Having been introduced to the Flemington Fling cocktail at the Melbourne Cup preview day Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar, I was thrilled when I received a kit to DIY the fling at home. With everything I needed to create my cocktail, I teamed up with girlfriends to create the ultimate stay at home ‘night in’.
Take one part vodka, two parts Schweppes Agrum Blood Orange, some lime juice and mint leaves and hey presto, you have yourself a party.
Of course, I was educated about ‘clapping’ mint leaves on this particular occasion (who knew that was how the aroma was released?) and that two pizzas is never enough when paired with vodka.
If you can’t make it to the races this year (or even if you would just rather stay at home!) try a Flemington Fling in the comfort of your living room.
Onya Magazine caught up with the face of the Flemington Fling, Samantha Downie.
What do you love about the Spring Racing Carnival?
I just love the whole vibe of this time of year! The fashion is always so bold and fun and I love getting together a new outfit for each race day. I also love spring racing parties where you can just hang out with your friends, have a BBQ, drink one or two Schweppes Flemington Fling cocktails and place some bets. Such a fun atmosphere!
This year I’m particularly loving that I’m involved in this iconic event by being the face of the Schweppes Flemington Fling.
Tell us about the Flemington Fling and why it’s the drink du jour of the season?
The Schweppes Flemington Fling is the first ever signature cocktail of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and will be synonymous with the carnival moving forward, which is very exciting! The Kentucky Derby has the Mint Julep, Royal Ascot has Pimms and now the Melbourne Cup Carnival has its own iconic cocktail with the Schweppes Flemington Fling.
The drink will be the hero cocktail in the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar, which is going to be a real hot spot for race-goers at the Melbourne Cup Carnival this year. The Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar is located in the Hill Stand and will offer General Admission race-goers the opportunity to have an experience akin to that of marquees within the exclusive Birdcage. There will be DJs playing throughout the four days of carnival and it will be the only venue in General Admission serving up a range of cocktails, and of course the signature Schweppes Flemington Fling!
For those who can’t get to the races the best part about the Flemington Fling is that it is so easy to make, so anyone hosting a Spring Racing party can serve these up and really impress their guests. All you need is mint, lime, Smirnoff Vodka and Schweppes Agrum Blood Orange.
What’s new with you and do you have anything exciting in the pipeline for the next few months?
Right now I am concentrating role as the Flemington Fling ambassador for Schweppes for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. After that, I am hoping to have a little break before jumping back into work again in the New Year. There is always plenty of exciting things happening in the world of fashion!
Our readers love finding out where our stars love going to for summer getaways – anywhere on your radar this summer?
Summer holidays are definitely the perfect chance to get away and relax! I can’t wait to head to Qualia on Hamilton Island for a little relax time after the racing season. Then over New Year I will be heading to Byron Bay for a beach side trip with my closest friends. I can’t wait!
