Pub classics such as the Fluffy Duck, the Bruiser and the Midori Illusion RTD are given a new lease of life with Enmore Country Club’s seasonal cocktail list.
Enmore Country Club (ECC) is known for its retro stylings, and the bar is taking the theme to the next level with its new cocktail list – ‘An Ode to the Country Pub’.
Claire Browne, the ECC’s Venue Manager, explained to Bars & Clubs what had first attracted the team to recreating these cocktails.
“We want to give people a sense of comfort which comes with nostalgia, in a new place, because we are a new venue.
“So it’s giving a new version of something that they already know, it gives the idea that you’ll never be out of place.”
Claire also believes that in uncertain times, guests are looking towards hospitality for familiar pleasures.
“So much has changed over the last few years, so I do understand that people want and need to lean towards something that they know and are familiar with, or that they have experienced before.
“I love the comfort that I see going into winter is: settling into a pub, having something that I know and I really enjoy. That’s the idea of the Ode to the Country Pub.”
Nevertheless, Claire believes these drinks were due a more contemporary reimagining and allow the team to express themselves.
“A lot of those drinks have good flavour bases and they work really well in modern twists that utilise quality booze,” she says.
“[The menu] gives us an opportunity to be creative with things that already exist.”
Dynn Szmulewicz, Co-owner of the ECC, also outlined the thinking behind this new list.
“There are so many good cocktails around so we wanted to try something a bit different for this list, have a bit of fun whilst still keeping a tight, strong theme.”
The ECC team took a little road trip to celebrate the creation of this menu, visiting their friends at the Taralga Hotel.
The following cocktails can be found on the new menu:
- El Bruiser: ‘A twist on the classic 50/50 or Bruiser, championing quality Tequila, fresh citrus and a house made stout syrup.’
- The DON: ‘A fresh take on the Fluffy Duck, using Australian Gin, Campari and Marrickville’s own Imbroglio from the gang at Poor Toms, topped with some Pet Nat from the lovely lads at Doom Juice HQ.’
- The Shaz: ‘A classy drink for a classy gal, born from the sober sensation that is a Fire Engine, The Shazza Boozes it up with NSW Vodka, Australian Cassis and the ECC’s secret grenadine recipe.’
- The Melon Dew: ‘Inspired by the evergreen Midori Illusion the team have cooked up a tropical sensation.’
Claire also shared her favourites from the new menu with Bars & Clubs .
“It is a tie for me at the moment, I’m a big fan of El Bruiser, which is our take on a Tequila sour but with that stout which gives it an extra layer of depth, but I’m also a big fan of the DON, I just think it’s really delicious.”
ECC’s flagship cocktails, the Country Club Cherry Cola and the Country Club Cooler will always remain on the menu, but the venue does plan to switch up its cocktail offering every season.
All images by Angus Bell Young.
