When Bennelong Bar opened earlier in the year, the vision was to have a vermouth-driven bar with an aperitif angle. But the bar team soon learned that guests requested traditional cocktails such as the Mojito and Pina Colada. And so they listened.
The cocktail list has since evolved under the direction of Bar Manager, Aaron Gaulke (ex InterContinental Hotel Double Bay, Eau de Vie Bar) which poses the question, how does one go about creating a cocktail list for an iconic venue.
Bennelong Bar has the enviable location inside the Sydney Opera House, occupying a level above Bennelong restaurant by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore. The synergy between the cocktails and the kitchen is one of the key concepts that make the bar a standout. Both work with locally grown produce, often using the same producers in the kitchen as in the bar. A quick scan of the back bar reveals about an even split between local craft spirits and international brands.
Spritzers change seasonally and offer a light pre-theatre option while dessert cocktails lure guests back post performance. Spirits are viewed as the flavour vehicle rather than the focus of the bar. Cold pressed fresh juices and locally-produced P.S. Soda are used in cocktails. This is also a bar where you find mocktails crafted as a riff on the originals.
Consistency, harmony and balance between the bar and restaurant are key to Bennelong Bar. Native ingredients are used to represent in a glass what is taking place in the kitchen with attention to detail in texture and flavour translating to cocktails such as the Wattleseed and Hazelnut Espresso Martini which is inspired by Peter Gilmore’s famed Lamington dessert.
Attention to detail reflected throughout. Another key consideration in this iconic venue is the look and feel, changing from cold and grey during the day, to warm and deep colours in the evening. It may be too subtle to notice but cocktails are often colour coordinated to fit with interior décor.
The concept behind the new drinks list has shifted towards unique riffs on classic cocktail combinations with an eye for approachability while staying on trend. Many cocktail names are inspired by the locale and performances such as Don Pancho De La Mancha, with Cabeza Tequila, Aperol, pink grapefruit, raspberries and sparkling wine. Symphony #4 in D Minor brings a refreshing mix of Hendricks Gin with St Germain liqueur, lemon juice, apple juice and chamomile.
If you only have one chance to visit, or one drink to savour, Aaron Gaulke’s recommendation is right on point: Botanical Garden with six oysters. Bennelong’s take on the Martini is a savoury mix of vodka infused with sea salt, rosemary and olive that flirts with the Dirty Martini style. It’s nitro-chilled and comes with the theatrics, a drink well worthy of the signature status. Sip it at sunset and you may never want to leave.
Bennelong Bar
Address: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (61 2) 9240 8000
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:30pm – late; Friday to Sunday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Website: www.bennelong.com.au
Photo Credit: Brett Stevens, used with permission.
