Tag Archives: distillers-blog

It’s about time for a long schnappy lunch. Weekends are made for resting, recuperating and rejuvenating. And summer long weekends? They’re basically a holiday for your soul. It’s your time to get out in the sunshine, soak up some much-needed vitamin D, and forget about the inbox for a while. Why not dial up the relaxation by treating yourself to a long lunch with friends — complete with a table full of schnapps spritzers to toast this beautiful land we call home?

We’ve rounded up our schnappiest summer favourites to take your weekend brunches from nice to next-level.

Mango Madness
Product: Mango schnapps and Kosciuszko Vodka

Fuzzy Navel
Products: Peach Nectar schnapps and orange juice

Italian Lemonade
Products: Limoncello and Wildbrumby Classic Gin

Donner and Blitz
Products: Devil’s Tongue schnapps

G&T
Product: Wildbrumby Classic Gin and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic

It’s that time of year to run through the schnappy checklist.

Stocked up on seasonal Sour Cherry schnapps – check. Gifted your Secret Santa a 60ml surprise pack – check. Bought the Seriously Sparkling Christmas Pack to add extra festive cheer to your celebrations – check. Added Christmas Gin to the “just-in-case” shelf – check. Hidden a bottle somewhere unexpected for future-you to discover – check. Spare bottle for Santa – check.

Now, what to do with all that schnapps?

At wildbrumby, that’s our favourite question. The easy answer is “just drink it”, of course. But if you’d like to get creative—and seriously impress your family and friends this holiday season—we’ve mixed up some “Schnappy Hour” Christmas cocktails that are ready to become your new go-to’s for every festive celebration. Check them out below.

—————————–
Santa’s Baked Apple Fizz
Product: ‘Catch Me’ Gingerbread Man Baked Apple
—————————–

—————————–
Sour Cherry Slam
Products: Christmas Gin and Sour Cherry schnapps
—————————–

—————————–
Sunrise on Christmas Day
Products: Kosciuszko Vodka and ‘Catch Me’ Gingerbread Man Baked Apple
—————————–

—————————–
Candy Cane Martini
Products: Kosciuszko Vodka and Peppermint
—————————–

—————————–
Lady Marmalade
Product: Classic Gin
—————————–

—————————–
Elf Juice
Products: Classic Gin and Limoncello
—————————–

—————————–
Saint Nic’s Spritz
Products: Christmas Gin and Sour Cherry schnapps
—————————–

We know, we know… when most people think of a spritz, they picture an Aperol by a Venetian canal or a Limoncello on the Amalfi Coast. But did you know the word spritz actually comes from the German for “splash”? It was Austrian travellers who first lightened Italian wine with a dash of soda. Incidentally, the Austrians are also instrumental in the founding of Wildbrumby schnapps…See, where we’re going here?

So, if the spritz isn’t purely an Italian invention, but was inspired by Austrians, we reckon us Aussies deserve a turn to give it a little Wildbrumby schnappy twist of our own.

This season, we’re turning to Wildbrumby Peach Nectar, Limoncello, and Pink Lady Apple Schnapps to create spritzers and sours that taste like sunshine in a glass. From zesty sours to summer sun-toned spritzers, these refreshing cocktails will have you raising a toast to the bright days ahead. Interested in trying these cocktails at home? Our Spring Spritzer 500ml bundle containing 2 x Peach Nectar schnapps, 2 x Limoncello, and 2 x Pink Lady Apple schnapps, includes one FREE bottle!

Because when life gives you sunshine… it’s time to slip, slop, and spritz!

Peach Perfect

45 ml Wildbrumby Peach Nectar Schnapps
30 ml Rubus Patch Gin
30 ml Peach Puree
15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
Chickpea juice or vegan Wonderfoam Cocktail Foamer

Method:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add all ingredients and shake it vigorously for 30seconds.
• Strain into a coupe glass.

