Technically, it’s not drinking alone if the bartender is there!
You know the drill…it’s Friday afternoon and time to relax after a long and stressful work week.
What better way to chill out than with a cocktail at your favourite bar or restaurant. Alternatively, you could take the party home and concoct the perfect drink to usher in the weekend.
Welcome to our Cocktail of the Week series, where each Friday we will highlight a cheeky creation to tantalise tastebuds and set the tone for good times.
A premier destination for delectable fresh seafood and mouth-wateringly smoky char-grilled steak, Ember on Jonson Street in Byron Bay is renowned for exceptional food and warm hospitality. Expect a vibe in keeping with the coastal lifestyle; think potted palms, blond wood and a balmy alfresco area as you relax with a cheeky cocktail or two.
Mixologist, Juan Manuel Bregman serves up the Elderflower Breeze cocktail as a must-try drink on the menu:
"The Elderflower Breeze is a reimagining of the classic and beloved Southside cocktail, incorporating additional ingredients to create a unique, fresh and well-balanced flavour profile,” he tells AGFG.
"By combining mint, cucumber and green apple, you can savour the refreshing essence of these ingredients. The addition of elderflower facilitates the harmonious fusion of these fresh components, while the thyme and rosemary-infused syrup adds a delightful aroma.
"Finally, the Cumquat Gin imparts a citrusy and tart note, bringing equilibrium to the entire equation. Despite the multitude of ingredients, none overpower the palate; instead, each flavour is discernible with every sip.”
Juan says a fun fact about this cocktail is that Al Capone's gang smuggled in a gin that was much harsher and less palatable - creating cocktails with it therefore required more ingredients, such as citrus fruit and sugar. The drink concocted apparently became very popular with Al Capone and his associates and was christened the Southside.
"The cocktail’s name is inspired by the feeling of living next to the ocean with the infusion of elderflower and the refreshing breeze-like quality it imparts, reflecting the cocktail's light and revitalising nature.”
