Overview
Some cocktails sport names that just scream 80s, even if you weren't around then — or of drinking age at the time. What other decade could've loved a tipple called sex on the beach? Or, there's the Miami Vice, which does indeed share the moniker of a TV show of the era. And while it wasn't invented then, the mix of lemonade and beer that is the good ol' shandy sure did enjoy a mighty fine heyday back when shoulder pads were everywhere.
With nostalgia for four decades back having quite the moment right now — see: screens filled with movies about Air Jordans, Tetris and Super Mario Bros — of course some of the top drinks of the 80s are in the spotlight again as well. In fact, they're the beverages of honour at Brisbane's new disco-inspired cocktail pop-up The 86 Club, which'll make its debut in May to celebrate the period in question.
Black Bear Lodge
This boozy addition to the River City's social scene actually takes its title from the hospitality term "86", which refers to something that's no longer available; however, it does a nice double duty with its nod to 80s as well. Bartenders and The 86 Club creators Andie Bulley, Blade Deegan, Liam Murphy and Martin McConnell definitely want you to revel in the decade — although, given that their new pop-up also takes its cues from disco, it's clearly gleaning inspiration from the 70s as well.
The quartet have branched out from their jobs mixing drinks at Savile Row, The Gresham and Frog's Hollow Saloon, and are teaming up with brands such as Bacardi, Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Patron, Marionette and Range Brewing on this side venture.
The 86 Club will launch on Sunday, May 7 at Black Bear Lodge, with entry free but wallets required to sip your way through five reimagined 80s cocktails — sex on the beach, Miami Vice and the shandy obviously among them.
For a soundtrack, DJ collective QUIVR will be on the decks spinning house and disco tunes. And yes, dancing beneath the disco ball with a cocktail in your hand is firmly on the menu.
The 86 Club will host its first event from 7pm on Sunday, May 7 at Black Bear Lodge, with free entry — and we'll update you about further pop-ups when they're announced.
Top image: Max MacInnes (@__highlandermax).