Jackalope’s Food & Beverage Director Tanguy Charbonnet helms the luxurious offering at this Mornington Peninsula icon. It’s where the French man began working in 2019 as a bar manager and now helps drive the food and drink narrative – bringing an modernist twist to what’s you’ll find on the menu.
Taking out the Best Cocktail List of the Year in 2025 is proof of his passion when it comes to innovative meets traditional.
He is behind the new drinks menu at Jackalope – Supernature; a curated list that’s got Charbonnet’s creative flair all over it.
“ The concept is based entirely on local and seasonal produce, using only Australian spirits and ingredients,” says Tanguy Charbonnet.
“The drinks will be highly visual while still reflecting our savoir-faire — classic bartender techniques such as carbonation, clarification, and house-made liqueurs are a big part of the process. The aim is to balance creativity with precision and strong flavour,” he says.
The popular hotel is also launching a new activation Jackalope Cinema in March – bringing the cinema format to a large screen outdoors where you can enjoy a movie by the pool each night.
“It’s designed to bring together atmosphere, hospitality, and a sense of occasion in a very Jackalope way,” he says.
Charbonnet, who was raised in Saint-Malo in Brittany, France, moved to Melbourne nine years ago and has found his happy place in the regional heart of the Peninsula.
He spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I’m from a small town in Brittany, Saint-Malo, surrounded by the sea a place where you can enjoy cider and crêpes by the water. I moved to Melbourne nine years ago and fell in love with the multiculturalism, especially in hospitality. The diversity of restaurants and cuisines you can experience here is incredible. Melbourne is where I grew professionally, and for that reason, it will always have a special place in my heart.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
There was a place in France, in Normandie, I used to visit just for their duck magret with honey sauce, it was unforgettable. Here in Australia, I had the chance to dine at O.MY in Beaconsfield. The food was amazing, but the bread was something else entirely. I still dream about it.
FAVOURITE BAR
I love having a good beer at pubs in general, but when it comes to cocktails, my go-to is Black Pearl in Fitzroy. It was the first cocktail bar I tried in Australia, and I’m always amazed by the quality of the drinks and the incredible knowledge of the bartenders.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A Negroni: bold and complex, with a touch of bitterness balanced by sweetness.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
I wish I had a magic cure! Usually, I go for a very cold shower, a big coffee, and fried eggs on toast. After that, a nap is essential.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Whenever I go to Sydney, I always stop by Cantina OK!. It amazes me how such a small venue can create such a great atmosphere. The drinks are consistently excellent, with amazing creativity from the team and a fantastic sense of hospitality.
OVERSEAS BAR
I’m inspired by Simone Caporale, so I’d say Sips in Barcelona. Their unique cocktail style blends art and design in a way that truly resonates through their drinks.
FAVOURITE WINE
I really enjoy wines from Australia, Victoria in general. Elgee Park Chardonnay 2019 was beautiful, and Wantirna Estate “Amelia” is also one of my favourites.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I would love to go visit a few wineries and distilleries in Tasmania, especially Stargazer for the wine and also Lark or Hellyers Road for the whisky.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’d love to keep travelling around Australia and discovering its beautiful landscapes. I also hope to take my wife to Italy soon.
