In the dynamic world of hospitality, updating your cocktail list isn’t just about chasing trends — it’s about creating memorable experiences for your guests and unlocking new revenue streams for your venue. At Bouchon, we’re passionate about helping Queensland bars, restaurants, and hotels discover quality-driven, often overlooked, and sometimes downright inspiring options for their backbars. In this deep dive, we’ll guide you through premium alternatives to popular spirits, spotlight ready-to-serve solutions, and (most importantly) explain how to leverage education and story-driven products that genuinely set your menu apart.
Agave Spirits: Beyond Tequila – A World Waiting to Be Explored
Tequila and mezcal are having a moment, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. At Bouchon, our curated portfolio puts a real spotlight on authentic, artisanal agave spirits — each a gateway to Mexican terroir and tradition. Agave spirits go far beyond the party shot or crowd-pleasing Margarita; their nuance deserves respect and understanding.
- Terroir-Driven Flavour: True mezcals such as Vago Espadin Mezcal BARRIGA 700ml 49% and Mezcal Vago Ensamble JARQUIN 50.8% 700ml offer a spectrum from smoky to floral, with wild agave varieties and slow, patient traditional production.
- User-Centric Education: The magic of agave lies in education. There’s immense value in staff trainings and menu story-telling — explaining, for example, how a mezcal from Guerrero (like Domingo Mezcal Guerrero Papalote) is distinct from Oaxaca bottlings.
Our in-house agave expert, Marie Pottier (marie@cerbaco.com.au), has visited Mexican distilleries first-hand and is available for samples, staff masterclasses and to infuse your team with real Mexican culture. If you want your guests to ask about your agave range, call on expert storytelling and tray-based tastings!
- Feature a smoky twist on the Negroni or an agave-forward Margarita for truly standout signatures.
Explore our full mezcal and agave spirits collection to take your menu to the next level.
Massenez Liqueurs: Elevating the Modern Cocktail
French Massenez liqueurs are the secret ingredient for cocktail programs that aim to surprise. These are not your average backbar liqueurs: think rare fruit, beautiful clarity, and a natural, balanced sweetness that supports both creative specialty drinks and robust classics.
- Coffee Liqueur: Nosferatu Crema Coffee Liqueur in an Espresso Martini delivers polished depth without being overly sweet.
- Butterscotch Liqueur: Transforms an Old Fashioned, or try it in a dessert-inspired after-dinner serve.
- Apricot and Fig Liqueurs: Ideal as clever floaters in sparkling cocktails, or used to balance sours and daiquiris.
View our Massenez and specialty liqueurs range for inspiration, or deepen your cocktail creativity with our team’s hands-on menu and staff training support.
For more ideas on leveraging Massenez passionfruit, watermelon, and other liqueurs in your menu, check out our guide: Innovative Ways to Refresh Your Cocktail List with Massenez Passionfruit and Watermelon Liqueurs.
Wine Diversity: From Burgundy to the Barossa
No backbar or wine list feels complete without a globe-trotting selection of wines. Wine choice is about telling a story and offering variety:
- France: Champagne, Burgundy Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux for classic sophistication.
- Italy: Think Chianti Classico, Aglianico, and mineral-driven whites.
- Australia: From refined Victorian Shiraz to Tasmanian Chardonnay.
- Elsewhere: Add a Spanish rosé, a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, or a bold California red for discovery.
We offer iconic labels such as Chateau Fontoy, Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico, and Saint Max Provence Rosé. Sampling flights by varietal or region are proven to nudge up per-head spend, especially for curious diners.
Explore our wines by country or style and let your wine list tell a bigger story.
Rhum vs Rum: The Spirit of Place
Not all rums are created equal! The difference between “rhum” and “rum” goes well beyond the spelling — and opens up unique menu options:
- Rhum (French Caribbean, notably rhum agricole): Made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice, producing a grassy, vibrant, and herbaceous spirit. It shines in classics such as the Ti’ Punch and Daiquiri.
- Rum (English, Spanish traditions): Produced from molasses, it tends to be richer, with baked fruit and spice notes, perfect in tiki drinks, Rum Old Fashioneds, or a direct pour on the rocks.
We offer premium options from both traditions. For a full breakdown, explore our rum and rhum collection.
