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.

Hey, we've got an awesome pre-launch deal going on, and it's loaded with value! This special offer gives you almost $440 to $450 of top-notch cocktail stuff for $260. That's a real steal for anyone who wants to step up their cocktail game.

What's in the Pre-Launch Package?

1. The Welcome Kit – A Professional Start

When you join, you get our high-end gunmetal black stainless steel professional cocktail set first thing. We ship this set right after you buy so you can start making great cocktails right away.

2. A Custom Gift Card – Your Key to Special Cocktails

Your Welcome Kit comes with a custom-made gift card that has a unique code. You can use this code to order your first two cocktail boxes from our website.

3. Choose Your Subscription Style

You can sign up for both upcoming boxes now or pick one now and keep the second for later. Here are the first two cocktail boxes you can choose from:

• April: Charlie Chaplin Cocktail
• May: Apple of Mai Tai

This choice makes it a great gift idea or a nice way to begin your cocktail adventure at a pace that suits you.

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Taking a Closer Look at the First Two Cocktail Boxes

Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

This classic cocktail uses two special spirits:

• Marionette Apricot Brandy – A unique apricot brandy that goes through a long infusion to get a deep rich taste.
• Imperial Measures Distilling Shiraz Gin – Made like sloe gin but with Shiraz grapes, giving a bright tartness that matches well with citrus.

To make this cocktail even better, we add Davidson Plum powder. This brings a nice tartness and deeper flavor making a drink that looks great and tastes well-balanced.

Apple of Mai Tai – A Fresh Take on the Classic Mai Tai

Our Apple of Mai Tai puts a new spin on the traditional Mai Tai bringing in some bold new tastes:

• Botanical Rum from Mad Monkey – This special white rum adds flowery and plant-like notes taking the place of the usual gin and white rum parts.
• Baked Apple Spirit – Another cane based spirit that gives the drink more warmth and richness.
• Macadamia Orgeat Syrup – We've made our own macadamia version instead of using the typical almond-based orgeat. This makes the drink nuttier and brings out the plant flavors in the rum.

As the cherry on top, we've thrown in a Vietnamese-inspired spice blend that adds an unusual scent and richness turning this drink into a real eye-catcher.

More Fun Drinks Coming Soon!

This is the start! We've got more creative and tasty drinks in the pipeline so keep an eye out. If you're eager to boost your at-home bartending game and try bold new tastes, this early-bird deal is a great chance.

Don't let this slip by—snag your ElixElite early-bird package now and start mixing! Here's to good times!

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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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Chartreuse 101

Chartreuse is a famous French booze made from herbs. It's got a taste that's hard to describe but easy to love. You can get it in green or yellow. The green stuff packs a punch with its bright color and spicy kick. It's stronger too. Yellow Chartreuse is more chill. It's sweeter and not as strong, so bartenders love to mix it in all sorts of drinks.

Old-School Booze in Trouble

Monks of the Carthusian Order have been making Chartreuse since the early 1600s. They keep the recipe a secret and make it in the French Alps near Voiron. The monks mix 130 herbs, plants and flowers to create this liqueur. a few monks know how to make it. This old tradition keeps alive not just a recipe but also a way of living that's been handed down for hundreds of years.

A Surprise Shortage

A worldwide scarcity of Chartreuse has caught the attention of fans and mixologists. The shortage stems from a lack of people, not ingredients. Monks, who guard the Chartreuse recipe, are dwindling in number. Younger folks find it hard to commit to the tough lifestyle and learn the craft. This creates a production slowdown.

How It Affects Old Customs

This shortage points to a bigger problem: keeping old ways alive in a fast-changing world. As monk numbers drop so does the ability to make Chartreuse fast enough to meet worldwide demand. This shows how some cultural traditions can break under modern stress.

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Other Options to Try

The Chartreuse shortage worries people, but it also sparks creativity and new options. Imperial Measures Distilling (IMD), a distillery in our subscription box, makes "Auvert." It's not the same, but it works well in many drinks. This lets fans keep enjoying similar tastes even with the shortage. Besides IMD's "Auvert," other liqueurs and herbal spirits can replace Chartreuse in many recipes. None can copy its special taste, but these options keep the art of making great cocktails going strong.

Wrapping Up

The world isn't about to run out of Chartreuse right now, but the current shortage gives us a big heads-up. It shows how important it is to keep old crafts alive and deal with new problems. Don't worry, you can still find Chartreuse bottles, and clever distillers are making good alternatives. As we deal with this shortage, let's enjoy the mix of old and new that keeps the spirit world lively and fun.

Thanks for coming along on this journey into the Chartreuse shortage. Keep an eye out for more tales and info about drinks and cocktails. Cheers

Do you enjoy whisky that packs a smoky punch? You're in for a treat. Australian peated whiskies now match Scotland's finest, and we should jump on the bandwagon. These whiskies will blow your mind—or at least your taste buds—whether you want to spice up your cocktails or savour something that feels like inhaling a campfire (in the best way possible). So, pour yourself a glass and brace for a wild, peaty journey.

1. Bakery Hill Peated Single Malt Whisky

This whisky makes you feel like you're sitting by a campfire, but with a touch of class. Bakery Hill Distillery in Melbourne has been making excellent peated whisky for more than a decade. They bring in Scottish malt, which shows how much they care about quality. The peat gives it a toasty, charcoal-like taste, but don't worry - aging in ex-Bourbon casks adds a bit of sweetness to balance it out. If you want to take it up a level (and let's face it, you do), you can try the cask strength version for an extra punch.

