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The Perfect Cocktail for Summer

By Bree Pagliuso|

Taste the delightful blend of white chocolate and the refreshing taste of pomegranate and lime. Our Food and Beverage expert, Cam Walters, shares his easy make-at-home cocktails and his perfect pairings from our new 2024 menus.

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Cam, where's your ideal spot for cocktails in Melbourne?

In the summer, I love beachside settings with an open vibe. St Kilda, especially spots like Ellora and Republica, ticks all the boxes. Great cocktails and beautiful beach views, and it's versatile enough for a quick snack or a full-on dinner with friends.

I'm also into places that blend history with a modern touch, like Eau De Vie and Pariscat Jazz Bar. Eau De Vie introduces you to classic cocktails with a twist, and Pariscat mixes jazz history, live music, and great drinks for a unique experience every visit.

Now, onto our 2024 menus! What are the perfect pairings? 

So many exciting things on the 2024 menus.

For the seafood entrée with salmon, finger lime, Granny Smith apple, and puffed rice, try our Blackberry Margarita. Its earthy and citrusy notes match perfectly with the salmon and finger lime.

Moving to the main course, pair the Victorian lamb shank with pomegranate and mountain pepper glaze with a Cloverclub cocktail - this raspberry/lemon mix with Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin blends seamlessly with the pomegranate glaze and tahini yoghurt.

And if you're up for a non-alcoholic treat, go for the ocean trout, pan-roasted scallop, caramelised kumara, salsa verde, and vermouth veloute with a Naked Life Italian spritz. It's a light and refreshing match for the snack. 

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Here's how you can make Cam's favourite cocktails at home:

Esmeralda

Something slightly outside the box, plus I love white chocolate and mint!

Glass: Coupette

Make: Shaken

Garnish: ½ strawberry and 1 sprig of mint

Ingredients:

  • 60ml White Hot Chocolate

  • 30ml Amarula

  • 30ml White Creme de Cacao

  • 15ml Creme De Menthe

Methodology:

  1. Pour contents into a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled

  2. Strain the mixture into the cocktail glass

  3. Garnish with ½ strawberry and a sprig of mint skewered together on the side of the martini glass to serve

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Pomegranate Virgin Mojito

I love that I can really play up the garnishes of Mint and Lime with the red flavouring to make it really festive!

Glass: 1L Jug

Make: Built

Garnish: Mint and citrus fruits

Ingredients:

  • 90ml Lime Juice

  • 90ml Pomegranate Monin Syrup

  • Sprig of Mint

  • Grapefruit Soda

  • Lemonade

  • Soda

  • Serves:

     3-4 glasses

Methodology:

  1. Slice a mix of different citrus fruits (lemon, orange, lime) and place them into the jug

  2. Pour 90-100mls of lime juice and pomegranate syrup/juice each into the jug

  3. Fill the jug with ice, and mix in a personal preference for grapefruit soda, lemonade, and soda

  4. Add a large sprig of mint into the jug and stir until combined

  5. Pour into the glass to serve

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Browse our 2024 menus , designed to celebrate the simplicity, inclusivity, and vibrant culture that defines our magnificent state, Victoria.