The Discovery of Michel Couvreur Whiskies
Michel Couvreur is a legendary name in whisky circles, celebrated for bringing Scottish spine to French soul. His whiskies are distilled in Scotland but aged in Burgundy caves using old sherry and port casks, producing signatures unlike anything on the market. A Michel Couvreur single malt offers complexity, oxidation, and a unique wine barrel backbone — a perfect conversation starter or flight highlight.
Our whisky specialist, Christian Barkley (christian@cerbaco.com.au), can arrange sampling, training, or masterclasses tailored to your team and audience.
For more variety, see our growing whiskies portfolio.
Willett Bourbon: Small Batch Kentucky Heritage
Willett Kentucky Vintage Bourbon 45% is an essential for the true bourbon connoisseur. Renowned for small-batch, pot-still distillation, Willett delivers powerful oak, vanilla, and caramel. Feature it in a Premium Manhattan or Old Fashioned — or simply let guests enjoy it neat.
- Our range is carefully temperature-controlled and ready for professional pours or whisky flights.
For educational support or creative whiskey menu design, please connect with Christian Barkley at Cerbaco Queensland.
Sortilège: Whisky and the Story of Canadian Maple
For something truly unique, highlight Canadian maple whisky liqueur — Sortilège. This bottling blends spicy Canadian whisky with authentic, artisanal maple syrup sourced from Québec’s ancient sugar forests. The result is rich, warming, and balances sweetness and spice perfectly.
- Try a Maple Old Fashioned or Maple Rye Sour as a winter special.
- Storytelling opportunity: Québec produces more than 70% of the world’s maple syrup, involving thousands of small-scale producers and a tradition handed down generations.
Curious to learn more about Canadian maple production or whisky-mixology pairings? Christian Barkley (christian@cerbaco.com.au) would be glad to assist with samples and education for your staff.
Ready-to-Serve Bottled Cocktails: Quality and Convenience
Sometimes, immediate consistency is as important as innovation. Ready-to-serve cocktails streamline busy venues, late events, and ensure every guest receives a perfect serve. The Old Fashioned Bottled Cocktail 500mL by Nosferatu Distillery exemplifies artisanal batching and elegant presentation — just pour over ice and garnish.
- Each bottle offers ten serves, with real ingredients and no artificial flavours.
- Perfect for high-volume service, events, and quick late-night menus.
Discover more bottled and batch cocktail solutions in our liqueur and ready-to-serve range.
Going Further: Non-Alcoholic & Low-ABV Options
Not all guests want a high-proof pour. While we don’t currently stock 0% spirit substitutes, our portfolio supports creative non-alcoholic offerings — including syrups, aperitifs, premium juices, and teas. Mush up classics like Mojitos, Margaritas, or Spritzes using sparkling water, fresh fruit, and fortifying syrups for a health-conscious twist. Low-ABV solutions with vermouths, amari, and fortified wines provide a clever alternative for those who want flavour, not intoxication.
Staff Training, Tastings, and Masterclasses: Education Makes the Menu
We believe that the best menus are built on knowledge and passion. Our team offers tailored staff training, tastings, and storytelling support for all our key spirits and wines. This is how you turn a static product list into an interactive, profitable experience for your guests.
- For agave spirits, deep dives, and Mexican cultural context, reach out to Marie Pottier (marie@cerbaco.com.au).
- For North American whiskies, bourbon, and Canadian maple stories, contact Christian Barkley (christian@cerbaco.com.au).
We’re committed to partnering with you on staff empowerment, menu storytelling, and unique venue events that set you apart in the market.
Get Started — Open Trade Account & Explore More
Are you ready to build a backbar worth talking about? Open a wholesale account with Bouchon and unlock exclusive pricing, support, and access to Queensland’s most passionate local purveyors. For tailored product suggestions, masterclasses, or tasting sessions, our team is here to help.
- Browse our full spirits collection
- Explore Massenez liqueurs and more
- Discover artisanal mezcals and agave spirits
- Search our international wine selection
For current customers and newcomers alike, we offer free delivery across Queensland on qualifying orders and stand ready to provide the personal service and industry expertise only locals can offer. Let’s design your next great cocktail list together.