A DRINK WORTH WATCHING
It's a special time of year as the Melbourne International Film Festival returns to the city. Just a short stroll from ACMI, The Kino, Forum and The Capitol, we're perfectly placed for a drink before, between or after screenings.
To celebrate, we've created four cocktails inspired by four standout films from this year's program—a fitting toast to the season of cinema.
Available throughout the festival from Thursday 6th to Sunday 23rd August.
THE BEST SUMMER
Ketel One vodka, passionfruit, verjus, marigold, Earl Grey
Created from newly rediscovered camcorder footage, The Best Summer captures the carefree energy of the legendary 1995-96 Summersault Festival tour, following some of the era's most recognisable bands as they travelled across the country. A tribute to long days, loud music, and Australian summer, our cocktail takes its cue from the same sense of nostalgia. Think drinks in the park, all grown up — bright, floral and refreshing with a kick from Ketel One vodka refined by verjus, marigold and Earl Grey.
CAN SHE BAKE A CHERRY PIE?
Bulleit Rye, Cocchi Torino vermouth, cherry custard pie
Set across the streets, cafés and cinemas of Manhattan's Upper West Side, Can She Bake a Cherry Pie? is an offbeat romance that captures New York in all its charm and unpredictability. Our nod to the film takes inspiration from its namesake rather than its plot, reimagining the classic Manhattan with a cherry twist. A little glamour, a little nostalgia, and just enough sweetness to recall the comforting pleasure of a slice of cherry pie.
MAD RUSH
The Gospel Rye, coffee liqueur, Cynar, pastis
A banking alert sends one woman into a day-long spiral through Melbourne in this taut thriller of modern anxiety. Our answer isn't to soothe the nerves, but to lean into the tension. Inspired by the Espresso Martini, this late-night serve layers Melbourne coffee with the bitter complexity of Cynar and rye whiskey, softened by a calming cream float. A cocktail for long nights and racing minds.
CHILI FINGER
Don Julio Blanco, tomato, coriander, mint, jalapeño, chinotto
What begins with a finger in a bowl of chilli quickly spirals into a tale of greed, blackmail and increasingly bad decisions. Inspired by the film's namesake, our take is thankfully missing the most notable ingredient. Instead, Don Julio Blanco meets tomato, coriander, mint and jalapeño in a bright, savoury highball with just enough spice to keep things interesting. A little heat, a lot of fizz, and absolutely no fingers.
