Fresh Spin

April's cocktail box showcases a polished version of the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail, a drink that emerged in the early 1900s. Created to honour the silent film legend, this cocktail became popular just before Prohibition and later appeared in Albert Stevens Crockett's 1935 "The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book." The original recipe combined equal amounts of sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lemon juice showing how bartenders could turn harsh spirits into balanced tasty drinks.

The Up-to-Date Take – Australian Ingredients

The ElixElite Charlie Chaplin stays faithful to its origins while adding top-notch Australian ingredients to create a stronger and more polished taste.

Ounce Gin 'Shiraz' – This drink swaps out sloe gin for a Shiraz gin from Imperial Measures Distillery, near Adelaide. Made together with Massey Wines, this gin contains Shiraz grapes, juniper, grapefruit, hibiscus, and cacao nibs giving it more richness and layers while keeping the drink's trademark fruity flavour.

Marionette Apricot Brandy – This brandy stands out in the Australian spirits scene. Makers craft it in Victoria using apricots from the Mantovani family farm in Goulburn Valley. The slow infusion process allows the fruit's natural flavours to blend fully with the barrel-aged brandy from the well-known Angove family distillery in Renmark SA. This results in a well-balanced spirit with a rich spiced fruit character and a dry clean finish.

Davidson Plum Powder – This native Australian ingredient adds an extra layer of tartness and brightness. It complements the cocktail's citrus notes while providing a striking garnish.

Fresh Lime Juice & Egg White – Lime juice squeezed fresh gives the acidity to balance the sweet taste, while egg white (or a plant-based option) makes a smooth texture.

Making the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 30ml Ounce Gin 'Shiraz'
• 30ml Marionette Apricot Brandy
• 20ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 15ml Egg White (or substitute)
• 10ml Simple Syrup

Method:

1. Put all ingredients in a shaker without ice and dry shake to mix the egg white .
2. Toss in ice and give it another shake to chill the mixture well.
3. Strain twice into a cold glass to get a silky texture.
4. Sprinkle a bit of Davidson Plum powder on top to add a classy final touch.

A Well-Rounded and Refined Experience

Every sip of this Charlie Chaplin twist packs a punch—rich juicy Shiraz flavors hit you first then spiced stone fruit takes over, before bright citrus and a smooth foamy texture finish it off. The Davidson Plum garnish gives a final tart kick making each taste a cool and complex treat.

A Cocktail for Every Occasion

April's box brings a drink that bridges the past and present showcasing Australian spirits while tipping its hat to a Prohibition-era favorite. The kit's ingredients have a long shelf life, so you can play around with amounts and try out different flavors. Adding more lime can boost the tartness, while a bit more syrup can bring out the sweetness letting you tailor this cocktail to your liking.

Keep an Eye Out for What's Next

The April box kicks things off. In the months to come, you'll see more classic drinks with a special Australian spin. Whether you sip this cocktail at home or share it with your buddies, the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail is a great addition to any home bar collection.

To get more drink ideas, learn about ingredients, and pick up expert advice, follow @elixelitecocktailclub on Instagram.

Banoffee Pie Meets Boozy Milkshake.

This month, we're turning things upside down with a drink that mixes nostalgia, indulgence, and a big dose of Aussie flavor. Say hello to the Banoffee Flip: a thick, frothy, dessert-like cocktail meant to enjoy , relish, and keep all to yourself (though we won't blame you if you share).

If you're looking to relax after a meal or just want to treat yourself to an alcoholic banana bread in a glass, this box is perfect for you.

Some Info on the Flip

The Flip has existed since the 1600s—originally crafted with ale, sugar, spices, and a hot poker for good measure.  current versions (like ours) are a bit more refined. Picture smooth, frothy drinks that bring creaminess without needing to use the blender.

As drinks keep changing, flips are gaining popularity again because of their texture-focused profiles. Our version embraces all that foamy goodness, but stays light and complex using smart Australian ingredients.

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What's in the Box?

This month's drink is made with Australian-produced items beginning with:

White Possum Banana Liqueur (500ml)

Real Queensland bananas give this liqueur its flavor - five in each bottle. It tastes like banana bread you can drink, without any fake candy taste. This smooth rich drink started this whole cocktail idea.

Husk Rare Blend Rum (700ml)

Fresh cane juice and cane honey from the Tweed Valley in Northern NSW make this rum. Husk's Rare Blend has a deep taste with hints of tropical fruit, vanilla, honeysuckle, and spice. It's pure made rum with no extras added.

Condensed Coconut Milk

A non-dairy creamy twist that gives a smooth tropical feel to every drink.

Elix-Elite Cocktail Foamer

Works for vegans, lasts on the shelf, and creates that silky long-lasting foam—no egg whites needed.

Milo Dust

Because we're Australian. And Milo goes well with everything.

Dried Banana Slices

Chewy topping that tastes great as a snack or on top of your cocktail.

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How to Make It

You'll get the complete recipe card and a video tutorial in your box, but here's a quick rundown:

• 30ml White Possum Banana Liqueur
• 40ml Husk Rare Blend Rum
• 1 heaping barspoon of condensed coconut milk
• 30ml Elix-Elite Foamer

Shake it (dry then wet) double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, and top with Milo dust and banana slice.

