Lockdown cocktail night just got a whole lot easier with the newly launched Twisted Shaker range. These chic concoctions are the closest thing to a cocktail à la bar, and with five classic drinks to try you can easily pretend you’re anywhere in the world. Choose from Raspberry Hibiscus Cosmo, Espresso Martini, Margarita Cucumber Gimlet and Old Fashioned – all expertly-crafted and ready to drink from your very own sofa. The best part: the delicious concoctions come in 700mL bottles (11 standard drinks) which will last you far longer than the myriad one-serve bottles on the market. Order yours now for $34.99 via bevmart.com.au for delivery nationwide.

Melbourne and Perth cult favourite kiosk, Pretzel, has just launched a DIY baking kit, so you can twist your way through lockdown. The Pretzel At Home kits are equipped with all the bits and pieces you need to bake 12 twisty treats from your very own kitchen: 2kg of airy Pretzel flour, Pretzel salt, yeast, ghee and browning solution, for that perfect pretzel shine. With just 10 simple instructions, baking has never been easier – even for those who struggle in the kitchen. Order yours now for $40 at buypretzelaustralia.com.au

Gradi Group has just opened the doors to its newest venue in Mornington Peninsula, 400 Gradi. The grand venue will incorporate a 400-seater restaurant, Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar, and Gradi’s Italian delicatessen concept Gradi Mercato. Split over two levels, the restaurant will occupy a spacious balcony and bar with bay views upstairs, while downstairs will house a casual snack bar and dining space, alongside the gelateria and delicatessen. Italian luxe is the name of the game, with decadent terrazzo countertops and tables, plush upholstery and an elegant palette of moody and earthy tones. The menu follows suit, with abundant antipasti, seasonal sides, a plentiful pizza and pasta offering and Al Mare specials as a nod to its new neighbourhood. 400 Gradi is open Monday to Sunday, from 12 noon until late.

Westward Whiskey’s lauded American Two Malts BridgePort Brewing Co collab has finally landed on Australia shores. After huge success in the States, the distillers are bringing their rare recipe Down Under – the perfect audience for a beer-cum-whisky. The collab involved distilling the Bridgeport brewery Kingpin Red Ale recipe, where the high rye content resulted in a complex and warm whisky perfect for the cooler months. An aroma of French roast, toffee and toasted almonds meets a full palate of herbal rye and orange zest, with pear, candied walnuts and peach rind to finish. The collaboration acts as an ode to the distiller’s brewing history and is even more novel as the iconic brewery closed due to Covid, so the release will never be recreated. Grab yours now for $170 via Cambridge Cellars and select retailers.

Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and producer Drake can now add ‘whisky owner’ to his arsenal of titles, with the launch of his luxe spirit Virginia Black in Australia. Billed as an “exquisite masterpiece” and Canada’s highest selling liquor, Virginia Black is the next must-have for your home bar. Moving away from the traditional whisky aesthetic, and often compared to cognac, the high-rye whiskey has a deep, tawny hue, a smooth palate with notes of honeyed cherries, rich vanilla and oak, and a sweet scent reminiscent of raisins, dried figs, and vanilla – it’s a brown spirit quite unlike anything else on the market. And for the slashie himself? Drake said, “we believe everyone should have access to glamour, swagger and soul. Virginia Black grants them that access, allowing people to embody the lifestyle always, not just on special occasions.” We’re raising our glasses to that.

With Melbourne restrictions beginning to ease, it’s time to consider your next escape. There’s no better way to treat yourself than with a luxury staycation at one of Melbourne CBD’s lushest newest additions: Next Hotel. Located within the 80 Collins Street precinct, it combines decked-out suites (dyson hairdryers and batched cocktails anyone?) with must-experience dining to create a winning mix. La Madonna – the brainchild of chefs Daniel Natoli and Adrian Li – is a nifty fusion of Sicilian and Hong Kongese flavours, striking an ideal balance between intimate, buzzy and alluring. Smoky ox-tongue skewers with salsa verde, and smashed figs with pine nuts, spiced leatherwood honey and gorgonzola are just a few of the indulgent menu highlights on offer. Meanwhile, chic on-the-go bar Ingresso is *chefs kiss* for both daylight and twilight hours, serving up coffee, campari “and everything in between.” You’ll catch us visiting both. Find out more here.

Everyone’s favourite cinnamon whisky, Fireball has concocted a little something to cure Sydneysiders’ lockdown blues, in the form of the ultimate comfort food. Created in partnership with Sunday Potts Point, just in time for the fourth week of lockdown, you can now order a very special whisky-laden dessert: Fireball infused rhubarb, pear and blood orange cobbler, with a fiery butterscotch sauce. Just as you’d expect from the frat house favourites, the cobbler comes ready to be doused in a Fireball mini, so we’d suggest waiting until after work clocks off to dig into this one. With only 200 limited edition desserts available, you’d better get in quick – order yours Friday, July 23 and Friday, August 6 for $14, via Sunday Potts Point or Uber Eats for delivery to your door.

Finery 0% Cocktails is the next non-alcoholic tipple brand to add to your top shelf. Created by The Fine People and made in New Zealand, Finery has just landed in Australia where the appetite for non-alcoholic bevs couldn’t be stronger. Using a special blend of distilled extracts, tinctures and aromatic botanicals, the range is sophisticated and refreshing, made of all-natural and local ingredients, and totally alcohol free. Flavours include a fresh Grapefruit Cucumber and Mint; smooth Ginger, Green Tea, Honey, Mint and Lemon; delicately sweet Vanilla and Elderflower; and Lemon Myrtle, Lime and Black Tea – the new take on the classic lime and soda. Pick up a bottle now at Dan Murphy’s and finerycocktails.com

If you’re nostalgic for the days of the youthful rebellion and dangerously large bubbles blown out of gloss-coated lips, we’ve got just the cultural activity for you. 19-year old photorealism artist Max Bennet is debuting his very first exhibition in the James Street Precinct in Brisbane this week, and it’s all about chewing gum. Inspired by the infamous Seattle Gum Wall, the showcase is packed full of interactive displays, including a gum wall where visitors can stick pieces of 3D printed chewing gum (which will then be auctioned for charity), a pile of hundreds of kilograms of individually wrapped pieces of gum, and a pink monochrome bathtub ball pit. Open this weekend only, the exhibit is free for the public and just the kind of sugary fun we needed. Free gum will be provided too, of course. Find out more here.,

If there was ever a time to get stuck into gardening, now is well and truly it. Whether you’re looking to tame your bushy backyard, create a stylish space to entertain, keep your indoor plants alive or get the most out of smaller spaces, Yates’ new garden guide is your one stop shop. With details on more than 1000 exotic and native plants, guides on what to sow and grow throughout the year, and a comprehensive chart to help you identify and deal with all kinds of pests and diseases, even those without the magic touch can have plants that thrive. Want to take things to the next level? There are also chapters on community gardens, keeping chickens, and establishing kitchen gardens – it’s your bible for all green thumb-related needs. Grab your watering can and a copy of Yates Garden Guide now.