In 2017, whilst undertaking a Foundations of Cuisine subject during my studies, I was first introduced to the lack of documented history of native Australian foods. It was quite startling to learn that the foods grown in Australia for hundreds of generations had such little exposure. 

With a keen interest in product development, I began experimenting with Kakadu Plums. This took me on a four year journey of exploration which was met with limited availability, wavering supply chain transparency and lack of general information surrounding Kakadu Plums. I found there was a need for a platform where native ingredients and their stories were highlighted, as well as a need for these ingredients to be more generally accessible to the wider Australian community. 

In 2021, our first product - The Kakadu Plum Wine - was released and Forward Drinking was born. We are a profit for purpose spirit producer committed to encouraging forward thinking attitudes through products that inspire conversation.

FAQ

What do you mean by profit for purpose?

When we say we are profit for purpose, it means that our company exists to fulfil a purpose other than that of financial gain. Of course, there are costs involved in the creation of our products and the operation of our business, which our sales help to offset. But anything earned on top of those costs are not considered personal profit. Instead, we reinvest these funds into the business to help us create and sell more products or we donate them to our partner organisations.
 

Why did we decide to operate this way?

Our decision to operate as a profit for purpose was driven by our desire to financially facilitate activities that benefit Australia’s culture, society and environmental wellbeing. As is true for any business, generating profit is a priority. However, in our case, these profits are used to benefit our cause.

Where are your products made?

Forward Drinking products are produced in Richmond, Victoria using ingredients sourced from around Australia.

Where are you stocked?

Forward Drinking retail products are available exclusively through our website. 

Where do you source your ingredients?

Our Kakadu Plums come from Wadeye in the Northern Territory. We sourced them through Australian Superfood Co. in partnership with Palngun Wurnangat Aboriginal Association. 

Our Macadamia Nuts come from Bundaberg, Queensland. We sourced them through Macadamias Australia.

Our Wattleseed comes from multiple regions in Australia dependent on seasonality. We sourced them through the Australian Superfood Co. 

Our Golden Kelp comes from the South Coast of New South Wales. We source it through Sea Health Products.

Our Wakame comes from the South Coast of Tasmania. We source it through Alg Seaweed.

How should Forward Drinking products be served?

There are many ways to enjoy our Kakadu Plum Wine. Traditionally, this style of liqueur is served straight, on the rocks, or slightly warmed with the addition of hot water or green tea. However, it’s also delicious in cocktails and highballs.

Our Macadamia is best enjoyed over ice. It also acts as a great vegan substitute for traditional cream-based liqueurs in cocktails. Please always shake the Macadamia before pouring as natural separation will occur over time.

Our Golden Kelp is most suitable as a briny, umami substitute in cocktails that call for vermouth and olive brine. 

For further inspiration, please refer to our recipes.

How should I keep my product?

Our products behave like spirits and can be kept at room temperature once opened. You may notice some natural separation occurring over time which can be easily resolved by shaking the bottle.  

Are your products dietary-friendly?

All of our products are vegan, gluten-free and preservative-free. The Kakadu Plum Wine and Macadamia Liqueur both contain added sugar and the Macadamia Liqueur contains nuts. Although we try our best to cater for allergies, there is a risk of cross-contamination with our products. If you have questions about specific ingredients, please feel free to contact us directly. 

Where do you deliver to?

We are based in Victoria and deliver our small-batch spirits Australia-wide. 

Can you deliver to Post Office Boxes?

Yes, we can deliver to Post Office Boxes. However, we do not deliver to parcel lockers. If an order is placed for delivery to a parcel locker, we will be in contact to arrange delivery to a PO Box or postal address. We may charge for re-delivery of orders if we are given incorrect address information. Ideally, please order for delivery to a business/residential address to ensure your product arrives safely.


How long will it take to receive my delivery?

Deliveries within 15km of Richmond, Victoria 3121 will be made within 1-3 business days from time of purchase. Deliveries elsewhere will be made within 2 - 8 business days (Standard) or 1 - 4 business days (Express) from time of purchase. Please be aware that all deliveries are subject to delays due to the current environment.

How do I know if my order has shipped?

Once your order has been packed and shipped, you will receive a notification email. If you have selected ‘Regular’ or ‘Express’ post options, an AusPost tracking number will be included in the notification. You can track the progress of your order via the AusPost website (auspost.com.au/track).

Can I refund my product if I don’t like it?

We offer a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

For more information on returns, please see our full refund policy.