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Overview
It is so often the case in life that the greatest things in life are often the simplest. The daiquiri we know and love today came from humble beginnings in the mining town of Daiquiri in 1898. Back then it was little more than lime juice, Bacardi rum, a little water, sugar and ice. From there it ventured to Santiago, then travelled to Washington DC, then happily dispersed across America and eventually, the world.
Over the years, the daiquiri been bastardised by slushy machines and TGI Fridays into pink, icy mush, but there are some noble bartenders taking this misunderstood cocktail classic back to its traditional form. In honour of this delicious, prevailing cocktail, we celebrate World Daiquiri Day on Sunday, July 19, as part of Bacardi Rum Month. Here are Melbourne’s best bars to drop into if you’re simply dying for a daiquiri, darling.
EAU DE VIE
What cocktail round-up of Melbourne is complete without a nod to the classic connoisseurs at Eau De Vie? Melburnian bartender royalty Greg Sanderson is at the helm here (previous posts include the Black Pearl and Murmur), and his daiquiri has a little added texture and a delicious foamy head. That’s right, the secret ingredient is a small dash of egg white, as well as Bacardi Carta Blanca, powdered refined sugar and fresh lime juice. It even comes with a Bacardi bat stencil for garnish, just to remind you who the real king of rum is.
1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne
GOLDILOCKS
If it’s some rooftop sipping you’re after, Goldilocks is one of Melbourne’s finest. If you think outdoor drinking was only a summer time activity, think again; they’ve got the heaters a-blazing so you can continue to enjoy your beverage while leisurely taking in the view. Their Rosemary Daiquiri has both an intriguing flavour, and a little extra kick. Bacardi Carta Blanca is combined with lime juice, sugar syrup and a dash of green Chartreuse. It’s the old shake and strain technique for this one, and garnished with a dash of Peychaurds bitters and a sprig of rosemary.
Level 4, 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne
NEW GOLD MOUNTAIN
If you want a tucked-away hidden Melbourne gem, New Gold Mountain is the way to go. There’s no signage to direct you, but just climb the stairs to two levels of Chinese-décor themed cocktail heaven. If it’s a daiquiri you’re after, order yourself up an El Barbudo, but be warned, this is not exactly close to the classic. Bacardi Carta Blanca meets housemade beetroot grenadine, fresh lemon juice and what is described as ‘Sugar Sizzurp’. We’re going assume this is not the cough-medicine variety of Sizzurp, although there’s no doubt this concoction may have some addictive qualities. Garnished with cracked pepper for good measure, enjoy this daiquiri with a difference.
21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
JANE DOE
Chapel Street is about to get a new bar, and the mystery surrounding the place is close to killing us. What we can reveal to you, dear reader, is that they have a splendid daiquiri on offer; a burnt lime and basil flavoured concoction, to be exact. A healthy dose of Bacardi Carta Blanca meets burnt lime juice, seven basil leaves, and two heaped bar spoons vanilla sugar. Hard shake over lots of ice, double strain and serve in vintage coupe glass. We love the vibrant green colour of the end product; looks like a potion but tastes like a dream.
219 Chapel Street, Prahran
THE TOFF IN TOWN
Slide into a cosy booth at the Toff with your posse and proceed to eat, drink and make merry. The Gardenside Sour, a twist on the daiquiri, is a delightful stroll down the garden path with all the freshness in flavour you could hope for. Bacardi Carta Blanca, St. Germain elderflower liquor, lemon juice, ginger syrup, two dashes of lavender bitters and two slices of cucumber diced and muddled are shaken, double-strained and served in a martini glass. Resting on top is the cucumber ribbon and rosemary sprig garnish, looking as pretty as a picture and beckoning you to dive right in.
2/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne