Bar Fly: Soiree

SOIREE
Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, 61–101 Phillip Street, Sydney (02) 9228 9188 sofitelsydney.com.au/soiree
The Wentworth Hotel was a famous Sydney hotspot in the 60s, and the first five-star hotel in Sydney. So, it’s not surprising that their ground floor bar has Cocktails of the 60s as part of the list: Blue Hawaii, Mint Julep, Moscow Mule, Rob Roy, Sidecar, Tequila Sunrise, Blood and Sand, and my retro tipple of choice: the Vesper Martini ($18). How marvelous is it to rediscover these classics, and with elegant table service to match?  Yet the current number one has to be the cool and refreshing Absinthe Minded ($18), which was created to celebrate the 19th Biennale of Sydney. It just sings, with the sweetness of strawberry, orange and peach, tempered by the anise of the wicked green fairy. Of course there’s also wine and beer and the usual suspects, if you prefer.