Citrus loves a cold snap – and so do we
How Winter on the Mountain Makes Our Liqueurs Shine
You might think of citrus as a summer fruit – bright, zesty, and sunshine-filled. But here’s the twist: Citrus trees actually love a cool snap.
That’s right – many citrus varieties develop their best flavour in winter. The cold nights and crisp, sunny days on Tamborine Mountain help concentrate oils in the skin, deepen the natural sweetness, and give the fruit a beautifully rich, aromatic profile.
For us at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, this seasonal shift is magic. It’s the perfect moment to turn fresh fruit – from our own orchard and local growers – into the bold, fruit-forward liqueurs you love.
A Growing Passion: Our Citrus Orchard
Over the last years, we’ve planted a small but vibrant citrus orchard beside the distillery – now home to more than 60 trees. Lemons, limes, oranges, yuzu and grapefruits grow happily here, chosen not only for their flavour, but for how well they suit our mountain climate.
It’s still a young orchard, but every season it produces more, and we now use a blend of our own harvest and fresh citrus sourced from trusted local growers across the Scenic Rim.
This allows us to:
- Pick fruit at peak ripeness – when the oils are richest and flavours most intense
- Craft small batches that highlight the unique character of each citrus
- Distil on-site to capture freshness straight from fruit to glass
What's in Your Glass This Season?
Right now, our citrus liqueurs are tasting especially vibrant – thanks to that cool snap and our seasonal harvest.
Here’s what’s pouring:
- Limoncello: Sharp, sunny, and lemon-packed – bright enough to sip straight, but dreamy in a spritz.
- Lime Liqueur: Clean and zesty with a crisp finish – perfect with soda, or as a citrusy twist in a margarita.
- Pompelmocello (Grapefruit): A bittersweet take on citrus, made with ruby grapefruit. Refreshing, bold, and brilliant in a tonic.
- Yuzu Liqueur: A rare citrus, delicate and aromatic – if you haven’t tried it, now’s your chance.
- Orange Liqueur: Rich and smooth, with deep orange peel notes. Pair it with chocolate or shake it into a citrus-forward cocktail.
It’s More Than Just Fruit – It’s Local Flavour
This isn’t just about what we grow – it’s about where we are. Tamborine Mountain’s cool climate and fertile soil help our fruit express its full character, and that’s something you can taste in every bottle.
By distilling close to the source, we capture more freshness, more nuance, and more of the season’s story. It’s slow, small-batch, and shaped by the mountain air.
Come Taste the Season
Next time you visit the distillery, ask us what’s fresh from the orchard. Our team loves sharing what’s in season – and there’s always something new to sip.
Whether you’re dropping in for a tasting, exploring our range, or just relaxing in the garden with a cocktail, it’s a perfect way to experience the mountain’s citrus at its best.
Because when the nights get cooler, the citrus gets better – and that’s something worth raising a glass to.
