Art of a Cocktail: Tales of Pourfection

For those who want to take on the night a little differently to the ones that consist of lagers, valley wines, or a post-mix—cocktails paint a picture of an eventful night out. One filled with carefree splendour, bordering on fun and experimentation. 

Cocktails have long been around since the 1800s. Back when it was the usual switch up between wine and beer, the occasional elements of additional spice, seawater, or intoxicants were added as an attempt to improve or change the norm. 

Come the introduction of sugar and distillation, the first wave of mixed drinks made its way into the lives of many drinkers. Although it was a simple mix of water, sugar, and a spice mixture at the beginning, the charming cocktail has since evolved into a mood board for mixology enthusiasts and thrill seekers looking to change the game over the years.

Today, you will find a comprised list of classics to specialty cocktails at every bar—some that even invites distant travellers to come and try. Ănăn Saigon in Vietnam houses their famous Pho cocktail that embodies the country’s signature beef noodle soup. The Buffalo Milk from Catalina Island pays homage to the wild herds of buffalo on the island, whilst the iconic Daber Sherbet from reputed Indian café, Paramount in Kolkata, serves to show you their unique green coconut sherbet.

At Crown Sydney, our cocktails are an expression of craft. It’s theatre in a glass, layered with detail, fun, and character. 

Every bar tells a different story, and each cocktail is more than just a recipe. But you will never know unless you try them for yourself. Take a closer look at the thought process behind some of Sydney’s coolest creations found in the heart of our most prominent bars.

Teahouse

Evergreen Elixir

Step into Teahouse, and you’ll immediately sense calm and subtlety between conversations that flow as gently as the smoke curling from the torched rosemary.

The Evergreen Elixir embodies that very essence—a drink that bridges the seasons in Sydney. Crafted with house-infused Toki whisky, its base is brightened by lemon zest and softened with pith, reducing bitterness while enhancing the citrus’s natural elegance. Grand Marnier, orange bitters, elderflower, and a touch of lemon oil weave together, creating a melody of floral, herbal, and citrus notes that feels both delicate and deliberate.

Our recommended pairing
Paired with Teahouse’s Taste of Earth grilled king mushrooms, the alchemy is undeniable. The whisky’s warmth dances with the mushrooms’ umami richness, while the citrus and herbal accents lift each bite. It’s an interplay of earth and sky—deep, grounding flavours balanced by light and renewal.

Nobu

Crimson Torii

Across the floor at Nobu, energy hums in a different key. Here, Japanese precision is shaking hands with its Peruvian counterpart's boldness—a fusion of flavours that exudes confidence. The bar’s Crimson Torii cocktail is an emblem of balance between smoke, spice, and fruit.

Built around a base of Del Maguey Vida mezcal infused with black peppercorn, the cocktail carries an immediate smokiness, lifted by the sharp brightness of grapefruit and lime. A small blush of Barossa Grenache adds an unexpected touch, softening the mezcal’s edge with subtle fruitiness. The result is complex, structured, and refined.

Our recommended pairing
The Crimson Torii’s perfect companion is Nobu’s iconic Umami Chilean Sea Bass. The cocktail’s smoky citrus profile complements the sea bass’s soy salt and yuzu kosho marinade, while the peppercorn harmonises with the dish’s hint of spice. 

CIRQ

Firestone

If Nobu represents precision and poise, CIRQ leans into the theatrical. Perched high above the harbour, this rooftop venue is the kind of place where every drink is designed to make a statement.

The Firestone lives up to its name. Built on a foundation of Martell VS Cognac, this cocktail smoulders with the richness of dark chocolate, the striking colour of red fruit, and just a flicker of cayenne heat. Crème de Cacao and Dry Cassis lend depth and silkiness, while chocolate bitters bring it all together.

It’s a drink that makes you feel alive. It’s complex yet comforting, and the cayenne doesn’t overpower; it teases, leaving an aftertaste that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip. 

Our recommended pairing
This cocktail’s warm notes of cognac and dark chocolate go beautifully with the savoury flavours of a charcuterie board—think aged cheeses, cured meats, and spiced nuts that echo the cocktail’s complexity. Alternatively, you can pair it with a decadent dessert like dark chocolate truffles or a cherry-chocolate tart to amplify the drink’s red fruit and cacao undertones. 

Woodcut

Afternoon Affair

Some cocktails invite quiet reflection; others are meant to be shared. At Woodcut, Afternoon Affair celebrates connection—a playful nod to high tea culture, reimagined through the lens of modern mixology.

Served from a steaming teapot billowing with liquid nitrogen, this cocktail begins with theatre. Beneath the mist lies a beautifully balanced blend of black grape gin, Grand Marnier, verjus, Earl Grey tea, and a spiced syrup infused with cloves, star anise, and cinnamon. A hint of citric acid adds vibrancy, ensuring every sip is layered with tartness, warmth, and a hint of sweetness.

Our recommended pairing
What makes the Afternoon Affair special is its pairing—a selection of petit fours from the pastry team. Together, it’s an unstoppable duet: the gin’s fruitiness meeting buttery textures.

a’Mare

Campari Seltz

a’Mare’s Campari Seltz is quite simply, a simple cocktail. It’s when tradition is done impeccably well.

This is not just any Campari and soda. a’Mare’s version is made using a special Campari Seltz machine imported directly from Milan—aerating the Campari with high-pressure soda water. The process releases the spirit’s botanicals, transforming the familiar aperitivo into something silky, aromatic, and supremely refreshing.

Served in a frozen glass, the Campari Seltz is icy, vibrant, and smooth. Its coral hue catches the light, reminding you of the sunlit afternoons along the Italian Riviera.

Our recommended pairing
This is the perfect aperitivo to pair with light dishes that celebrate Italian tradition. Its crisp, refreshing profile bodes well with a selection of antipasti such as marinated olives, thinly sliced prosciutto, and aged cheese. If you are feeling a tad bit indulgent, try it with a seafood dish or a creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes.

The Campari Seltz sets the tone for the coastal flavours that define a’Mare’s menu. Like all great Italian traditions, it’s deceptively simple—but executed with devotion to detail.

A Toast to the Craft

To drink a great cocktail is to experience art in motion. It’s the clink of glass, the scent of citrus oil, the swirl of colour as light hits liquid. It’s a moment that reminds us of the beauty that often lies in the details.

Swish the contents of an Evergreen Elixir around, tilt the glass of a Crimson Torii towards your drinking buddy, enjoy the cheekiness of the Firestone, playfulness of Afternoon Affair, or the classic comfort of the Campari Seltz. Whatever you choose to have in hand, don't forget to pause and pick apart the notes. 

Because at the heart of it, cocktails aren’t just made—they are an elected piece of art in drink form.