A Winter Dinner Party: Four Courses, Four Exceptional Spirits

Entertaining in winter calls for deeper flavours, slower moments, and drinks that elevate the entire experience. This season, set the tone with a thoughtfully paired dinner party menu—each course complemented by a cocktail crafted with the purity and character of King Island Distillery Bass Strait ultra-premium spirits.

From the first sip to the final spoonful, this is a celebration of flavour, refinement, and the art of entertaining well.

Cocktail on Arrival: The Coastal Martini

Spirit: King Island Coastal Gin

Paired with: Oyster + cucumber granita

Welcome guests with a cocktail with a Coastal Martini - highlighting the clean, mineral botanicals of King Island Coastal Gin—served ice-cold with a twist of lemon or sea salt olive.

Serve:

• 50ml King Island Coastal Gin

• 15ml dry vermouth

• Dash of orange bitters

• Lemon twist or olive to garnish

Pair with freshly shucked oyster and a spoonful of cucumber granita. The salinity of the oyster mirrors the gin’s maritime botanicals, setting the tone for a coastal-inspired winter feast.

Entrée: Roast Cauliflower Soup with Hazelnut & Tarragon Oil

Spirit pairing: Waterwitch Vodka – Winter Herb Martini

This silky soup is earthy and warming, with toasted hazelnuts for crunch and a drizzle of tarragon oil for brightness. It pairs beautifully with a Winter Herb Martini made with Waterwitch Vodka, offering clarity and structure while echoing the herbal elements of the dish.

Cocktail pairing:

• 50ml Waterwitch Vodka

• 15ml dry vermouth

• Dash of celery or herb bitters

• Tarragon sprig or lemon zest to garnish

Stirred down and served chilled, this clean yet herbaceous serve enhances the savoury richness of the soup while remaining elegant and refined.

Main: Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder with Fennel, Orange & Juniper

Spirit pairing: Gidley Dry Gin – Gidley Old Fashioned

This bold, spiced gin—anchored in juniper, citrus, and pepper—stands up beautifully to rich, slow-cooked pork. The flavours echo the aromatics in the braise, especially when paired with roasted fennel and a silky mash.

Cocktail pairing:

• 50ml Gidley Dry Gin

• 5ml sugar syrup

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• Flamed orange zest

Served over a large ice cube, the Gidley Old Fashioned is structured, aromatic, and beautifully warming—ideal for a hearty winter main.

Dessert: Pear & Ginger Cake with Spiced Vodka Cream

Spirit pairing: Waterwitch Vodka – Winter Pear Highball

Finish with a dessert that’s both comforting and elevated. A moist pear and ginger cake served warm with spiced whipped cream (folded with a touch of Waterwitch Vodka), balances sweetness and spice.

Cocktail pairing:

• 45ml Waterwitch Vodka

• 60ml cloudy pear juice

• Soda

• Thyme sprig garnish

Light, refreshing, and quietly sophisticated, the vodka highball cleanses the palate and brings the evening full circle.

Set the Scene

This winter menu is designed for slow entertaining—where every course has intention, and every serve tells a story. With the ultra-premium craftsmanship of King Island Coastal Gin, Gidley Dry Gin, and Waterwitch Vodka, your dinner party becomes more than just a meal—it becomes a seasonal ritual.