Surprise birthdays are our favourite kind of mischief, especially when the brief is Tuscany Vibes. This one unfolded on a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the water, with 15 guests arriving in vibrant resort wear, ready for an afternoon of relaxed sipping and good company. The plan was simple: keep it small and intimate, let the flavours do the talking, and make the birthday girl feel seriously special.
We arrived early and set the scene. Billy Stitch provided everything so the host could actually enjoy the party: proper gin glasses for nosing and swirling, fresh garnishes to play with aroma and finish, and premium mixers of tonic, soda and fingerlime soda . We also set up a tidy pop-up for takeaway bottles, so guests who discovered a new favourite could grab one on the spot for later. No last-minute dashes for ice or lemons; it was all there, ready to pour.
The tasting ran over an hour and a half, paced for conversation. We allowed around 20 minutes between each pour, giving everyone time to sip, chat, and graze from the fresh fruit platters and canapés drifting across the balcony. Tastings shouldn’t feel like exams; they should feel relaxing and like stories unfolding on your tastebuds one glass at a time.
We poured four gins to show a range of personality. Berry Mojito Gin opened the afternoon with bright berries, a cool minty lift, and a cheeky tang that felt like holiday mode in a glass. Orange & Cassia Gin followed with its silky orange burst and warming spice—delicious neat, and beautifully balanced with a strip of orange peel and a light top of tonic. Third came Tuckshop Gin, our savoury show-stopper with native botanicals that sing alongside soda and a garden-fresh sprig; it sparked the most chatter from the herb lovers. We closed with Summer Gin, clean and citrus-forward, the kind of pour that pairs perfectly with sunshine and long conversations.
Between tastings, guests compared notes, refreshed their garnishes, and reached for skewers of melon, berries, and little savouries. The balcony glowed—sun on shoulders, sea breeze in the background, and the relaxed rhythm that happens when good friends have nowhere else they’d rather be. The Tuscany theme tied it all together: warm, colourful, effortless.
As the afternoon settled into golden hour, a few favourites emerged (Summer for spritz lovers, Orange & Cassia for the martini crowd), and several bottles made their way into tote bags for later. Pack-down was quick, leaving the party free to watch the sky turn apricot over the water.
Planning something similar? Billy Stitch brings the lot—gin, glassware, garnishes, tonic and soda,plus guidance to make the flavours shine. We can also set up a gin bar with cocktails to match your menu, mood, and playlist.
For pricing and packages, send an email to info@billystitch.com.au and tell us about your date, guest count, and vibe. Balcony, backyard, or beach house, we’ll help you create an afternoon worth remembering.
