Shake-up and cool down this summer

HOSPITALITY venues across Ballarat are embracing the City’s Summer of Fun campaign, creating signature milkshake recipes perfect for sweet-tooths, beer-lovers and those who scream for ice-cream.

Offerings include a cannoli flavoured treat at Carboni’s, an espresso martini-themed drink at The Turret, Drive has created a maple bacon shake, while Hop Temple’s has a tipple; the heavenly delight vanilla porter milkshake.

Brian Taylor from Hop Temple said his venue’s shake includes a decent lashing of Aunty Jacks’ vanilla porter, Il Piccolo vanilla gelato and more.

“We wanted to have a local aspect to our milkshake and use a local beer… and who doesn’t love alcohol and ice-cream,” he said.

“Hospitality is meant to be fun like this. You head out to enjoy yourself. Everyone enjoys having an ice-cream and a beer, so combine the two and you’ve got a fun time.

“The key component with this campaign is venturing outdoors, visiting and supporting different places and meeting friends.”

It’s not all extermination with contrasting and unexpected flavours though, with some venues going for more traditions taste combinations.

The Forge has a double-choc focus, Europa is embracing chocolate and honeycomb, Vegas & Rose’s Little Pink Door has a chai latte shake, and The Orchard Café in Lucas has a dairy-free raspberry cheesecake milkshake option.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the Summer of Fun is an opportunity to encourage tourism from residents in other parts of the state.

“There’s no better place to be this summer. People may think they know our city, but there’s so much more to discover and explore, and this campaign is designed to encourage them to look again,” he said.

“Whether it’s couples looking for a place to unwind, or families in search of a new school holiday experience, our warm days and balmy summer evenings make Ballarat the ideal setting for summer fun.

“Our numerous great eateries feature fresh local produce, there are shady and inviting places to cool off, and of course our award-winning visitor attractions.”

For a full list of venues and their milkshake offerings, head to visitballarat.com.au.