Cocktails to Try:

• Penicillin – Nothing yells "whisky pro" like honey, lemon, and a big dose of smoky taste.
• Smoky Old Fashioned – Switch your usual bourbon with this, and you've got a smokier more interesting twist.
• Mint Julep Hot Toddy – Mint, smoke, and heat. Who knew comfort could get so complex?

2.Launceston Distillery Peated Tasmanian Single Malt

Meet a whisky that hits the sweet spot. Launceston Distillery mixes peated and unpeated malt to create a subtle dance of smoke and sweetness. This whisky has a light copper hue and gives off soft hints of cigar box toasted oak, and earthy tones. The finish leaves you with a touch of peat smoke just enough to remind you that you're sipping something special.

Cocktails to Try:

• Rob Roy – A classic whisky cocktail, but with a smoky twist. Launceston's peaty flavours change this drink from classy to unforgettable.
• Smoked Hot Toddy – Perfect when you want to snuggle up with a whisky that hugs you... and then surprises you with smoke.

3. Hellyers Road 7 Year Old Peated Single Malt Whisky

This exceptional whisky from Hellyers Road is at the forefront of Australian peated whiskies. It incorporates peated barley from Inverness Scotland, and ages in first-fill American Oak ex-Bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill. It's no wonder it grabbed a Gold Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. You'll experience layers of vanilla, peat, and a hint of sea salt that will make you feel like you're on a windy Tasmanian coast.

Cocktails to Try:

• Boulevardier – Add some Hellyers Road, and you'll get a drink that's bitter, smoky, and bound to leave a mark.
• Penicillin – Hellyers Road brings savoury, peaty tastes to this cocktail creating a yummy mix that pairs well with the honey and lemon.

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4. McHenry Peated Single Malt Whisky

McHenry has launched its first peated whisky, and it's pretty proud of the result. And why not? This whisky combines Scottish peat with pure Tasmanian spring water aging in barrels for years to reach the perfect time to pour into your glass. You can expect smoky earthy notes that blend with salty caramel sweetness reminiscent of sea air, and a smooth rich texture that'll keep you sipping in amazement.

Cocktails to Try:

• Smoky Mint Julep – The crisp taste of mint meets the smoky depth of McHenry. This julep stands apart from traditional recipes.
• Rob Roy – Use McHenry instead of regular Scotch and see the change. The ocean breeze hints add an unexpected freshness to this drink.

5. Lost Phoenix Peated Pancetta Whisky

Let's talk about something different. Lost Phoenix has gone in a crazy direction and combined their peaty whisky with smoked pancetta. You read that - pancetta. This drink mixes smoky, savory, and unusual flavors. It's like drinking whisky while eating crispy bacon - what's not to like? The strong peat tasty pancetta, and South Australian whisky base make this a spirit that catches your eye.

Cocktails to Try:

• Bloody Bacon Old Fashioned – You thought we'd leave out a bacon-based drink? Blend Lost Phoenix with a bit of maple syrup to create an explosion of flavors.
• Peated Pancetta Paper Plane – A fun twist on the modern classic where pancetta's smoky savoury notes enhance the typical blend of sweet and bitter flavours.

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There you go—five smoky whiskies from Australia that'll make you reconsider your devotion to Scotland. These whiskies suit all preferences, whether you enjoy a touch of peat or want to feel like you're inhaling smoke right from a campfire. So why not shake up a Penicillin or savor a smoky Old Fashioned with an Australian twist? You deserve it.

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The warm, spiced soul of May’s Elix-Elite box

If Mad Monkey Flora was the bright floral taste in May’s “Apple of Mai Tai,” then Mad Monkey Baked Apple was is rich, indulgent, and full of nostalgic charm.

This remarkable cane-based spirit is inspired by the classic flavours of baked apples straight from the oven: caramelised fruit, toasted hazelnuts, warming spice, and just a whisper of smoke.

Each bottle is packed with layers: cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg blend beautifully with soft apple sweetness, while toasted nuts and a hint of smoke bring richness and intrigue. It’s festive without being cloying, and comforting without ever feeling heavy.

We featured it alongside Flora in May’s cocktail creation —the “Apple of Mai Tai.” Its roasted fruit character played beautifully against the native botanicals in Flora, delivering a cocktail that felt both familiar and totally new.

Other ways to enjoy Mad Monkey Baked Apple:

🍎 Baked Apple Old Fashioned

• 45ml Mad Monkey Baked Apple
• 5ml sugar syrup (or spiced syrup)
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
      Stir over ice and garnish with a thin apple slice or orange peel.

🥃 Spiced Apple Sour

• 45ml Baked Apple
• 20ml lemon juice
• 15ml sugar syrup
• Egg white (optional)
      Dry shake, then shake with ice and strain into a coupe. Grated nutmeg on     top takes it next-level.

🍸 Baked Apple Manhattan(Twist)

• 40ml Mad Monkey Baked Apple
• 20ml IMD Scarlet sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters
      Stir down and serve in a chilled glass with a cherry garnish. Warming,     bold, and perfect for cool nights.

Why We Love It

Mad Monkey’s Baked Apple is pure nostalgia — but done with a modern touch. It invites experimentation in cocktails, but it’s just as good neat on a quiet evening.

We chose it to round out May’s box because it adds a richness that plays so well with tropical and native flavours. Whether you’re mixing it or sipping it straight, this is one spirit you’ll want to revisit.

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