Country Music Cocktails Returns To Groundwater

A beloved event in the country music calendar is getting a bold refresh in 2025, as Country Music Cocktails - The Next Wave heads to the Groundwater Country Music Festival on Saturday, October 18th proudly presented by Australian Bitters Co.

Taking over Den Devine Restaurant & Music Hall, the event will serve up an afternoon of handcrafted cocktails, festival vibes, and breakout performances from emerging country and Americana artists who are ready to make their mark. 

Born in Tamworth in 2013, Country Music Cocktails has hosted hundreds of stars over the years including the likes of Amber Lawrence, Casey Barnes, and Fanny Lumsden. Now, it’s turning its spotlight toward the next generation of artists with original songs, raw stories, and serious musical chops.

Festival favourite Ben Sorensen, affectionately dubbed the “King of the Dad Joke,” returns once again as host.

“Since day 1 I’ve been part of the Country Music Cocktails family, and every event has been a showcase of the best and most varied talent at the festival… And also, the best and most varied cocktail list too!” says Sorensen, veteran festival MC and media personality.

“The second I was told we are mixing ice-cold drinks while spotlighting undervalued artists, I was hooked. Age and background are no barrier, talent, hard work, and musical skill always shine at this event.”

Joining Sorenson on co-hosting duties is Kristy Davis, an ARIA-charting artist turned life coach who’ll help present a high-energy run of 15–20-minute sets from a handpicked selection of next-gen acts. Expect a mix of future festival headliners and hidden gems, all curated to deliver a genuine Groundwater moment.

Event owner Market the Music is excited to bring a new energy to the showcase while staying true to its roots.

“It is great to be bringing the event back with a focus on acts on the cusp! It’s so hard to break onto the festival circuit, so hopefully we can give some of these artists a leg up. We are thrilled to have both Australian Bitters Co. as our major sponsor and the Den Devine Restaurant & Music Hall as our host venue. Both are very supportive of live music and Aussie talent!” says Perrin Finlay-Brown, Managing Director of Market the Music.

This year’s event also welcomes a new presenting partner, Australian Bitters Co., whose support will quite literally flavour the experience.

"Much like a great cocktail, the magic happens when the right ingredients come together," says Jamie Santilli, Brand Manager at Australian Bitters Co. "With Country Music Cocktails - The Next Wave, we’ll have amazing talent, a vibrant crowd, and our great product complementing the menu at the Den Devine. It’s the perfect recipe for a festival moment you won’t forget."

Applications are now open for artists to apply, with the final 10 acts to be announced in early September following a four-week selection process.

Free to attend, but with limited capacity, this is a one-off afternoon of big flavour, fresh finds, and seriously good music - shaken, stirred, and served straight up at one of Groundwater’s most loved hangouts.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Australian Bitters Co. Presents: Country Music Cocktails – The Next Wave
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 – 2:30 PM
Where: Den Devine Restaurant & Music Hall, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gold Coast Tickets: FREE EVENT – Venue Numbers are Limited