Italian Lemonade

45 ml Wildbrumby Limoncello
30 ml Classic Gin
20 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
Top up with Indian Tonic

Method:

• Fill a large wine glass with ice.
• Add schnapps, gin and lemon juice and stir gently.
• Top up with Indian Tonic water.
• Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Orchard Spritz

45 ml Wildbrumby Pink Lady Apple Schnapps
30 ml Kosciuszko Vodka
Fever Tree Ginger Ale
15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
Dash of simple syrup

Method:

• Fill a large wine glass with ice.
• Add schnapps, vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice and stir gently.
• Top up with ginger ale.
• Garnish with slices of pink lady apple and fresh mint.

On Saturday 4th October 2025, we are celebrating over a decade of Oktoberfests held at Wildbrumby Distillery! We asked Chris Wall from the Cooma District Band, how the band came to be involved with the annual Oktoberfest, and why it’s a great day out for the whole family.

How did the Cooma District Band become involved with Oktoberfest at Wildbrumby?

About 15 or 20 years ago I would think it was, we found a book, “Alles Stimmung”, in the band’s music stores, with 10 well known Bavarian style songs and tunes. At the time we had a few German speakers in the band, and so we gathered a bit more music, and put on an Oktoberfest…I think it was at the Air Rifle club in Cooma, which had a German background. We asked Monika and Brad (the founders of Wildbrumby) if they were interested, and we have been a fixture on the October long weekend ever since, and we love it.

What kind of music do you play?

I think it was thanks to Monika we became “The Wildbrumby Oombahbah Band”. Over the last 20 years we have gathered more and more German/Austrian/Oompah style music. When we found out Monika grew up in Kufstein, and we had “Kufsteinlieder” in our music, we really had to add that to the list. I believe it has words about how beautiful the town is, and it is a lovely lyrical waltz. There are some common themes (in the list): “If the water in the Rhine was Golden Wine”, “You can’t be true to me”… largely related to drinking and what can happen after drinking!

But you don’t have to drink like the composers of those songs to enjoy a day at Wildbrumby. One of the great things is that we so often have an enthusiastic audience, but it is never rowdy nor unpleasant as you can get at other venues. It is always a great family day with Oompah music, dancing, singing, kids running about, and great schnapps, beer and food.

Are there games for the kids?

We usually bring some toy horses and have a mad kids’ “gallop” that gets faster and faster. There are always percussion instruments to play, and we find the under 7’s are often the most enthusiastic. This year our bass drummer is away, so there is an opportunity for someone to play along with the band. Sometimes we have kids who play an instrument sit in and follow the music while mum and dad relax on the grass and have a schnapps or something from the Wildbrumby “Hoffbrauhaus”.

And, of course, there is always a “Chicken Dance” for young and old, waltzes, polkas, and a “Schuplattler” – a bit of group thigh slapping, best done with a Tyrolean hat.

We plan a bit of a sing along…Edelweiss, and some songs in German…and just doing your best with the pronunciation is fine!

The event details:

Dress up and come along. As one of our songs translates: “I’d rather wear a Tyrolean Hat”. We are outside, and people are coming and going as they please.

And it’s all free, put on by Wildbrumby.

The band will play from 11:30 to 4:30 on Sat 4 October, so come along and enjoy (and pray for good weather).

Chris Wall

Wildbrumby Oombahbah Band (know at other times as Cooma District Band)      

Bookings for lunch and afternoon tea are highly recommended. 

To reserve a table at the stillhouse cafe, we recommend you contact the distillery by phone between 10am and 11am, or 3pm and 5pm on (02) 6457 1447.

You can also email info@wildbrumby.com. 

No trip to the snow is complete without a little après-ski. This beloved alpine tradition—French for “after ski”—has been a treasured part of snow culture since the 1950s, when the sport took off across the French and Austrian Alps. Think fireside drinks, hearty fare, and that golden window of time when the skis come off and the stories begin. In Europe, après-ski can mean anything from dancing in your ski boots to sipping mulled wine in a timbered tavern. And while modern après might feel like a recent invention, its roots run deep. Skiing itself dates back to around 4000 BC in Scandinavia, and Norse mythology even includes Ullr, the snow god and original patron saint of skiers—still celebrated today in wintry festivals across the globe. But here in the Snowy Mountains, we do things our own way.

