Sofitel Wentworth have recently unveiled their new 1960s inspired bar and lounge, Soirée. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s bold 20th century architecture created in the mid 1960s, the Joseph Pang-designed bar has placed a contemporary face on a heritage-listed hotel. We attended a tasting of their new offerings, with 60s inspired cocktails created by mixologist Simon McGoram and a retro bar menu by the executive chef, we love this groovy new space.
First cocktail of the tasting is the Bloody Marie, a take on the classic Mary, it’s inspired by Marie Antoinette and packs a feisty punch. It’s made with Ketel One vodka, house-infused with cucumber. The drink is refreshing and spicy, and tastes dangerously healthy.
Devilled eggs get a new lease on life in these re-invented forms. Favoured appetiser of yesteryear, the kitschiness of these snacks are offset by great ingredients. There’s avruga caviar, crab and avocado, paprika, and bright green wasabi tobiko (Japanese flying fish roe).
Our next cocktail is elegant and whimsical, the Emma Peel 1961 is made with Ciroc vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur and spritz of lemon juice. Garnished with a yellow rose, this cocktail really takes the limelight.
We enjoy a very generously signed Cobb salad with the second cocktail, assembled with baby cos lettuce, lobster tail, San Daniele prosciutto quail egg and bleu cheese.
The final dish is the lovely Citron Givré, a refreshingly zesty dessert of a frozen lemon filled with lemon flavoured iced milk. The iced milk is light and smooth with just the right about of sweet and sour, with a texture somewhere between gelato and sorbet.
The last cocktail here is a spinoff on the Manhattan, made with Bulleit Rye whisky, vermouth and orange bitters, it’s named the Midtown. Bold and aromatic, this one is definitely one for those who like their cocktails strong.
