Baron Samedi at The Beresford

Overview

As far as folklore villains go, Baron Samedi is one of the most mysterious. He's an ancient spirit (or Loa) of Haitian Voodoo, the leader of the Guédé, guardian of the afterlife, and associated with magic and death. He's got a skull-like face and donned in a top hat, black tail coat, dark glasses (prepared for burial, Haitian-style).

Now, he's returned from the underworld. This week Baron Samedi Spiced announced its arrival on Australian shores with a super stealthy gig by triple j Hottest 100 winners The Rubens — but that's not the only feisty fun this new spicy spirit has in store. There's a reason that the beverage — made with Caribbean rum and spices such as vanilla, cacao, cinnamon and native Haitian spice Vetiver — takes its name from Loa; it's a dash of cheekiness and mystery, all rolled into one.

It's the spirit that sums up yours, and it's also the reason to head to Surry Hills every Friday and Saturday night until June 4. Baron Samedi will be taking over The Beresford both nights from 7-11pm for four weeks and, should you dare to step inside, you'll enter a shadowy rum-fuelled underworld rife with magic, music and lots of tastings. Indulge in vanilla, cacao and cinnamon-flecked cocktails served by colourful characters, and get sucked into an evening of dark adventure. That it all kicks off Friday the 13th couldn't be more fitting.

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Well, it should. Whether the Baron Signature (with ginger beer, fresh lime and bitters), the Baron Iced Tea (with rooibos tea, lemon, star anise and mint) or Hoodoo Voodoo (with Cinzano Rosso vermouth, pomegranate, blackberries and lemon) takes your fancy, you'll be one of the first in Australia to taste them.