Welcome to Aussie Après

Picture snow gums instead of pine trees. Swap the Euro pop for a more laid-back vibe. And add a generous splash of schnapps. Nestled between Jindabyne and Thredbo, Wildbrumby Distillery is the beating heart of Australian après-ski. Whether you’ve spent the day carving turns at Thredbo or Perisher, or simply soaked up the alpine air on a snowshoe trail, our Stillhouse Café is your perfect post-slope refuge. Step inside and you’re greeted by the scent of spiced Glühwein, the warmth of a crackling fire, and the unmistakable buzz of skiers and snow-lovers swapping tales over drinks and hearty mountain fare.

What’s on the Menu?

Arrive before 4pm and fuel up with Austrian goulash, German sausages, or a generous antipasti platter featuring the best local produce. Every dish is crafted with the same care and creativity that goes into our award-winning spirits. And if you’re around on a Friday or Saturday afternoon, don’t miss Schnappy Hour from 4 to 5pm—your chance to sample a flight of three schnapps for 25% off. It’s the ideal way to warm up, wind down, and discover your new favourite flavour.

Take the Après Home

Want to keep the après-ski magic going long after the snow melts? Swing by the Wildbrumby distillery shop for a bottle (or two) of your favourite schnapps, or browse alpine-inspired artworks by resident artist Brad Spalding. Each piece captures the spirit of the mountains—and makes for a perfect winter memento.

So this season, don’t rush from slope to supper. Pause. Breathe in the mountain air. Toast to a day well spent. Après-ski isn’t just the end of your adventure—it’s part of it.

Checkout some of our favourite après cocktail recipes below, and let the après begin!

Faceplant 

Though not an uncommon occurrence if you’re hitting the slopes this winter, the Faceplant we have in mind is far more satisfying. Featuring our seasonal Baked Apple schnapps and a dollop of whipped cream, this recipe is wildbrumby approved to try at home.

Ingredients: 

25mL wildbrumby baked apple schnapps
whipped cream
cinnamon

How to make it: 

1. Warm your wildbrumby baked apple schnapps in the microwave for 10-15 seconds in a shot glass.
2. Top with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

*Our wildbrumby baked apple schnapps is a seasonal product and will only be available for a limited time during winter.

Powder Day

Every snow enthusiast’s dream, in Australia, true powder days often prove elusive. Here’s one Powder Day that will consistently put a smile on your dial.

Ingredients: 
60 ml wildbrumby Baked Apple schnapps
30 ml Kosciuszko vodka
30 ml apple juice
25 ml cream

How to make it: 

1. Add all ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake till cold.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Flare Runner

Thredbo’s Saturday night staff flare runs are legendary! Whilst you may not be able to be part of the action on the mountain, you can certainly re-create the excitement at home with this spicy delight.

1. Combine ingredients in a chilled glass, fill with ice and stir for 10 seconds.
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
3. Serve with dark chocolate nibbles if desired.

Our seasonal Coffee Liqueur is available from Saturday April 26 for a limited time!

Wildbrumby Espresso Martini

Ingredients:
– 45ml Wildbrumby Coffee Liqueur Schnapps
– 30ml Kosciuszko Vodka
– 30ml Fresh Espresso (double shot, ideally)
– Ice
– Coffee beans (for garnish)

Method:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well—think alpine breeze in a snowstorm—until the shaker feels icy cold.
Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans (a traditional nod to health, wealth and happiness).
Sip immediately while the crema is still fresh and frothy on top.

Café au Schnapps
Think brunch. But bolder.
This is the morning-after version of the espresso martini—lighter, creamier, and a bit decadent.

