Have you ever wondered why we named our delicious, award-winning bitters, 'Convict Bitters'? We've been asked this question a lot, so we thought it was time to share the meaning behind the name! We're a proudly Australian company, and our name isn't just catchy - it's a nod to history, tradition, and the unique origins of bitters in Australia. From Sea to Shore: The Early Days of Australian Bitters The name 'Convict' pays homage to the early days of Australia, when it wasn't just convicts who travelled here by sea - bitters, too, were loaded onto ships and began their journey to our country. Originally used as a remedy for sea sickness, the travellers soon began experimenting with all the unique ways to use bitters, and added them to gin to make it more palatable, giving birth to the popular pink gin! Once bitters landed on Australian shores, their uses evolved over time. From a cure-all for that queasy sea stomach and all sorts of other maladies like heartburn, cramping and inflammation, bitters transitioned into a widely loved flavouring that added depth and complexity to various drinks. Guided by Indigenous Australians, early settlers collaborated to incorporate native Australian herbs and spices, resulting in a fusion of familiar and distinctive Australian flavours. Acknowledging Our History Guided by Indigenous Australians, early settlers collaborated to incorporate native Australian herbs and spices, resulting in a fusion of familiar and distinctive Australian flavours. When we look back on the history of Australia, particularly at this time, we know there have been some dark days. The invasion and mistreatment of Indigenous Australians at the hands of colonisers caused an enormous amount of pain, with far-reaching consequences that still exist today. Our name in no way celebrates this part of our past. Instead, by acknowledging the roots of bitters in Australia, we aim to shed light on a lesser-known aspect of our culinary heritage. Did you know that Australia has a 'national drink'? It’s the iconic Lemon, Lime and Bitters! The story behind 'Convict Bitters' is one of creativity, cultural exchange, adaptation, and evolution, reflecting the rich tapestry of Australian history and the spirit of innovation that continues to shape our gastronomic landscape. So cheers, from us to you. Enjoy your next sip of the authentic, Aussie flavours of Convict Bitters. Lemon, Lime and Bitters, anyone?

Hey there, cocktail connoisseurs! We're absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the latest addition to our lineup of enticing flavours – the sizzling and smoky Bushfire Chilli Bitters. It's hot, it's delicious, and it's the perfect thing to take your spicy margaritas to a whole new level. The Spark of Inspiration Here at Inspirited, we love experimenting with flavours and tinctures, that’s how Convict Aromatic Bitters came to be in the first place: father and son duo Keith and Michael tinkering in their garage as a hobby and bonding exercise. How Bushfire came to be was no different! We’ve always had our minds set on creating a chilli bitters that harnessed the unique flavours of native Australian chillies. The spark that started it all for Bushfire Chilli Bitters was a conversation with a bartender friend who mentioned how difficult it was to find quality chilli bitters for spicy margaritas. Inspired to help, we headed on a journey to create something extraordinary. Behind the Scenes: The Creation Process Exploration to Innovation Where to begin? We of course had to start with the heart of Bushfire, the native Australian chilli. After months of meticulous research, we zeroed in on the Australian Broome Chilli for its exceptional flavour and heat. From there, we sourced smoked habaneros from a local distributor, instantly drawn to their smoky aroma. After rigorous testing and valuable insights from our bartender collaborator, we fine-tuned our creation to address the industry's need for exceptional chilli bitters. Crafting the Perfect Heat We worked in small batches, jars and jars lined our shelves with different chillies steeping in different alcohol levels for different amounts of time, all to make sure the end product would have the perfect balance of heat and smokiness. After a few trial runs of mixing and matching the flavours and intensity of heat - including one that nearly burned a hole right through our tongues! - we had found our perfect Bushfire formula. What's in a Name? What better name for our fiery, smoky creation than 'Bushfire'? We drew inspiration from the harsh, hellish conditions described by Australia's early convicts under the scorching sun. We designed the label using the colours of the Australian Broome Chilli to reflect its roots, and celebrated our success with a round of spicy margaritas! The Fiery Flavour Profile: What to Expect Flavour profile: hot and smoky Key ingredients: Australian Broome Chilli - a native chilli known for its heat and unique flavour Tasmanian Pepperberry - adds pepperiness and brightness Smoked habanero - brings heat and a smoky aroma Other botanicals - round out the flavour for balance Uses: Ideal for classic cocktails such as Spicy Margaritas and Bloody Marys, or any drink that needs a spirited kick. Pro tip: Start small and adjust to your preference, as the heat packs a punch! The ABC's of Bushfire: The Australian Broome Chilli Contrary to its name, the Australian Broome Chilli hails from Darwin, not Broome. It's known as one of the hottest native chillies, delivering a long-lasting heat similar to the habanero. Rather than a more common capsicum flavour, the Australian Broome Chilli is similar to a sour-grape flavour, with a slight sweetness that really sets it apart. As these chillies are only commercially available as seeds, we've taken to growing our own to ensure a consistent supply, so our Bushfire Chilli Bitters can really boast that home grown touch. Your Bushfire Adventure Awaits Now that you know the story behind Bushfire, why not give it a red hot go? Head here to order your bottle today. While you’re there, be sure to check out our collection of recipes for ways to incorporate Bushfire into your favourite drinks. And we'd love to connect with you and see your creative concoctions, so share your Bushfire journey with us on Instagram and Facebook. Until next time, go on... spice up your life! From us to you, you won't regret it.

There’s something about Easter that brings out our sweet tooth, and we’re not just talking about the chocolate bunnies. It’s the time to kickback, unwind and catch up with mates with something a little special. And what better way to do that than with a cocktail that tastes like a treat? If you’re after something that captures the fun and celebration of the season, meet your new long weekend favourite, the Sweet EGGscape! The Sweet EGGscape is our creamy Aussie twist on the Toblerone cocktail. Like a liquid Easter Egg for adults. With silky cream, Aussie whiskey, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of warm spice, it’s layered, indulgent, and just a little bit cheeky! Top it off with cocoa dust and mini eggs, because why not? Make it extra decadent with a slice of chocolate cake or a handful of chocolate-dipped strawberries. You won’t regret it! Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with the crew, this one’s guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. You’ll find everything you need to bring the Sweet Eggscape to life right here. Happy Easter and happy sipping!