Double Deuce Lounge, the second venue by the team from Ramblin’ Rascals Tavern brings the best of 70s porn chic to Sydney.
Double Deuce Lounge – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Located at the former site of Bouche on Bridge along Bridge Street in Sydney’s CBD, Double Deuce Lounge derives its name from the dive bar in the movie Road House starring Patrick Swayze.
Walk down the stairs and into an underground space with dark timber tones, red leather banquettes and a “kissing booth”, an intimate spot for two people with a dark-brown furry wall. 70s film and music icons adorn the walls and the Double Deuce sign in 70s font complete the decade’s retro look.
While it pays homage to the 70s, owners Charlie Lehmann, Sebastian “Cosmo” Soto and Dardan Shervashidze are conscious that the venue is not perceived as too kitsch.
“The 70s theme allows us to update under-appreciated older drinks and apply different techniques,” says Sebastian “Cosmo” Soto.
The 10-drink cocktail list by Bar Manager Ollie Churchill is presented in a video cassette, adding a touch of nostalgia to the experience. His cocktails bring clever techniques while remaining fun and approachable.
The Whiskey Apple is a nod to the owners’ previous experience at Swillhouse venues. Here, it combines Maker’s Mark and calvados with rooibos syrup, vanilla, clarified pink lady apple, vanilla extract and comes served tall and carbonated over clear ice. The Cosmopolitan is reborn as the Cozmo, named after one of the owners, and gets its flavour from rosella and grenadine syrup.
The Yuzu Margarita is a playful 70s disco drink reborn. “We pre-freeze all non-citrus ingredients for concentrated flavours and good texture,” says Oliver Churcher. The drink bursts with bright citrus notes and the texture of the slushie is truly one to be enjoyed.
The Fat Mac is another old school drinks that gets an update. Chivas Regal 12 yo, Dalwhinnie 15 yo and Lagavulin 8 are stirred down with ginger wine, Amontillado sherry and served over clear ice. The flavours are perfectly in balance; whisky, smoke and spice amplified by ginger notes. Another classic, the Stinger, combines Martell Cognac with peppermint, Fernet and oil drops for a spirit-forward minty digestive drink.
Double Deuce Lounge ain’t no dive bar. While the concept takes inspiration from a decade better known for bad fashion, the cocktails, service and relaxed vibe are key elements that will soon make it one of Sydney’s favourite bars.
This is 70s porn chic done right.
Click through the following pages to view images of the cocktails and venue.