Ingredients:
– 45ml Coffee Liqueur Schnapps
– 30ml Fresh cream
– 15ml Kosciuszko Vodka
– Dash of vanilla extract
– Ice

Method:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake until silky, then strain into a small coupe glass or tumbler. Garnish with grated dark chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon.

Mocha Mountain Martini
A touch of chocolate, a hint of spice, and a bold coffee finish.
Perfect for fireside sipping after a long day on the slopes.

Ingredients:
– 40ml Coffee Liqueur Schnapps
– 20ml Kosciuszko Vodka
– 10ml Chocolate liqueur
– Dash of Devil’s Tongue schnapps or a pinch of cayenne (optional)

Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of dried orange or a dusting of cocoa powder.

So, you’ve bought a seasonal Pure Berry schnapps—or you’re about to—but you’re not sure how to enjoy it. Let us help! There’s nothing we hate more than hearing about a bottle of schnapps, bought 12 months ago, still gathering dust in the back of a cupboard. (Please, for the love of all that’s good, don’t leave it in a musty cellar like a vintage German red wine from 1540!)

To prevent this travesty, we’ve created some tantalizing Pure Berry cocktail recipes for you to try at home, using the simplest ingredients. Rest assured, we’ve tested them all for quality control.

Summer may be over, but as we said in January, one of our 2025 resolutions is to make the most of every season. Resolution No. 2 is to notice the beauty all around us. There are few things more beautiful than watching the sun set over the mountains—especially from the top of Mt. Kosciuszko. But watching an autumn sunset from the comfort of your own patio or balcony, with an autumn berry cocktail in hand? That kind of beauty is unbeatable.

What is Pure Berry Schnapps?

Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of the changing seasons, tradition, and the craftsmanship that thrives in the heart of Australia’s Snowy Mountains. For over 22 years, Wildbrumby Distillery has been pouring passion into creating spirits that reflect the alpine bounty surrounding us. It all starts with the fruit—organic raspberries, grown right here on the property for over two decades, alongside carefully chosen blackberries, blueberries, and both red and black currants. This perfect blend brings a depth of flavor that’s vibrantly fresh and naturally sweet, capturing the very essence of the fruit.

Our distillation process happens in our beloved German-made Kothe still, affectionately called “Joan”—named after Brad’s late mother. With a 600-liter capacity, Joan gives us complete control over each batch, ensuring every sip reflects the purity and complexity of our hand-picked ingredients. The result? A schnapps that bursts with ripe berry aromas, offers a smooth, juicy sip, and finishes light and refreshing, leaving you with the warmth of natural fruit sweetness.

Whether you’re sipping Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps neat or on ice, you’ll experience the full spectrum of berry flavors unfolding with each taste. Add a splash of sparkling water to highlight its crispness, or drizzle it over ice cream or fresh fruit for a gourmet dessert twist. This seasonal delight is perfect for those who appreciate handcrafted spirits and the artistry behind them. More than just a drink, it’s a tribute to the land, the fruit, and the dedication we pour into every bottle.

Alpine Berry Tonic

45 ml Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps
30 ml Rubus Patch Gin
Fever Tree Raspberry Tonic
Ice and fresh berries for garnish

Method:

Fill a glass with ice, add the schnapps and gin, then top with Fever Tree Raspberry Tonic. Stir gently and garnish with fresh berries.

Supercali-BERRY-licious-expialidocious cocktail

45 ml Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps
30 ml Rubus Patch Gin
20 ml Fresh Lime Juice
1 Spoon Berry Jam
1 Egg White

Method:

Shake all ingredients without ice to emulsify the egg white. Add ice, shake again, and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a few berries.
Pro Tip: if you don’t want to use raw egg white you could buy Wonder Foam HERE – a plant based cocktail foamer.

Snowy Berry Mule

45 ml Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps
30 ml Kosciuszko Vodka
Fever Tree Ginger Beer
Ice and lime wedge for garnish

Method:

Fill a glass with ice, pour in the schnapps and vodka, then top with Fever-Tree ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with fresh berries, mint and lime wedge.

