Lessons for a Lush Life

By Jackie McMillan 

It became apparent (after writing it) that this column makes me seem like an alcoholic ‘ what with spiking my cordials, sousing up my sorbet and planning to be unable to drive home ‘ which obviously isn’t too far from the truth. But what is a Sydney summer, if not an excuse to have the odd beverage or two, preferably in an al fresco environment with great food’

How many times have you been the designated driver at a restaurant meal, where (despite wanting it), you’ve needed to knock back that extra glass of vino in order to remain in a state to drive home safely’ I know I have, and most of the time it doesn’t bother me, but on the odd occasion when someone has cracked open one of my favourite wines, or when a meal has taken that step up from ordinary to magical, I feel a bit left out. The thing is I know a drink driving fine would totally ruin my night, and the other option ‘ not making it home at all ‘ does not bear thinking about. So I usually do the right thing with reasonably good humour.

Little did I know that since November, 2007, I haven’t had to knock back that glass of dessert wine! This is because a smart man called Darin Smyth has started a company called Drive You Home. Basically what they do is collect you and your vehicle from somewhere within the Sydney metropolitan area, and a sober driver with a clean record will drive you home in the comfort that you are accustomed to ‘ your own car. You see Smyth is originally from New Zealand where there are a staggering eighteen companies that drive you home if you’ve had one too many ‘ and he used to utilize them himself. He later moved to London, and was a parton of Scooterman, a similar type of company where the person driving you home puts a scooter in your boot, and uses it to get home after dropping you off.

The business Smyth has set up here uses three branded Smartcars and teams of employees where one will drive you home in your car, and the other will follow in the Smartcar to pick up the driver at the end of your journey. If you take into account the expense of leaving your car ‘ the cab ride home, the cab ride back in the morning and sometimes even overnight parking charges ‘ the fares charged by Drive You Home are more than reasonable.

According to Smyth, they are ‘really busy on Thursday nights, as everyone goes out for dinner on Thursdays,’ so he does advise patrons to book in advance. Luckily for the more spontaneous amongst us, he also accepts calls up until midnight or one am from Thursday to Sunday, closing a shade earlier on the other nights of the week. He’s quite flexible, so perhaps the best idea is to give him a call and discuss your requirements.

Cordial always reappears in our kitchen during summer, and what could be more refreshing than Mint Julep Cordial’ Reminiscent of that old candy favourite ‘spearmint leaves’ without the sugary sweetness, it can be enjoyed as a cordial with water, soda water or lemonade, or you can try out my little concoction ‘ a cocktail involving Mint Julep Cordial, Vodka and lemonade, poured into a tall glass over ice and fresh mint leaves! Whilst there is only one Sydney stockist at present, you can order it from their website, along with other interesting flavours like Spiced Apple (perfect with Brandy) and Raspberry Vinegar (which you can even use to baste duck)!

And for a final summery tipple ‘ venture to Serendipity in Marrickville for a fabulously fun batch of frozen cocktails, made fresh to order from your favourite alcohol! Not only are their sorbets gluten, dairy, egg, nut, soy and fat free ‘ they’re full of flavour, and go down a treat with your spirit of choice. I am partial to using Vodka O (bottled in Australia and totally organic) because it doesn’t destroy the taste of Serendipity’s fabulous sorbet. The only problem you’ll have is choosing a flavour ‘ blood orange is a personal favourite, especially with Vodka ‘ but don’t despair, their friendly staff will help you make a choice to suit your tastes and alcoholic budget. As they are not licensed, it’s up to you to bring the booze, but this is a perfect way to keep the price as low as you want it to be! All that’s left is to invite over some friends and wow them with fourteen litres (that’s seventy standard drinks per batch) of perfectly blended frozen cocktails straight from your freezer! What’s more, if anyone gets too drunk to drive home, you’ll also have the perfect solution’

Drive You Home 1300 drive u (1300 374 838)
www.driveyouhome.com.au

Murray Breweries Mint Julep Cordial ($6.50/700ml)
www.murraybreweries.com.au
Or you can purchase the range at: About Life, Rozelle 605 Darling Street, Rozelle (02) 8755 1333 ($7.95/700ml).

Serendipity Frozen Alcoholic Cocktails ($80-$100 for 14L or 70 standard drinks)
333 Enmore Road, Marrickville (02) 9557 8986
www.serendipityicecream.com.au