It’s been almost a year since the last time we first walked through the glossy brass doors of QT Melbourne, and up the sapphire blue stairs to Pascale Bar & Grill. While our last visit focused on the luxurious venue’s food offerings, this time we decided to sample their seasonally updated cocktail menu.
Built adjacent to the restaurant, Pascale Bar is a luxurious and dimly-lit space perfect for friends, lovers, and colleagues. The large, black and gold bar, strategically placed right in the centre of the space, immediately lets visitors know they’re in for a voguishly good night.
Designed by Nic Graham, the quirky French vibe seamlessly fits into the hotel’s overall tongue-in-cheek personality. Just take a closer look at the naughty wallpaper as you sit in plush leather seats, sipping on a brand-new series of cocktails inspired by the French quarter of New Orleans.
Whether you like them cold, warm, sweet, sour, bitter, or punchy, Pascale’s winter cocktail menu has a little something for everyone. Grandma’s Blazer ($23), a spicy twist on Jerry Thomas’ famous “Blue Blazer” cocktail, is perhaps the most wintery drink in the “Pascale Signature Cocktails” section of the menu. Made with Johnnie Walker Black Scotch, Grand Marnier, sugar, water, peach bitters, star anise, and dehydrated orange, the fiery making of Grandma’s Blazer is a spectacle for the eyes. Served warm, the cocktail has a heart-warming fruity aroma that’s hard to miss. However, as advised, one should be careful not to breathe in when taking a sip, as the evaporation of the hot scotch can mute your taste buds, causing the subtle liquorice notes to disappear.
If you prefer fruity and photogenic cocktails, then Hurricane Victoria ($20) is perfect. Made with Bacardi Carta Blanca, Bacardi Carta Oro, orange, fresh lime, fresh mint, house-made grenadine, and topped with a scoop of passion fruit sorbet and a wedge of passion fruit, Hurricane Victoria is a cool, refreshing drink that makes one immediately reminisce the warm summer days.
Fans of punchy strong cocktails such as an old fashioned, will absolutely love Pascale’s Jack Sparrow ($25). Made with Ron Zacapa 23 dark rum, PX Sherry, Demerara sugar, chocolate walnut bitters, orange twist, and topped with chocolate covered kirsch cherries, the drink was the absolute highlight of our evening. Served over two large blocks of ice, the Jack Sparrow is a luxurious and bitter drink with a clean, smooth finish, that’s designed to be slowly sipped as you lounge back after a long day at work.
If you prefer to stick to the classics, Pascale >has plenty on offer, including Mulled Wine ($17) – a definite winter go-to – the Corpse Reviver #2 ($20), the Fish House Punch ($22), and more in the “Pascale Classic Cocktails” section of their menu.
And of course, if you’re the type who loves a nibble or two during cocktail hour, Pascale offers a small range of snacks including the crispy fried chicken bao ($12) with hot sauce, kimchi, and American yellow mellow cheese. A clear nod to Hot Sauce, QT Melbourne’s Korean and Japanese inspired laneway bar located downstairs.
Pascale Bar
Address: 133 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 8636 8808
Website: www.qthotelsandresorts.com/melbourne/eat-drink/pascale/
Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-12am
Feature image supplied
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