Wildbrumby Berry Bellini

20 ml Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps
90 ml wildbrumby Brut
Fresh berries for garnish

Method:

Pour the schnapps into a champagne flute, top with wildbrumby Brut, and gently stir. Garnish with fresh berries.

Berry Sunrise Mimosa

20 ml Wildbrumby Pure Berry Schnapps
60 ml Fresh Orange Juice
60 ml wildbrumby Brut
Orange twist for garnish

​Method:

Combine the schnapps and orange juice in a flute, then top with wildbrumby Brut. Stir gently and garnish with fresh berries.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your special someone how much you care—why not do so with a delicious cocktail? Whether you’re celebrating a romantic evening with a partner or getting the girls (or guys) together, crafting memorable Valentine’s cocktails can elevate any occasion. At Wildbrumby Distillery, our schnapps is crafted with love, so we believe that love and spirits go hand in hand! That’s why we’ve curated some delightful Valentine’s cocktails that will make your celebration even more unforgettable.

From smooth gin to rich schnapps, our spirits provide the perfect base for a variety of cocktails—whether you prefer something sweet, sour, or a little bit bold. With Wildbrumby, you’re not just mixing a drink; you’re creating an experience.

Scroll down to discover our pick for this year’s finest Valentine’s Cocktails that are simple and easy to make at home.

Pear-fect Romance

Fall in love with every sip of this delicate and refreshing cocktail. The Pear-fect Romance combines the smooth subtleness of wildbrumby Pear William Schnapps with the crispness of Kosciuszko Vodka, balanced by a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. Topped with Fever-Tree Raspberry Soda, this cocktail is as pretty in pink as it is delicious, while a sprinkle of rose buds or petals adds a romantic, fragrant touch. It looks and smells so good you almost won’t want to drink it! Almost…

Ingredients:
35ml Pear William Schnapps
35mL Kosciuszko Vodka
Tsp of sugar or simple syrup
Fever-Tree Raspberry Soda
Rose Buds or Petals to garnish

Method:
Add 35ml Pear William Schnapps and 35ml Kosciuszko Vodka to a cocktail shaker with ice and simple syrup. Once shaken, pour into a chilled coupe glass. Top with Fever Tree Raspberry Soda. Garnish with dried Rose Buds or petals. Voila! You have a Pear-fect Romance!

Buy Pear William Schnapps here.

 

Peary Cinnamon Sparkler

This cocktail combines Wildbrumby’s Pear William Schnapps with fresh strawberries and a dash of cinnamon for a spicy twist.

Ingredients:
40ml Pear William Schnapps
4 Fresh strawberries
A pinch of cinnamon
10ml honey (or simple syrup)
Soda water
Ice
Strawberry to garnish

Method:
Muddle strawberries in the bottom of a shaker. Add the Pear William schnapps, honey syrup and cinnamon. Fill with ice and shake until well mixed. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a fresh strawberry (cut into a heart-shape for extra cute factor).

Pink Lady’s Kiss

A stunningly simple yet stunning cocktail with a lovely pink hue. It combines the crispness of Wildbrumby Pink Lady Apple Schnapps with a hint of floral notes from elderflower tonic.

Ingredients:
30ml Pink Lady Apple Schnapps
30ml Rubus Patch Gin
20ml Fever-Tree elderflower tonic
15ml Honey
15ml fresh lime juice
Apple blossom and wedge of lime

Method:
Fill a shaker with ice and add Wildbrumby Pink Lady Apple Schnapps, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled tumbler. Garnish with a wedge of lime and an apple blossom.

Buy Pink Lady Apple Schnapps here.

Lady in Pink

This Lady in Pink does take a little more work than your average homemade cocktail. They say that the finest apples are at the top of the tree. Similarly, to make the finest Pink Lady Apple schnapps cocktail, though you don’t have to pick the apples yourself (because we’ve done that part) you have to put in a bit of extra effort. It’s worth it.

