Papaya Highballs at Scout

Overview

Looking for another idea for date night? There are stacks of things to do in Sydney, but coming up with something novel isn't always easy. Good news: Scout, the sleek cocktail bar within The Dolphin, has come to your rescue with a brand-new cocktail to kick off your next romantic night out.

And you won't be sipping on any old cocktail either. The 'Papaya Don't Preach' ($21), a delightfully refreshing tasting concoction, is Scout's take on the classic whisky highball. Plus, one of the world's most celebrated bartenders is behind it.

Talented mixologist Matt Whiley is the man behind London's famed cocktail bar, Scout, which was named one of the World's 50 Best Bars earlier this year. Now, he's in Sydney. So, if it's been a while — or never — since you last visited this Surry Hills spot, there's never been a better time to stop by.

Scout's Sydney outpost is known for its unusual cocktails, made with fresh ingredients, including lots of native Australian ones. And Whiley's highball is no exception. He's joined forces with Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky to come up with a brand new take on the classic. For one, he's tossed out your regular supermarket soda and replaced it with tea tree distillate, papaya cordial and pluot (apricot and plum hybrid) soda. Plus, your A-class 'Papaya Don't Preach' will come topped with a papaya glass garnish.

Just swing by Scout any time from Thursday, September 17 onwards. Luckily, if you and your date get a bit peckish, you can head downstairs to The Dolphin's hatted dining room – overseen by Icebergs' Maurice Terzini – for Italo-Australian fare, including next-level pizzas and pastas.

Images: Trent van der Jagt.