Pictured: Darlinghurst's members-only Magazin bar. Credit: Christian Blencke
From Monday 25th to Sunday 31st May, both Sydney and Melbourne will be home to a curated series of cocktail-focused events as the World Class Cocktail Week returns to Australia for yet another year, celebrating all things mixed, muddled, shaken, and stirred. The week-long celebration of this constantly evolving art of cocktail making follows the recent Australian grand finale of the Diageo World Class Competition, which crowed Australia's Bartender of the Year 2015.
Many bars and restaurants across Sydney and Melbourne are set to host exclusive events during this exciting week, and as always with a schedule this big, some sort of guide is needed to help sift through and zone in on the best of the best. Here are our picks:
SYDNEY
Down the Rabbit Hole, Magazin (May 30th)
For one night only, Sydney's most exclusive private members bar, Magazin in Darlinghurst, will open it's doors to ticket holders and industry folk for a rich journey down the rabbit hole. This basement bar will be a scene for the city's most elaborate cocktail party, with award-winning cocktails with a mad hatter twist, where drinks are not as they seem and senses will be tested. Entertainment and food will be part of the whole experience, which will officially end at midnight; though there will be a DJ to keep things going until 3am.
Cost: $120pp (includes cocktails, light food, entertainment)
Address: Provided with booking
When: Saturday 30th May; 8:30pm-12am; kick-on until 3am
Book: http://eatdrinkplay.iwannaticket.com.au/event/down-the-rabbit-hole-OTAzNA
Frida's Sunday Fiesta, Playa Takeria (May 31st)
A Mexican experience shrouded in history and mystery will take place at the recently opened Playa Takeria in Darlinghurst. The venue's first Frida Sunday Fiesta will see Mexican Head Chef Alejandro Urbina showcase Frida Kahlo's favourite dishes that she spoiled her guests with at her famously extravagant parties in the Casa Azul in Mexico City. Mexican dishes will be matched with Don Julio Margaritas and other cocktails throughout the day from 12pm to 10pm.
Cost: Free Entry (RSVP recommended)
Address: 132 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
When: Sunday 31st May; 12pm-10pm
Dress Code: Mexican Chic
Book: www.playa.net.au
Cocktail Degustation, The Owl House (May 26th-31st)
On each night from Tuesday 26th May to Sunday 31st May, Darlinghurst gem The Owl House will be offering a four course degustation with each course paired with a meticulously crafted cocktail. Dine NYC style on the bar top and find out how cocktails can perfectly complete the dining experience. This bar is an AU favourite, with both the food and the drink consistently held to a high standard, so this is a no brainer for one of the essential events of World Class Cocktail Week in Sydney.
Cost: $95pp
Address: 97 Crown St, Darlinghurst
When: Tuesday 26th to Sunday 31st May; 6pm-10pm
Book: 9357 5060 or www.theowlhouse.com.au
Cocktails Through Time, Eau De Vie (May 28th)
Eau De Vie has remained one of the top bars in Sydney off the back of it's sleek, intimate atmosphere and always impressive dedication to quality cocktails. This event is unmissable, delivering a time-travelling cocktail tasting which has been described as a fun journey through the history of cocktails. Ticket price includes 10 mini cocktails for attendees to enjoy as well as light bar food.
NOTE: A similar event is also being planned at Eau De Vie Melbourne
Cost: $95
Address: 229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
When: Thursday May 28th; 7:30pm
Book: info@eaudevie.com.au
A Roam Around Scotland, Chophouse (May 28th)
Sean Baxter, the National Johnnie Walker Whisky and Classic Malts Brand Ambassador, will be hosting this very special dinner where attendees will get to taste famous single malts from all around Scotland, paired with a five course dinner. The event will be held of the lush private dining room at Chophouse in the CBD.
Cost: $125
Address: 25 Bligh Street, Sydney
When: Thursday 28th; 6pm
Book: 1300 246 748
Bitter & Twisted, The Rook (May 30th)
The Rook's Bar Manager Christiano Beretta will be leading a very intimate workshop at this great rooftop bar, spreading the knowledge on how to craft the perfect Negroni. This is skill that once learnt can never be erased, so learning the history behind the drink and tips on how to make it at home is definitely an opportunity you shouldn't miss out on; especially since the first week of June is Global Negroni Week.