Ingredients:
30ml Pink Lady Apple Schnapps
30ml Rubus Patch Gin
30ml Rhubarb and Rose Syrup*
One egg white
Dusting of cinnamon

Pro Tip: For a vegan friendly alternative to egg white, use Wonderfoam Cocktail Foamer. Purchase online from Only Bitters here.

Method:
Add Pink Lady Apple Schnapps, Rubus Patch Gin, one egg white, and Rhubarb Syrup to an ice-filled cocktail shaker (see instructions below for making Rhubarb and Rose Syrup).

Once shaken, strain contents into a martini glass and dust with cinnamon. Drink to your heart’s content.

*Ingredients for Rhubarb and Rose Syrup:
• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 tbsp dried rose petals (or 1-2 tbsp rose water)
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

Let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a bottle or jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb breaks down and the liquid thickens.

Add the rose petals (or rose water) and lemon juice. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids.

Rubus, Limoncello & Tonic 

This cocktail is pink, pretty and a little bit tart.

Our rubus patch gin is made using organic raspberries picked straight from our distillery gardens and makes a brilliant G&T combo with our wildbrumby limoncello. And it looks delectable too!

Ingredients:
20mL wildbrumby limoncello
30mL wildbrumby rubus patch gin
tonic
lemon
raspberries

Method:
Firstly, pack a wide, stemless glass to the brim with lemon wheels, whole raspberries and ice. Pour our rubus patch gin and wildbrumby limoncello into your glass and top with tonic water. We suggest fever tree’s refreshingly light tonic water. 

Serve your Rubus, Limoncello & Tonic with a vibrant paper straw and an extravagant cheese platter.

See our rubus gin blog here for more ways to enjoy pink gin.

Bellini

If you’re a fan of our peach nectar schnapps you’re probably familiar with our twist on the perfect bellini cocktail. It’s a two-step, wildbrumby classic. The name ‘Bellini’ feels like an obvious choice for a heavenly cocktail.

In recent years the peach nectar or puree has been swapped out for quality peach schnapps. And whilst the Bellini has lost its notable pink hue, it has only improved in taste!

Hot tip: Swap out Peach Schnapps for Pink Lady Apple schnapps and garnish with an apple slice.

Ingredients:
20mL wildbrumby peach schnapps (or pink lady apple schnapps)
130mL of wildbrumby Brut
One peach (preferably a white peach)

Method:
Take a fresh peach and slice out a thin wedge, keeping the skin on. Garnish your chilled champagne flute with the peach slice then add wildbrumby Peach Schnapps. Angle the champagne flute on a 45-degree angle and slowly fill the glass with wildbrumby Brut.

Make sure to keep the lip of your wildbrumby Brut bottle close to the champagne flute and straighten the glass as it fills. This will help control bubbles and the brut and schnapps will mix evenly. Ta da! Your bubbly peach treat is ready to be served.

Find out more about crafting the perfect Bellini here.

 

Strawberry Sting

Chilli and strawberry are the surprising pair that you won’t be able to get enough of! Especially on a warm, summery Valentine’s Day…

Ingredients:

30mL wildbrumby devil’s tongue
30mL strawberry syrup
soda water
punnet of strawberries

How to make it:

To make your strawberry simple syrup, quarter 5 strawberries before mashing in a small pot.

Add 100g white sugar and 120mL water to the pot. Bring to a simmer and stir till the sugar has dissolved before taking it off the heat. Once the mixture has cooled and taken on a reddish-pink colour, strain the contents into a small jug.

Now that you have your strawberry syrup – it’s go time! Pour wildbrumby devil’s tongue schnapps and your strawberry syrup into an ice filled glass. Top with soda water and garnish with halved strawberries.

This recipe will make 6 servings. Bottomless Strawberry Stings anyone?

Buy your Devil’s Tongue schnapps here.