1956 Olympiad - A Botanical Cocktail Featuring Shepherd’s Run Gin

A Cocktail Celebrating Spirit, History & Flavour

The 1956 Olympiad is a cocktail built for momentum — bright, herbal, powerful and full of character. With Shepherd’s Run Gin at its core, this drink pays tribute not just to bold flavour, but to a bold moment in time: the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

Much like the athletes who filled the stadiums, the Olympiad is energetic, expressive and unapologetically vibrant. Green Chartreuse brings intensity, Mastika adds intriguing Mediterranean character, and fresh lime juice pulls everything into balance for a cocktail that is sharp, structured and exhilarating.

If you love herbaceous spirits, layered botanicals or cocktails with real presence, the 1956 Olympiad is your kind of drink.

The Botanical Story Behind Shepherd’s Run Gin

Shepherd’s Run Gin was crafted as a tribute to Rothwell Distillery’s sheep-herding heritage and the earthy flavours of a classic roast lamb. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean-style herbs while weaving in uniquely Australian elements, the gin boasts a botanical profile unlike anything else in the range.

Its key botanicals include:

• Rosemary & thyme — savoury, aromatic and robust
• Lemon — refreshing brightness that cuts through richness
• Saltbush — grounding the gin in Australian terroir
• Bush mint — floral, green and lightly cooling

This creates a gin that is peppery, herbaceous and exceptionally suited to cocktails that appreciate complexity. Shepherd’s Run shines in savoury builds, herbal martinis and bold flavour combinations — making it a perfect partner for the Olympiad’s powerhouse ingredients.

What the 1956 Olympiad Tastes Like

The Olympiad is an herbal-forward, aromatic and bright cocktail with layers that unfold sip by sip. Its profile includes:

• Deep herbal intensity from Green Chartreuse
• Refreshing Mediterranean sweetness from Mastika
• Zesty acidity from lime juice
• Savoury depth from Shepherd’s Run Gin

These ingredients form a flavour that is sharp, vibrant and perfectly balanced — the kind of cocktail that demands attention and feels energetic from first sip to last.

Occasions Made for the Olympiad

Because of its intensity and elegance, the 1956 Olympiad shines during:

Celebratory evenings

Perfect for toasts, milestones and any moment that calls for a little theatrical flair.

Pre-dinner drinks

The herbal richness opens the palate beautifully before a savoury meal.

Cocktail nights with enthusiasts

This is a drink that garners conversation, ideal for people who appreciate bold flavour and aromatic spirits.

Colder weather

The warmth of the botanicals and Chartreuse feels comforting and complex.

1956 Olympiad — Recipe

Ingredients

• 30ml Rothwell Distillery Shepherd’s Run Gin
• 30ml Dolin Genepi Chamois
• 30ml Macedon Distillery Mastiha
• 30ml Lime Juice
• Ice
• Garnish: Lime wheel

Method

1. Add Shepherd’s Run Gin, Green Chartreuse, Mastika and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake firmly until well chilled.
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe or nick & nora glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel placed in the glass.

A Cocktail Worthy of a Podium Finish

The 1956 Olympiad is a celebration of bold botanicals, historic inspiration and modern craftsmanship. With Shepherd’s Run Gin at its foundation and two powerhouse liqueurs building complexity from above, this cocktail offers an experience that is vibrant, herbaceous and truly memorable.

Raise the Olympiad when you want a drink with energy, excitement and a flavour profile as striking as its namesake.