By Luke Voogt
Pia Cook hopes to open her curious cabinet of colourful elixirs and shrubs to the world through council’s new curated catalogue.
“I’m excited about who might pick that up; dignitaries and visitors from across Australia and – once COVID’s over – from across the world,” the Geelong West mum said.
Her business The Curious Cabinet was one of almost 50 chosen to feature in the CODE Souvenir Geelong catalogue.
“I launched the business about 18 months ago but I’ve been working on those syrups since I was pregnant with my son five years ago,” the 45-year-old said.
“I wanted something that was a bit special and non-alcohol that wasn’t a soft drink – I don’t like soft drink.”
Pia began researching shrubs after discovering them in an article.
“It’s an American colonial style drink from before they had refrigeration,” she said.
“They’ve got a combination of sugar, vinegar and fruit. With my pregnant taste buds I thought, ‘oh, that sounds good’.”
After a few years, friends and family encouraged her to start a business.
“They raved about how they had never tasted anything like it and how refreshing they were,” she said.
She now sells the shrubs in 25 shops across Australia, along with carbonated versions and preserves made with leftover fruit.
“My husband also enjoys using them as mixers,” she said.
CODE Souvenir Geelong follows a similar initiative by fellow UNESCO ‘city of design’ Montreal.
The catalogue will feature locally-crafted jewellery, glass and ceramics, artisan food and drinks, clothing, homewares and original art.
“To be featured alongside of all of those is really promising,” Pia said.