Cost: $30
Address: Level 7, 56-58 York St, Sydney
When: Saturday 30th May; 2pm
Book: 9262 2505
MELBOURNE
From Coppers Pots to the Coppersmith, Coppersmith (May 28)
South Melbourne's boutique hotel Coppersmith will deliver a 5 course degustation expertly matched to Single Malt expressions from around Scotland. Similar to the event at Sydney's Chophouse, this will be a night to celebrate the appreciation of one of the most iconic drinks in the world; unmissable for any discerning Whiskey lover. Only 30 tickets will be made available so it promises to be an intimate evening.
Cost: $125
Address: 435 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
When: Thursday 28th May; 6:30pm (for a 7pm start)
Book: madison@coppersmithhotel.com or phone (03) 8696 7777
The Old Scotch and the Sea, Saint Crispin (May 27)
Joe Grbac from Saint Crispin and Alan Mulvihill from Thomas Olive have put their minds together to come up with this special dinner for World Class Cocktail Week. "The Old Scotch and the Sea" is deeply involving tale not unlike something straight out of a Hemmingway novel. This dinner is an expression of the perfect harmony between scotch and fresh, delicious seafood, promising dishes like Marron Tail and Fricassee of Pine Mushrooms matched with Taliskter Storm Scotch Whisky.
Cost: $130pp
Address: 300 Smith Street, Collingwood
When: Wednesday 27th May
Book: http://www.saintcrispin.com.au/about/news/
Chocolate & Rum Experience, The Rum Diary (May 27)
In this exclusive collaboration between The Rum Diary and those chocolate champs of Monsieur Truff, attendees will be treated to an indulgent night of fine Rum and chocolate pairings, exploring everything from white to dark rums and sweet to bitter chocolates. A flight of 4 Rums will be paired with 4 single origin chocolates, followed by a cocktail plus a gift pack to take home with some little surprise (probably more rum and chocolate).
Cost: $60
Address: 334 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
When: Wednesday 27th May; 6:30pm
Book: http://www.trybooking.com/130586
Tea Inspired Cocktail Class, Golden Monkey (May 26th-29th)
This intimate class will take you through the history of tea and it's many different styles before teaching you how to use a wide selection of teas in various ways - whether it be hot, cold, in syrups, or infused in spirits. Learn how to prepare cocktails in batches for an easy to serve unique party favourite that will make you one of the most essential inclusions on any guest list. This 1 hour class includes 2 alcoholic or non-alcoholic tea inspired cocktails of your choice & a selection of tasty bites from the Golden Monkeys' Dim Sum menu.
Cost: TBC
Address: 389 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
When: Tuesday 26th - Friday 29th May; 4-5pm
Book: 03 9602 2055
Whisky Versatility, Black Pearl (May 25-26)
Using the Classic Malt Range, acclaimed Melbourne bar Black Pearl will be navigating the intricacies and possibilities in tasting and mixing Single Malt Whisky with the added dimension of food. Drinks will be crafted by Black Pearl's bar talent who will be joined by Chef Madeline Watmuff who will be prepping all the food.
Cost: $85
Address: 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
When: Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th May; 7:30pm-9:30-pm
Book: https://blackpearl.iwannaticket.com.au/event/whisky-versatility-OTE0NA
The Beaufort x Bullet, The Beaufort (May 28)
Dave Kerr of The Beaufort will be exploring every side of one of the world's oldest known cocktails - The Old Fashioned. Attendees will be shown how to make it, how to twist it, and how to drink it several times over. There will also be the chance to pair your own old fashioned to BBQ Ribs served up from Ike's Rack Shake and explore why it is that Bourbon and BBQ seem so natural together. Ticket price includes 3 Old Fashion cocktails and a feed.
Cost: $85
Address: 421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
When: Thursday 28th May; 6:30pm
Book: https://obee.com.au/thebeaufort/e/old-fashioned
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For a look at the full program in Sydney and Melbourne, curated by Ms Darlinghurst of eatdrinkplay.com, click HERE