Canberra's liquor scene is in a league of its own. ACT winemakers regularly take out the top gong at awards shows, our bars earn national accolades and local artisanal spirits continue to evolve and burst onto the scene. While skill is no doubt fuelling the capital's mixologists, a degree of playfulness also keeps them at their trailblazing best.
For 2018, Pantone named "Ultra Violet" as colour of the year, a shade referred to as a peek into "a greater galaxy". It's no coincidence that Canberra's bartenders have echoed this in their latest elixirs, taking advantage of this versatile hue to craft loud, playful purple creations with somewhat iridescent elements.
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'Tokyo Ink' @ Lazy Su
This refreshing gin sipper is set to carry you from spring to summer. Tokyo Ink's vivid mix incorporates Ink gin, citrus saké, and local rosé from Mada Wines, brought colourfully to life with butterfly pea flower, a mood ring of an extract which changes hue depending on the pH of the rest of the drink.
The addition of lemon juice and grapefruit bitters makes it the tastiest of the bunch. It's a cocktail which doesn't fall on its inherent purpleness, it comes alive in the citrus notes. My only tip is to refrain from eating the musk lolly looking adornment, as I attempted to do. This is made of wood.
'Purple Rain' @ Bar Rochford
Sloe gin and creme de violette create a floral tandem in this velvety cocktail. My name suggestions for the drink were"Willy's Wonka" and "Velvet Suit", names both overlooked by the bartender who eventually settled on the highly original "Purple Rain".
'Kamikaze' @ Natural Nine
The Kamikaze, a scene-stealer on Natural Nine's cocktail menu, is a fusion of Green Ant Gin, violet liqueur, fresh lime, togarashi and gold. The heart-starting element that is the togarashi provides a spicy kick instead of the overwhelming sweetness found in many purple cocktails. The gold flakes are in there presumably to make you feel rich.
'Strange Kinda Woman' @ Molly
A drink truly after my own heart, in name and liquid embodiment, Strange Kinda Woman blends a rich bourbon with PX sherry, nutmeg, and the magic housemade ingredient: purple carrot syrup. Watch for the syrup to transition iridescently from dark purple to bright red with the addition of the lemon. The drink also includes Velvet Falernum, a Caribbean syrup found in many tiki-style beverages.
'Prancing Pony' @ The Highball Express
This spritz-styled bevvy is your gateway to spring. Pink gin, Lillet Blanc aperitif, creme de violette, Angostura bitters and pink grapefruit soda make for a bittersweet and balanced tipple.
