When you take the stairs up to The Highball Express in Canberra, you’re in for a real surprise. Rightly dubbed as the capital city’s hot ticket item, the Cuban-themed bar feels as if you’ve stepped into the entrance of a grand hotel in Cuba.
The Highball Express is the second bar by the owners of the speakeasy bar, Molly. Continuing the Prohibition theme, the bar is named after the Aeromarine airline that flew thirsty Americans during Prohibition from Florida to Cuba for the weekend. During the flight, drinks in highball glasses were served which gave the airline its moniker.
Chilled Cuban rhythms, white-washed walls and floors, abundant fernery, light throughout with natural daylight, pale blue accents and silver ceiling fans that resemble airline propellers are all beautiful design elements that give the 250 person capacity venue a laid-back tropical feel. The eye is immediately drawn to the 12 metre long riveted zinc bar, its front curved like the leading edge of an aircraft wing, with over 350 rums from around the world and twelve 50 litre barrels with signature cocktails.
The drinks at Highball Express are fun and approachable classic style rum cocktails but you won’t find any Tiki in sight. Barrel aged cocktails (from $20) are aged for about a month in new 50 litre charred American oak. The 12 barrels are currently ageing Flor de Cana 7 yo, Germana Cachaça, Diplomatico Reserva Blanco, Ron Zacapa 23, Pampero Especial, Bacardi 8, Bacardi Fuego, Havana 3 yo, Angostura 5 yo, St James Rum, Sailor Jerry and Appleton rum and others will be on rotation.
A punch trolley does the rounds with a selection of punches (from $60) serving a minimum of three people. Every beer is a tinnie and is mostly Australian with the exception of Brooklyn Lager and Cristal Lager from Cuba.
The food stays in theme with Cubano sandwiches, empanadas, grilled corn on the cob, completos or hotdog with the lot.
The Highball Express offers rum flights, pre-mixed punch, wax sealed in bottles for purchase to take home and is licensed to sell cigars. Weekends will see Sunday sessions with rum spiked drinks served in coconuts on the balcony.
The Highball Express
Address: Melbourne Building, Level 1, 82 Alinga Street, Civic, Canberra
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 4pm till 12am; Thursday, Friday & Saturday 4.00pm to 3am; Sunday Session 1.00pm to 10.00pm
Website: www.highballexpress.com.au
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