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Want to Change It Up?

Give an extra boozy twist by adding a dash of cream liqueur instead of coconut milk. Or step up your garnish with chocolate bitters, cinnamon, or even a caramelized sugar top with blow tourch.

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From Our Masterclass:

"Each bottle contains five bananas. It's smooth, bold, and will have you going… well, bananas." – Olivia Host of ElixElite Masterclass

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💬 Share Your Thoughts

Have you given the Banana Flip a shot? We'd love to see what you've made! Show us your best Milo-dusted creations by tagging us on Instagram @elixelitecocktailclub. Got any thoughts or ideas for upcoming boxes? Send us a message or get in touch.

🥂 Elix-Elite Cocktail Club – Your Bar, Your Way.

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The Espresso Martini That Got Dark

This July, we’re shaking things up with something bold, bitter, and delicsous. Say hello to The Dead Ringer — a cocktail that takes your classic espresso martini and lets it fall headfirst into the world of amaro.

If you love your cocktails complex, aromatic, and strong enough to match your late-night thoughts, this one’s for you.

A Little History on the Flip Side

The espresso martini has long been the go-to for late nights and fancy brunches. But what happens when that espresso martini grows up, starts reading philosophy? You get The Dead Ringer — a layered cocktail that blends the familiar kick of coffee with the herbal bitterness of amaro.

How to Make It

You’ll find the full recipe card and step-by-step video tutorial in your box, but here’s a taste of what’s inside:

• 30ml Three Foxes Organic Coffee Amaro
• 30ml Ragazzi e Succo Amaro
• 40ml Coffee
• 5 ml Simple Syrup

Shake hard over ice, strain into a chilled rocks or coupe glass, and finish with a spritz of Imperial Measures Auvert across the top.

Make It Your Own

Want to play with the vibe?

• Brighten it up with a twist of orange peel to highlight those citrus top notes.
• Go deeper: Swap cold press for a short double shot of espresso and lean right into that bitter edge.

What’s in the Box

This month’s kit includes everything you need to perfect your Dead Ringer:
✔ Ragazzi e Succo Amaro – 700ml
✔ Three Foxes Espresso Amaro – 700ml
✔ IMD Auvert Liqueur Spritzer – 30ml
✔ Arabica Cold Press Coffee – 500ml

💬 Let’s Hear It

Tried The Dead Ringer? We want to see your take on it! Tag us @elixelitecocktailclub and show off your masterpieces.

🖤 Elix-Elite Cocktail Club — Your Bar. Your Way.

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Light It Up: August’s Smoking Gun Box is Here

This month’s Elix-Elite box brings the heat—literally. We’re diving into the world of smoke and spice with a cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to drink: The Smoking Gun.

Alongside two brilliant Aussie spirits, we’ve packed this kit with a full-on smoking setup. You’ll get red gum smoking chips, a jet lighter, and a smoking disc to turn your home bar into a cocktail theatre. If you’ve ever wanted to try smoked cocktails at home, now’s the time.

Let’s take a look at what’s inside…

Gospel Solera Rye

This one’s an all-time favourite—easy-drinking flavour-packed, and made right here in South Australia. The Gospel crew really know their stuff, and it shows in every drop of this rye.

Their rye is grown on a single farm in the Murray Mallee—a tough patch of land that produces incredibly dense, flavourful grain. It’s matured in a custom solera system (think layers of barrels working together),giving it beautiful balance and depth,

What it tastes like:

• Spicy and warm with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and a little oak
• Great in cocktails or sipped neat by the fire
• It’s won a stack of international medals, but it’s not about the awards—it just     tastes bloody good

Marionette Nocino

This one’s something different—and seriously delicious. Nocino is a green walnut liqueur. Sounds fancy, but it’s super approachable. Earthy, slightly sweet, and a little citrusy, it’s made using green walnuts from the Yarra Ranges, wattle seed, lemon myrtle, and a bit of love from the Marionette team.

It’s a nod to old-school Italian digestifs, but with an Aussie twist. Amazing over ice after dinner… but we’re putting it to work in a smoky, spiced cocktail.

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What You’re Getting

This box is jam-packed with over $320 in value and includes:

• Gospel Solera Rye
• Marionette Nocino
• Demerara sugar syrup
• Red gum smoking chips
• Torch lighter + smoking disc
• A guided masterclass video
• Step-by-step recipe card

How to Make the Smoking Gun

You’ll need:

• 30ml     Gospel Solera Rye
• 30ml     Marionette Nocino
• 10ml     Demerara Sugar Syrup
• Slice     of orange

Steps:

1. Stir     all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass
2. Strain     into a rocks glass with fresh ice
3. Light     the red gum chips and let the smoke infuse into the glass
4. Garnish     with a slice or twist of orange
5. Sip,     smile, and enjoy

A Little Note from Us

This box is about more than just cocktails—it’s about trying something new, having fun, and learning a bit along the way. Whether you’re making this for yourself, showing off to mates, or just enjoying a quiet night in, we hope you love it as much as we loved putting it together.

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